Automata

[axcho]

I've decided on the name Automata for the calculator RPG I'm designing. It will use Cellular Automata Tiles and random maps. I'm also thinking of using a variation on Arcane Wizard's people sprites that can be generated from two bytes, and I'll try to design another encoding scheme for monsters and items if I can. The goal of this game is to have huge worlds with a low memory cost, and not to have a detailed storyline. However, I intend to have an open-ended storyline that is created by the player's actions; I don't want to make a game where you just go around killing everything.

My experience with RPGs goes as far as Taskmaker (which I enjoyed very much). I have not really played more than that, and I would guess that Automata will be different than most RPGs. I think that it would be nice to have a change of style in calculator RPGs though. If I can make it happen, this game will at least have varied graphics and very high replayability.

I think this was originally inspired by Arcane Wizard's post about a random RPG.
I also mentioned this project a few days ago at MaxCoderz in necro's project thread.

Resources:
The future of RPGs
Reversible Cellular Automata

[axcho]

I have finished reading The future of RPGs, which was fairly interesting, but nothing revolutionary.

Automata ideas:
- tiles procedurally generated by 1D binary cellular automata
- maps generated in real time as reversible 1D cellular automata
- active portions of map (items or characters) are seeded by map but evolve by 2D cellular automata, so monsters may move, die, and spawn

- portals to worlds or locations in worlds are central to the game mechanics
- portals may be embedded in map or the player may teleport as an ability
- player may modify map to create portals and other artifacts as a form of magic
- properties of tiles and items are determined by their cellular automaton rule and seed values

- magic abilities are not like items to use, they are like move combos to memorize, based on surroundings
- player channels magic power from surrounding map tiles
- player may collect items to make diferent spells, maybe by assembling tiles around for the necessary environment

- no experience points, levels, or acquired skills
- all character attributes based on inventory and player's knowledge
- the player may trade with other characters

To summarize, much of the game content will be procedurally generated, and there will be an emphasis on items and the environment.

I want to avoid using indiscriminate killing and stealing as the basis for the gameplay of Automata, so I am trying to come up with a different conflict than the traditional evil force taking over the world. I'm thinking of a theme where the player has to learn to break free of an oppressive system where they are just a "cog in the machine" to making their own choices and effect on the world. This plays on the sense of "automata" as a mindless machine, as well as the roots of the word meaning "self moving" as in free will. I have read yesterday that the purpose of role-playing is to make your own decisions as a character and see how that affects the world, so this theme should be very relevant.

[Liazon]

you've put a lot of thought into this, haven't you? sounds good

[elfprince13]

this looks cool

[katmaster]

totally awesome

[Liazon]

wut do you mean by magic COMBOS? (shudders at the thought of Fusion Dance in DBZ Buu's Fury) You don't have to type in well timed codes or anything right? Or is it circumstantial? like if your near a tree, you can make it shoot fines and splinters at you opponents?

[axcho]

[Liazon]

as for why combos (like casting through keypress codes) is bad:
-what if you forget the combo? especially with the long ones?

Originally, i wasn't saying that combos was a bad things, i just didn't understand what you meant.

I like ingredients. Have you ever played Runescape? Click Here They use rune combinations to cast spells. There are like 7-9 different kinds of runes and the correct #s of each will cast different spells. The basic air blast is like 1 AIR RUNE and 1 MIND RUNE

Just a suggestion

[DarkerLine]

As long as there's a non-repetitive way to obtain these ingredients (UNLIKE Runescape). There are various ways to achieve this; for example, the player must identify herbs found randomly on the map, and some have a magical effect.

[Liazon]

good point, heheh, Runecrafting makes it too easy doesn't it?

Why is magic always associated with RPGs? The title Automata sounds like this is a futuristic RPG. I my opinion RPG elements can be applied to modern and futuristic weapons and warfare as well. Ever heard of d20 MODERN?

I think this game sounds really good. Like I said before, I really like the random terrain generation. It'd make things very open and non-repetative.

[DarkerLine]

[axcho]

Thanks for your suggestions. I will try to make sure the gameplay is not repetitive. I am guessing that it will be a matter of exploring places and trading to get the ingredients, rather than farming them. But actually, I'm thinking for the story that you start out as a poor farmer who then has to find a way to escape from boring labor and save the economy. It should be an interesting twist on the usual saving of kingdoms from demons, because there will not be an obvious opponent to eliminate. I'm thinking of the themes of Jared Diamond's recent book Collapse.

The world will be kind of futuristic, at least not the traditional fantasy and magic. It will be different than both normal science fiction and fantasy. The setting will develop further as I start making and designing the actual game, so right now I am not sure about any of it.

[alexrudd]

[Liazon]

If only RPGs could be a more accurate simmulation of life. There are just too many variables. You can't just break it down into 6 key abilities like in D&D.

It would be really cool if Virtual Reality RPGs were made in our lifetime. That'd be so cool! Putting on a visor and pretending to be someone. Then it's play is partially affected by your real skills. that was OFF TOPIC

[Arcane Wizard]

http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=larp

[axcho]

I was just reading this interview of Will Wright, where he was talking about making the biggest possible possibility space for games. Automata would have a very large possibility space. But the point is not to just have a bunch of variables on the computer. The important possibility space is the one modeled in the player's head. So the game has to compelling and understandable for the possibility space to be understood and appreciated.

Here's what Will Wright said about it:

[Arcane Wizard]

However, that understanding is worthless when the possibility isn't there on the computer.

If you see two characters walking on a street you'll understand that they're human beings and thus can be interacted with in all sorts of ways, whereas the game (being sucky and limited) will probably only let you say "hi" and "bye" to them and maybe let you attack them. You understood all sorts of thiungs about these virtual beings but you couldn't do squat with that understanding.

My dream is to have a system where this understanding always forms a possibility.

And crazily advanced AI (with social structure, political opinions, prioritisation based on character profiles, mindset and emotions, etc), gotta have that.

However, it's easyer to just imagine or do it than make a virtual system that simulates this.

[axcho]

[Lunar Wolf Demon]

I suggest you go with the card combonation in Kingdom Hearts:Chain of Memories.I was slightly amused with finding all the sleights.I think runescape is fun, I don't mind the runecrafting, or crafting, or smithing, or fishing, or practicing magic(*pant pant pant,deep breath*)or fighting, or fishing, or theiving, or farming, or eating, or slaying, or anything i happened to miss. If you don't do that try following The Matrix:Path of Neo, have lots of techniques and magic and have it branch into different paths so you only learn some of it and their are still some moves you will never learn. I suggest that since I'm a RPG programmer myself. Just don't ask me anything, asm is confusing! :confused:

[Liazon]

i must be one of those narrow minded RPG gamers who enjoys having fun being almighty and powerful, and able to crush any monster that stands in my way.

@Lunar Wolf Demon: You bring up an interesting suggestion. One of my friends mentioned that perhaps a simplified RPG system would only consist of feats. Every level you'd only get a certain number. Your character is more customizable, but there are still limits as to what can be done.