CARRIONBLUE'S PROFILE

author=Darken
agreed with tatsu.

One problem I have with is that the spikes overstay their welcome very quick. There's no variety of environment hazards or obstacles. At some point the spikes just feel like filler. Not to mention the spikes timing makes me feel like I'm taking advantage of the fact that I know how event detection in 2k3 works. The timing is so specific and isn't really based on the visuals because most of the time I see the spikes coming up just as I'm halfway through the tile.

There are times when you have to maybe run away from an enemy while also dodging spikes but that's about it. There could have been push block puzzles, more complex switch puzzles, really even if the puzzles were stolen from legend of zelda/lufia 2 it would work. I notice the key and doors thing gets phased out rather quickly. Which is a shame because it's a good way to direct the player to previous areas s/he couldn't go before.

RNG combat just doesn't work I'm sorry. I get that you have run from enemies most of the time. But there's always that mandatory enemy that I run into and even with the most possible hearts and attack power I will die half the time. Roguelikes generally have RNG decided battles yeah but there are so many elements like stats and inventory that you can manage and generally you probably have 100% chance at killing the basic of enemies. In my experience from games like Shiren, you end up having to cleverly use items to gain the upperhand or utilize upgrade mechanics to deal with enemies that can beat you 1on1. To sum it up, Safety doesn't really give you enough "cards" to change the outcome nor are they interesting. You either have enough attack or hearts, or a spare potion, that's about it.

But this isn't quite a roguelike. It's not a real time/turn based game it's really just a real time game with tile based movement. Very unreliable movement at that. Roguelikes also have randomized dungeon areas. However I do love the idea of an RPG with a story using roguelike movement. It's just that you should really just make it straight up turn based to make it less buggy/annoying. Enemies should only move when you move, and it becomes more about positioning or thinking ahead. I don't think 2k3's tile based movement is reliable but it could be if everything is processed in turns. On the other hand, real time would definitely require a different engine at this point.

I don't really like the inventory/storage setup. I understand making a custom inventory with one row of items is hard enough in RM but it's not practical if a pack rat decides s/he's just going to drop all of his items in one place instead of keeping important items and saving future important items. The problem is that there aren't really future important items and so you're better off using up the items for the sake of space and their use in the long run. Mainly the problem has to do with the item variety themselves. The storage dumping I understand is just a quick way to not have to deal with eventing in individual item depositing/withdrawing, but it made me think about the need for it in the first place.

I think some of the things I'm suggesting require fundamentally changing the game from the ground up. Which is too much the ask especially from a project made in 2 months. But since you seem keen on redesign or even perhaps a sequel, these are just on my thoughts on that. I think this is a good looking game and it has a nice story. I even wanted to like this game but the gameplay is stuck in one place, and it's hard for me to ignore.

author=RyaReisender
I only partially agree to this.

I agree that this game needs a lot more strategy and not just spikes spikes spikes (and bulls).

I also agree that the storage is quite pointless and really doesn't justify its existence (especially since the ending is so easy, the part right after the first storage chest is the hardest, that's where you need potions, not later on). At its current implementation, it's better removed.

What I don't agree to is making the game fully turn based. I liked the first half of the game due to it being a lot reaction based. I didn't know how RM2k3 works, but I learned that collision always is with the tile you move to and not the tile you are currently on pretty fast anyway. You are right that spikes get boring, but if I imagine all types of different movement patterns for monsters like with the bulls and then slowly combining them with other monsters and spikes, then I can imagine it to be quite an enjoyable real time challenge. Works for me.

author=calunio
Should I wait for an update before I download it then?