DELSIN7'S PROFILE

Usually I'll start off by brainstorming what the dungeon I need is, its realistic function, general size, how it fits into the world, etc. Writing down notes I use notepad or abiword for sketching/layout use gimp and/or rm.

For example, if I was making a one floor warehouse dungeon the general size would be a rectangle(or any boxy shape, it just works better for the storage of goods). There would be few if any partitions, most warehouses don't have 30+ rooms with snaking hallways. To make it more interesting just add in crates, boxes, shelves, debris, etc. that the player has to move around. 'Why can't I just jump over the crate of powdered orange juice?!', yells the player. The same reason why you can't jump over a 1 foot fence or squeeze through a window. *magical rainbows on* Game design~! *magical rainbows off*

Enemy encounters are tied to dungeon design and I have a similar approach, put enemies that fit in with the story, atmosphere, and what would logically be there. Unless there is a demon infestation, don't stick a Cancerous Pit Lord in your harem dungeon. He might look...cool? and all badass, but whats he doing surrounded by scantily clad maidens of perhaps dubious intent? If you are making a japanese mythos game staring a magical ninja the inclusion of Thor, Odin's Son would be a bit of a shock. (Could totally work if it was a comedy/slapstick...Hmmm)