Not Impressed - Seen Better

from Stardock Forums

Hey guys,

 

Hate to leave negative feedback. I know it's alpha, but here's hoping that you'll make updates that are worth playing and making the game. 

 

Things I like:

- The main menu.

- The odd game screen effect? Makes it look like an older tv I used to have before flat screen.

 

Things I do not like:

- Characters are like 8 bit characters. (I was expecting something a bit less arcade and NES, and more super nintendo)

- So many non hero characters. Just one knight?

- I can't create the next Suikoden.

- I can't create a Contra.

- I can't create a RTS game.

- I can't create a coop game to battle in dungeons.

- It's like you went from a really amazing menu, to showing us we can create crap-like games. Honestly was under the impression it was more than just older games we could create, and that this fee was to pay just for the alpha, and we'd have to pay again for the rest of the game. But I didn't read it all. So that's that.

 

I know it's alpha, but you have a long ways to go. I think I'll stick with RPG Maker for now. I will revisit later after updates... And see if anything is worth toying with.

 

I hope you do consider making some major changes to this.

11,323 views 4 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock.net Forums Top

I’m sorry to hear you don’t like the 8-bit aesthetic. This was a specific design decision and I don’t believe we have any plans to change that, though the possibility of expanding into 16-bit or other aesthetics remains open down the line.

Things like selection of characters will be expanded upon. As for the genres like being able to do Contra-like games that too will be expanded upon from this initial alpha. Our plan is to hopefully add multiple genres and associated art/characters over time.

Reply #2 from Stardock.net Forums Top

Hey Asgaroth,

We'd prefer honest feedback over no feedback (it's the whole reason we opened things up at the Alpha stage) so no worries.

Several of your concerns are on our radar, but honestly, if you're already using RPG Maker and looking to make a Suikoden style game, that tool will always beat ours for making an JRPG.

Our end goal with VGM is something that lets you mix and match different aspects of various game styles to make something unique. Alpha 1, however, is all about hammering out those first two big genres - Sidescrollers and Top-Down Adventures.

The lack of Hero Customization ("just one Knight" is indeed lame) and lack of Rules that would allow you to make a Contra-style sidescroller (you can only fire in two directions, can't jump down through jump-through platforms, limited enemy control) are both high on our priority lists.

We'll continue to talk about aesthetics internally. We leaned into a 'Shovel Knight'-esque style, but it's not too late to give users more graphics options, and 16-bit is similar enough where minimal changes would be required (unlike giving options for 3d game, which is definitely a bridge too far).

Again, thanks again for giving Alpha 1 a shot. We'll keep you posted as major updates are made so you can judge when to jump back in.

DeskScapes - Bring your desktop background to life.
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting SchismNavigator, reply 1

I’m sorry to hear you don’t like the 8-bit aesthetic. This was a specific design decision and I don’t believe we have any plans to change that, though the possibility of expanding into 16-bit or other aesthetics remains open down the line.

Things like selection of characters will be expanded upon. As for the genres like being able to do Contra-like games that too will be expanded upon from this initial alpha. Our plan is to hopefully add multiple genres and associated art/characters over time.
End of SchismNavigator's quote

Speaking of art are we going to be able to mod the art work.  Like use our own tile sets, and characters? Or will we be only able to use the ones provided. 

 

Reply #4 from Stardock.net Forums Top

Augerman: That is the plan, but the hope is that 99% of players will find the included tools and assets adequate. We'd like finish hooking up the additional customization tools (for heroes, enemies, etc) before setting our sights on uploading assets.