A fan project I've been coming up for a while......

[RoninatorMarx]

So I've had this project running around my head for some time, so now I decided to post this up. And this making my 1000th counted post may have nothing to do with it. XD

Introduction:

"A random everyman prepares for tomorrow, as he is recently hired by an idol company, 765 Production, to be a producer for their idols. As he lies and goes to sleep, he wonders what challenges he would face in the future. But then after his eyes closed, the man feels strange- as if he was no longer on his bed. He opens his eyes, being on the grassy ground and realizes that he is on a different place. He notices the strange clothes he's wearing and wonders why he has them on. He decides to wander around, hoping to know where he is, or someone to ask to. But then............."

This is the story of a protagonist who got transferred into a world of fantasy, and learning that he has already acquired the class of "Producer". Now he must team up with three warriors, called "idols", and ensure the safety of the slowly-corroding world! But what troubles would he face? What new friends could he find? Will he know the reason for the corrosion? Will he be able to save the world? Or better yet, will he be able to go back to his own world?

My upcoming project: an RPG based on the hit game iDOLM@STER with a twist!

(Tentative Title) THE iDOLM@STER: Producer of Fate!

Basic summary of game mechanics:

You play as the everyman with the class of Producer. Naming your character is optional. (Still debating on whether I'll include the option of choosing your gender, if possible)

Then from our twelve idols (fifteen, if you can convince me to add 876 in it), you will choose three who will eventually join your party in your quest to find and solve the mystery of the corrosion of the 'new' world. Of course, you'll still be able to meet up with the other idols you didn't choose.

Your opening will change, depending on which idol did you chose first (e.g. If you chose Haruka, you'll see her after some time of wandering around, running away from a monster a higher level than her, but trips and you'll cut in to save her, and both of you will then take on the monster together.)

"Idols" here are not a class, but rather a title given to those who can achieve and use powers to a godlike degree, something that is necessary to fight the world's corruption. But they can not use these powers on their own, and thus must make a 'contract' with a Producer to do so. To form a bond between Producer and idol is a must.

Each character has their own class that would reflect their very character. These skills can be broken up into different profession, where you can have an idol take a certain profession and have her 'class-change' into one of that profession in the future (e.g. Haruka's a standard Knight. She can either master dual-wielding (to focus on attack), ranged weapons (for tactical advantage), shields (for defensive tactics) or pyrokinesis (to give her a mage-knight sense, becoming a strict fire mage and a swordsman at the same time)). Skills are not automatically gained by level, but is taught by various teachers, which also enforces the strict class trees.

Producers are a class of their own, however. Meant to be the jack-of-all-trades, they are powerful on their own, but still require the tactical advantage the idols offer. They can learn various skills, but often at the cost of their own status points.

So far, that's what I have. If I must make a worklist......

• Decide on a permanent title, so I can....
• Make a logo for the game;
• Write music;
• Do Pixel art and CG to be used in the game;
• Work on character classes; but before that;
• Make more extensive research on idols' personalities;
• Write full-length scripts;
• and a bunch of other stuff too long or complicated to post. XD

So, what do you guys think so far?

======

Before anyone say any of them, yes. I know it's hard to make a game, specially on my own. Not everyone can be like ZUN. I might take months or years. I'm sure to attract haters already. I can feel like I would give up on it.

But I'm putting myself on chains here just by posting this project here (Normally, I wouldn't bother telling you this until I got something more to show), so that I will get to work on this. It may take long but since I'm a fan, and am surrounded by fans, I don't think I'll run out of motivation. As for time, I know it won't wait for me, but I'll make sure it has nothing to even bother waiting for until there is. I don't have to be like ZUN who made a series as big as Touhou- just being able to do this in flying colors is enough success I'll ever need. And if I have to do this on my own, so be it. I never posted this here to try and get you guys to help me- I'm taking this on like a lone wolf!

So can I not have anyone telling me any demotivators? I'm risking much by just posting this here already.

[Urby]

I always like making ambitious fantasy AUs, so you've got my support!

re: classes
This might be a little bit of a problem, since some people have different ideas on what each character should be. (Chihaya's weapon could be a point of contention between some producers...some might want to give her a sword, or a bow, or have her cast magic, etc etc)

Maybe instead of just one class that each idol starts with that opens up into multiple ones, maybe they can start out with more than one, each of which have their own prestige classes. This starting number can be limited to, say, three to keep things from getting excessive. This would help with the multiple weapons issue and also give the Producer an extra role: choosing what they start with. Cause a girl can't decide whether she wants to kill things with a morningstar or a zweihander or rocks falling, they're all so cool!

[Mind M@ster]

I like the idea! But all I've ever been is the idea man or "moral support", so I can't do much but cheer you on!

[Cael K.]

Don't mean to grind you into the floor, but just to make sure... I also don't know where you're coming from, so I'll apologize if I'm making too many assumptions. Also, this is an amateur opinion, so... uhm... take this as you will.

How well can you program? Are you aware of the ins and outs of what happens behind the hood in a game? Or are you going to leave this part up to RPG Maker or something?

You probably know that an RPG is among the hardest types of games to program. All I'll say about programming, is that it takes a few years (we're talking at least two for the basics of the basics) to get the hang of it. If you understand completely what I mean by that, then you either are already good enough or have the determination to get started. If not, you'll need to find something that'll make it easier, like RPG Maker.

On title and logo: The actual creation doesn't rely on this. I'd save it, until you get inspired.

On art: 2D or 3D? Both? Special effects? You know what you'll use to make them? You plan on using MMD models, and if so, how will you import them?

On composing music: that can be done for you. Certain doujin groups swipe music off free sites, or pay a few bucks per track.

Oh yeah, each Touhou game is made with like eight or so months of casual effort, I believe (could be wrong), and it's mainly on stages, from what I understand (again, could be wrong). This is just a feeling I get though... some doujin games take a few years, but schmups are amazingly simple to do.

[Clear Blue]

Seems like a heavy burden for you...Want me to find some help?

[Sev]

Marx you supported me when i started writing my iDOLCOMB@T stories when i first joined this forum and although my stories have now turned into something non imas related i do remember that you backed me up when the haters where hating so know that you have my full support in this endeavor of yours. If you would like I'd like to help you write the story behind your idea.

[Clear Blue]

It's amazing how members are inspired by you, Marx.

Ah! That reminds me...I found this while I was browsing the web, hope it'll give you some inspiration.

http://kawazup.blog19.fc2.com/page-2.html

[RoninatorMarx]

re: classes
This might be a little bit of a problem, since some people have different ideas on what each character should be. (Chihaya's weapon could be a point of contention between some producers...some might want to give her a sword, or a bow, or have her cast magic, etc etc)

Maybe instead of just one class that each idol starts with that opens up into multiple ones, maybe they can start out with more than one, each of which have their own prestige classes. This starting number can be limited to, say, three to keep things from getting excessive. This would help with the multiple weapons issue and also give the Producer an extra role: choosing what they start with. Cause a girl can't decide whether she wants to kill things with a morningstar or a zweihander or rocks falling, they're all so cool!

Interesting point you got there.

I know that people have different points of view on what the idols should play if they were in a fantasy world (I found a guy who'd like a swordie-Chihaya and mage-Miki). I guess I'm just expressing my own point of view here.

I thought about letting the player choose what class the idols would initially take, but then after looking at my chart of basic Fantasy RPG classes (lol Yeah. I did made one. I should probably post that in the Net someday..... XD) I find myself potentially repeating classes. Don't worry. The class system is still not set as stone, so it can still be changed. It's just something I thought I could use (got a bit of inspiration from Elsword's own class change system). Still, the Producer can choose which path an idol would take, so it's still another thing for the player to do in-game.

As for weapons, well, I'll leave the option of choosing what weapon a character would want to equip there. Of course, there will be weapon advantages and disadvantages, such as bigger weapons means higher damage but slower speed, staffs have more attack value while orbs have more magic value, etc. And classes would be bound to weapon restrictions (e.g. Haruka can only use swords, axes, spears, knives and clubs. She can wield a bow if she took the ranged-weapon-user path, hold two one-handed weapons if the dual-wielding path is taken, etc.).

I like the idea! But all I've ever been is the idea man or "moral support", so I can't do much but cheer you on!

Thanks. Cheering is usually the only thing I need to get anything big done. ^^

How well can you program? Are you aware of the ins and outs of what happens behind the hood in a game? Or are you going to leave this part up to RPG Maker or something?

You probably know that an RPG is among the hardest types of games to program. All I'll say about programming, is that it takes a few years (we're talking at least two for the basics of the basics) to get the hang of it. If you understand completely what I mean by that, then you either are already good enough or have the determination to get started. If not, you'll need to find something that'll make it easier, like RPG Maker.

Well, I am gonna have to resort to RPG Maker. I already have VX in my laptop and figured out much of the basic need-to-know stuff to it. Of course, I'm having the game have a customized system (because I somehow don't like using the default, plus that would mean I'm lazy. lol).

On art: 2D or 3D? Both? Special effects? You know what you'll use to make them? You plan on using MMD models, and if so, how will you import them?

As I've said, I'll be using RPG Maker, so I'll be doing 2D art, both pixel art (characters, objects, etc) and CG (backgrounds, Special effects, etc.). Usually, I could get away with making all of that just by using Photoshop, and given my ability with it, I think I can manage.

On composing music: that can be done for you. Certain doujin groups swipe music off free sites, or pay a few bucks per track.

Yeah. If what Wikipedia is saying is true, the that's how Suge9, maker of Vanguard Princess, got the music he uses for his game. Although I can, I still prefer making my own music, since I'll feel a better sense of accomplishment if I do (Yes, that was my pride talking). Plus, since I'm the composer, I know exactly what I want, and I don't have to find people who could end up stressed with what I want.

Seems like a heavy burden for you...Want me to find some help?

It is, but I don't want you to take that mile- I can find what I'll need. Thanks for the offer, though.

Marx you supported me when i started writing my iDOLCOMB@T stories when i first joined this forum and although my stories have now turned into something non imas related i do remember that you backed me up when the haters where hating so know that you have my full support in this endeavor of yours. If you would like I'd like to help you write the story behind your idea.

Thanks. I could help you out on your stories too. Just ask, I'll answer.

About the story, hmm..... Well much of the plot is still undecided. I can post some bits and let you guys give your opinions and suggestions. Also, I guess I can let you guys help out by giving suggestions in <what-fits-where>, after all, I gotta know what other fans think, too. (As this is a for-fans game)

Ah! That reminds me...I found this while I was browsing the web, hope it'll give you some inspiration.

http://kawazup.blog19.fc2.com/page-2.html

Thanks for the link. Though I can't make much out of it, it still helped me out.

Inspiration? Yeah, I got that, plus something else- motivation. You could say every time I go into reconnaissance, I get the idea of how to make whatever I do different from the rest, and gaining such knowledge gives me a motivation boost. Strange? Maybe, but I guess I can't really explain how my mind works. XD

[TweenDoriru]

I'm a bit late to this, but hey, you know my opinion of it :D Good luck, Marx, and I can't wait to see this project unfold~

(and of course, if there's anything I can lend to it, feel free to ask )

[Cael K.]

It is, but I don't want you to take that mile- I can find what I'll need. Thanks for the offer, though.

I wish more people thought this way.

Alright, well if you got all that decided, there's little else I can tell you on the technical front. Don't be afraid to borrow just to get something up though. You can replace as needed.

One idea as far as gameplay goes (can't believe I'm doing this): You can structure things so that it's possible to eventually branch out, given some effort. For example, one could start as a Warrior, with the stats and the abilites (maybe a Lv. 2 Warrior gets a discount to learn Warrior abilities, I dunno). She could still take Healer abilities, though initially without all the good stuff that makes it easy... until maybe she grabs enough abilities to hit Lv.2 in Healer (upon which she gets the discount automatically). She'll still have to work on stats, but that can be done with time too.

That way, you can have your opinion for a natural direction for someone, but still with the ability to change it with some effort if the player doesn't agree with you. The other perk is that this allows you to mix and match a bit - which I find is something I really like in games (create your own style).

Biggest piece of advice from me to you: Passion is great, it's what keeps you going, but you also need reasoning. You can't do things without both, so try not to ignore either. You might already know this though, sorry if you do.

[Urby]

Had some ideas which you can take or leave. If I'm imposing on what you've already thought up then feel free to tell me to get out P:

Stats and classes are tied to the three attributes of all idols: Visual, Dance, and Vocal.
Dance reflects an idol's physical power: speed, strength, and defense. Classes that are 'Da' are often close-range melee specialists.
Visual reflects an idol's 'internal stats': HP, MP, and recovery rate. 'Vi' classes are the most varied but more often than not will have some kind of long or mid-range speciality.
Vocal is an idol's magical prowess: magical strength, defense, and casting speed(?). 'Vo' classes are obviously ones that focus on magic.

High Tension helps your idol out in combat (resistance to status? limit break?)
Idols that gain tension easily level up faster but tend to have lower starting stats, while idols that have difficult-to-manage tension are stronger and don't level as often.

[RoninatorMarx]

I'm a bit late to this, but hey, you know my opinion of it :D Good luck, Marx, and I can't wait to see this project unfold~

(and of course, if there's anything I can lend to it, feel free to ask )

Yeah, I know. And thanks, I'll keep that in mind.

But of course if you want to start contributing now, you could jump in the current discussion. XD

Hmm, before I continue, I'd like to say that the battle system I (originally) planned on using is similar to Ar Tonelico's battle system, altough without a Reyvatiel-like function.

One idea as far as gameplay goes (can't believe I'm doing this): You can structure things so that it's possible to eventually branch out, given some effort. For example, one could start as a Warrior, with the stats and the abilites. She could still take Healer abilities, though initially without all the good stuff that makes it easy... until maybe she grabs enough abilities to hit Lv.2 in Healer. She'll still have to work on stats, but that can be done with time too.

That way, you can have your opinion for a natural direction for someone, but still with the ability to change it with some effort if the player doesn't agree with you. The other perk is that this allows you to mix and match a bit - which I find is something I really like in games (create your own style).

So it'll be like a character can learn certain sets of skills, not just restricted to her original class'. Skills have certain levels, and to learn skills from a certain level, you must have acquired enough abilities from the past one?

Biggest piece of advice from me to you: Passion is great, it's what keeps you going, but you also need reasoning. You can't do things without both, so try not to ignore either. You might already know this though, sorry if you do.

Thanks. I'll keep that in mind. Right now I'm busy for tests, so planning this may only go as far as concepts until next week. I'll still talk about this until then.

Stats and classes are tied to the three attributes of all idols: Visual, Dance, and Vocal.
Dance reflects an idol's physical power: speed, strength, and defense. Classes that are 'Da' are often close-range melee specialists.
Visual reflects an idol's 'internal stats': HP, MP, and recovery rate. 'Vi' classes are the most varied but more often than not will have some kind of long or mid-range speciality.
Vocal is an idol's magical prowess: magical strength, defense, and casting speed(?). 'Vo' classes are obviously ones that focus on magic.

High Tension helps your idol out in combat (resistance to status? limit break?)
Idols that gain tension easily level up faster but tend to have lower starting stats, while idols that have difficult-to-manage tension are stronger and don't level as often.

Well, that's a great idea, actually. But the idea's held back by limits of the RPG Maker itself. D: It only has six traits that a character can increase as he levels up, namely HP, MP, Attack, Defense, Spirit (or Intelligence) and Agility. I could still apply the D-V-V to those stats (for example, Dance is Attack and Agility, Visual is HP and Defense, and Vocal is MP and Spirit). There's no recovery rate built in the system by default. I can make one, though I'm not sure whether I can get that to change per level. As for casting speed, skills are usually casted right away. XD

For classes, I've thought much about that (but not fully, since I have no access to the D-V-V stats of the idols in the game) and I could have it applied as well.

As for tension, I'm not sure if someone has made something like that for VX. I'll have to check on that. Also, the ability to use limit breaks were already have made possible in VX.

[Cael K.]

So it'll be like a character can learn certain sets of skills, not just restricted to her original class'. Skills have certain levels, and to learn skills from a certain level, you must have acquired enough abilities from the past one?

Was what I was saying, yeah. I just happened to think of that then, probably because of an idea I had back when I played tRPGs. If it'll help get some creative juices flowing...

The original idea was layered on top a point-based system, and people were complaining (in that particular system) about it being too freeform and thus liable to be easily broken, or seeing a bunch of options and not being able to put them together. So I thought of something like tiered advancement. Each class had multiple tiers, and certain abilities could only be learned at certain tiers. Just for example...

Warrior, Tier 4
Automatic Abilities gained after attaining this Tier: (abilities)
Tier 4 Abilities: (purchasable abilities, stat bumps, skill ups)
Abilities Required for Tier 5: (choose the essentials from above abilities)
Minimum additional points spent in Warrior required for Tier 5: 10 (for example, can fluctuate depending, can still purchase lower Tier abilities and have it count towards this, doesn't include all learnable abilities)

... Was the idea. You couldn't rank up unless you learned the essentials for your Tier, then spent a number of additional points. I thought maybe you could give players direction and some flexibility, while cutting the amount of cheese. If you feel a certain character should be a Warrior, give them a head start in the Tiers.

We stopped playing the system before I could really get anything going, though. Just an idea, if it helps.

And I feel I must apologize if it feels like I'm being stern, I've just seen ambition fall flat on its face. I even warned those guys, but hey... who am I? (^^); Whatever the case, I don't wish that on anyone.

[Kirro]

Oh wow. I've been contemplating a IM@S RPG. But my contemplation rarely get anywhere.

Are you gonna be doing that whole list yourself?

If not, I can help with pixel art (as long as it's not tile sets as I'm pathetic at them), and CG.

[RoninatorMarx]

Was what I was saying, yeah. I just happened to think of that then, probably because of an idea I had back when I played tRPGs. If it'll help get some creative juices flowing...

<Tier system here>

We stopped playing the system before I could really get anything going, though. Just an idea, if it helps.

It helps. What I hoped to use was similar to this. Do you know of a game that uses this skill-acquisition system? I can try and look around to see if anyone has made this.

And I feel I must apologize if it feels like I'm being stern, I've just seen ambition fall flat on its face. I even warned those guys, but hey... who am I? (^^); Whatever the case, I don't wish that on anyone.

Nah, you weren't. Or maybe you were, but I've became too much of a masochist to realize that. XD j/k But relax, I've experience it a few times in the past, so I know to not let my cockiness go over my head.

Are you gonna be doing that whole list yourself?

If not, I can help with pixel art (as long as it's not tile sets as I'm pathetic at them), and CG.

Yes, I'll be doing all of the list's content (which expectedly makes development long), so I'm also doing the art stuff too. Thanks for the offer, though.

EDIT:

So before I call it a day, for I'm-not-sure hours, I finally made a sample sprite for the game. It's not permanent, because I can choose to change the spriting style later, but yeah.



Comments?

Hmm...maybe I should've focused to make a bigger resolution....Guess I'll do it tomorrow.