Idea: Sonic Archie RPG based on STH issues 160-251

[Pkrockinomega 0]

So this is a game concept I've been thinking about for a while now, and I have some concepts and mechanics already planned out. Not sure if I wanna commit making this an actual game yet but if I could get some people to help plan, code, and design, maybe it could be a reality.

Factions

All the characters would belong to different factions, and they would be listed as such:

• Mobius (The Freedom Fighters, Knothole, New Mobotropolis, others)
  
• Moebius (The Suppression Squad, Kintobor, others)
  
• Megaopolis (Eggman, Dark Egg Legion, others)
  
• Chaotix
  
• G.U.N.
  
• Echidnas
  
• Misc. Good
  
• Misc. Evil
  
• Dr. Light (Mega Man crossover)
  
• Dr. Wily (Mega Man crossover)
  
  This list is not final and is subject to change at any time, maybe the Mega Man crossover will be omitted entirely.
  
  Classes/Skills + Fusion Classes
  At the moment I only have two classes planned out. In addition to factions, all the characters would belong to different classes, each with their own attributes, strengths, weaknesses, and usage of skills. Moreover on usage of skills, all the classes would have a different way to cast magic/use skills in battle. The two classes I have planned are:

1. 
   
2. Speed
   
3. Robotic
   

Speed characters, like Sonic and Scourge, are typically the fastest attackers in the game and do decent damage, but tend to have low HP and defenses. The way they would use skills is through Momentum. Every time a Speed character attacks, they gain a stack of Momentum. Momentum can be stacked up to 5 times, and using a skill would consume all stacks. Skill effectiveness would be based on how many stacks the character has, so while Speed characters can use Skills whenever they want, the skills won't be very effective/won't do much damage, and some of the more powerful late game skills would require all 5 stacks to be used.

Robotic characters, like the Robot Masters, would have high damage and decent defenses, but low speed. They would use Energy to cast skills, which is probably the closest thing to regular Mana seen in many other RPGs. They have a set pool of Energy with some skills costing more than others and this Energy can be replenished with items, as well as spending a turn to recharge your energy.

You may be asking "What about robots depicted as fast, like Quick Man?". That's where fusion classes come into play, where a character can belong to two classes at the same time. Some classes combinations can be stronger than mono-class characters, like how the Speed class covers for the Robotic class's typically low speed. Not sure how the skill system would work for Fusion Classes yet, but I'm thinking maybe fusion class characters have skills from both classes as well as both methods of using their respective skills.

Tell me what you think of this idea. Can it work? Should it be made?

[BlurryDawgo 26]

Well, I'm thinking that sounds good.

I even have an idea for a Genesis-based platformer based on the upcoming "Sonic Comic Origins" of the new continuity.

[The Jest 45]

It's an interesting idea....But...Might I recommend starting at an earlier point in time? Specifically #130, When Sonic comes back after teleporting through space and apparently time. The way I see it, the Space Saga is the gap between old and new. It all starts when Sonic comes back home, and in hindsight it makes sense in the beginning to get a grasp of the enemies of the game. Starting at 160 is great for beginning the Moebius arc, but there are other arcs going at the time: Anonymous rings any bells? Yeah that means the story would be longer, and the game would take longer to make, but it's an RPG...There's no shame in making RPGs longer?

Also, in terms of your classes. ...It's not a bad idea, though I worry that the Fusions have the potential to be broken. If Fusions of two classes removes the weaknesses of those classes, new weaknesses must be made.

Also, Might I suggest a Power and Flight Class to start with as well?

As for me: The best I can do is write a script for you. But I don't need to do that since the comics already have everything you need in that department. ^_^

[Pkrockinomega 0]

It's an interesting idea....But...Might I recommend starting at an earlier point in time? Specifically #130, When Sonic comes back after teleporting through space and apparently time. The way I see it, the Space Saga is the gap between old and new. It all starts when Sonic comes back home, and in hindsight it makes sense in the beginning to get a grasp of the enemies of the game. Starting at 160 is great for beginning the Moebius arc, but there are other arcs going at the time: Anonymous rings any bells? Yeah that means the story would be longer, and the game would take longer to make, but it's an RPG...There's no shame in making RPGs longer?

Also, in terms of your classes. ...It's not a bad idea, though I worry that the Fusions have the potential to be broken. If Fusions of two classes removes the weaknesses of those classes, new weaknesses must be made.

Also, Might I suggest a Power and Flight Class to start with as well?

As for me: The best I can do is write a script for you. But I don't need to do that since the comics already have everything you need in that department. ^_^

Now that you mention it, starting at #130 wouldn't be a bad idea, the only problem is I want to omit Penders from it entirely for reasons that shouldn't be too hard to pick up.

Also, after a few moments of thinking I came up with a solution to the potential balance issues of the fusion classes. There would be a main class, and a sub class. So let's take Quick Man for example once again, his main class would be speed, but his sub class will be robotic. What this would offer would be that he has the stats of a speed character, and the skillset of a robotic character.

A Fighter class would be a good idea, too. Medium speed, low defenses, high physical power, a glass canon of sorts. They would probably use Stamina, which would work like the Brave/Default system in Bravely Default, where they could do multiple attacks + skills in one turn, but it would make them immobile for a certain amount of turns depending on how much Stamina they use. As for the skills, they would all be self-buffs like increasing defenses, attack and curing status ailments like poison. Fighter characters wouldn't need any extra offense moves, they have enough power from their regular attacks to justify this.

[Skye Prower 386]

Looking at what you've got going with classes here.

On the one hand, lots of classes would be hard to balance with each other, but on the other, the more classes mean more variety. I do notice however, you don't have a 'support' style class yet, that deals with buffing/healing other units.

One thing I might suggest, is have everyone be a fusion class.

Everyone gets a primary class based on what they are: (Sonic: Speed, Tails: Flight, Knuckles: Power, Quick Man: Robot... erm, not sure off the top of my head for a Fighter example.) which determines their basic combat style, then a sub-class which determines their skill set. So, say, Sonic might be a Speed/Speed, while Quick-man is Robot/Power. Though you may want to give sub-classes different names.

[The Jest 45]

Now that you mention it, starting at #130 wouldn't be a bad idea, the only problem is I want to omit Penders from it entirely for reasons that shouldn't be too hard to pick up.

I can understand that, but I'm afraid for all but the Megaman/crossover arc, that's not possible. Even as it stands with 160, you still will need to use Pender's creations for the Enerjak Arc, not to mention the Dark Egg Legion. Pender's creations are unavoidable, so you might as well bite the bullet and start at 130. Besides, only a pathetically paranoid man would strike out at a NON-PROFIT FAN GAME that just so happens to have work put into it. If Capcom can let fan games of Megaman get away, fan-games that are just as good a quality as the NES library of the Original series, if not a little more I might add, I don't think Penders will do any better. ^_^

[Pkrockinomega 0]

Looking at what you've got going with classes here.

On the one hand, lots of classes would be hard to balance with each other, but on the other, the more classes mean more variety. I do notice however, you don't have a 'support' style class yet, that deals with buffing/healing other units.

One thing I might suggest, is have everyone be a fusion class.

Everyone gets a primary class based on what they are: (Sonic: Speed, Tails: Flight, Knuckles: Power, Quick Man: Robot... erm, not sure off the top of my head for a Fighter example.) which determines their basic combat style, then a sub-class which determines their skill set. So, say, Sonic might be a Speed/Speed, while Quick-man is Robot/Power. Though you may want to give sub-classes different names.

Like I said, this is still highly conceptual and needs some time and thought to develop into a full-fledged game. Things like balance and variety will be dealt with when I get to it.

Everyone being a fusion class is very likely.

By the way, on that Support class idea. I'm currently working around it and will have it made eventually. The only characters I see having this class so far are Amy and Dr. Quack.

(One last note, Power = Fighter.)

[Pkrockinomega 0]

I can understand that, but I'm afraid for all but the Megaman/crossover arc, that's not possible. Even as it stands with 160, you still will need to use Pender's creations for the Enerjak Arc, not to mention the Dark Egg Legion. Pender's creations are unavoidable, so you might as well bite the bullet and start at 130. Besides, only a pathetically paranoid man would strike out at a NON-PROFIT FAN GAME that just so happens to have work put into it. If Capcom can let fan games of Megaman get away, fan-games that are just as good a quality as the NES library of the Original series, if not a little more I might add, I don't think Penders will do any better. ^_^

Good point. I'll definitely consider it now.

Only problem remains: where am I gonna get the team? Maybe I should open up an application thread once I have a concrete concept laid out? Maybe I should ask a few more communities, though I'm not sure if anyone else'll help out a 16 year old with no experience in game design or directing.

I heard the guy who did the remastered Sonic CD port and mobile Sonic 1 port may be open for work, but getting a relatively big name like that would require some kind of salary which I don't really have the ability to give.

[BlurryDawgo 26]

Don't be worried. I'm a thirteen year old with no experience in game making.

[Pkrockinomega 0]

Don't be worried. I'm a thirteen year old with no experience in game making.

That information would only help if you actually have managed to get professional help on a non-profit fan project.

[BlurryDawgo 26]

I was just tying to comfort you.

[The Jest 45]

...Let me ask one thing Mr. PK. Is this a Sprite RPG, like the early Final Fantasy games, Or are you going for the actual 3-D model RPGs?

[Pkrockinomega 0]

...Let me ask one thing Mr. PK. Is this a Sprite RPG, like the early Final Fantasy games, Or are you going for the actual 3-D model RPGs?

It'll most likely be sprite-based, with designs inspired by the Sonic Advance games. 3D models would be pretty hard to get for a fan project, I'd imagine. If I COULD get 3D models though, I would be ecstatic, but alas.

[The Jest 45]

Ok, in that case, I know just the thing. Look up and try to get something called "RPG Maker VX Ace" ...Well, actually, I would think any PC RPG Maker would do, but that's apparently the latest one. The only problem you might have are the sprites. Not a lot of Archie comic characters were made into Sprites. Not alot of them that were made to sprites are made in as much quality as the Advance sprites.

As for the 3-D models, ...I'm not going to make any promises mate, but I think I know somebody who could do it.

http://themysticalforestzone.com/Sprite_section.htm

Here, This place has most of the sprites you may need. Look up Other for the Archie characters. But again, not all of them may be there. I know Geoffrey isn't.

[Pkrockinomega 0]

Ok, in that case, I know just the thing. Look up and try to get something called "RPG Maker VX Ace" ...Well, actually, I would think any PC RPG Maker would do, but that's apparently the latest one. The only problem you might have are the sprites. Not a lot of Archie comic characters were made into Sprites. Not alot of them that were made to sprites are made in as much quality as the Advance sprites.

As for the 3-D models, ...I'm not going to make any promises mate, but I think I know somebody who could do it.

http://themysticalfo...ite_section.htm

Here, This place has most of the sprites you may need. Look up Other for the Archie characters. But again, not all of them may be there. I know Geoffrey isn't.

Wow, thanks! I'll likely try finding someone who can make unique sprites for Project Archie (working title), but in case I need a last resort, this'll come in handy.

RPG Maker VX Ace is also definitely going to be what I want to work off of, at first anyway. As with the 3D models, an independent engine would be preferred, but not likely.

Also I'll try coming up with more concepts and classes right now, sorry for the lack of new content announced. Things have been pretty draining this week so yeah.

Edited 23 Feb 2014 by Pkrockinomega

[The Jest 45]

Don't worry about it. Just take your time with it. Even with this version of RPG maker I'm sure everyone understands that the process may take quite some time. Fun fact that I too am working on an Archie project. Ironically enough, it happens to be on the opposite side of the comics, the beginning side before space. ^_^

[Pkrockinomega 0]

Don't worry about it. Just take your time with it. Even with this version of RPG maker I'm sure everyone understands that the process may take quite some time. Fun fact that I too am working on an Archie project. Ironically enough, it happens to be on the opposite side of the comics, the beginning side before space. ^_^

Interesting.

You know, this sounds like a potentially crazy idea, but what if we combined our projects? Like, we worked together to create an RPG based on the entire comic, rather than one side for each project?

[The Jest 45]

As interesting as it sound, I'm afraid I'll have to decline. ...At least for now. Mine is a writing project, and if all goes well, will turn out rather differently, effectively making it possibly incompatible with the RPG. I can't afford RPG Maker right now, and I have alot on the plate as is.

...That said, I may consider a Rain check if things on my end turn out exceptionally well. ^_^

Also: Here's a taste of what a Sonic RPG entails. ...It was made with RPG Maker 2003, so imagine what VX Ace can do with it.

[Pkrockinomega 0]

New concept: Character marriages

Inspired by Fire Emblem Awakening, the more battles two characters are in, the closer they get to each other, and eventually you have the option to marry them. In addition to certain character marriages leading to extra sidequests and alternate endings, there is another mechanic to it that's kind of a handicap and a benefit:

If two married characters are in the same battle, they each get various stat upgrades depending on what class they are. For example: If a support character is fighting alongside their husband/bride, they heal 40% more to their wedded and 20% more to everyone else.

However, if one of the wedded characters fall in battle, the other gets that marriage buff reversed, so instead of healing an extra 20%, a support character would heal 20% less than normal.

I'm not sure if I want to make all the characters bisexual since that would mess with the canon more than it already has with marriage in the first place, in fact I may even scrap this idea later down the line.

[The Jest 45]

Or you could just rename it to something that isn't as intimate. After all, Sonic + Tails.....In marriage...

How about calling it something like....I don't know, Partner, or Eternal Bond, or...Social Link? XD

[Pkrockinomega 0]

Or you could just rename it to something that isn't as intimate. After all, Sonic + Tails.....In marriage...

How about calling it something like....I don't know, Partner, or Eternal Bond, or...Social Link? XD

Yeah, it does sound pretty intimate like you said, but limiting who can and can't get married would be a risk because I'll probably get some hate mail from people who ship two incompatible characters.

I may omit gay marriage in general but that would only make me out to be a homophobic bigot and that's no good really.

Again, this idea will likely be scrapped entirely.

[The Jest 45]

Yeah, all those problems you just mentioned? ...They can be easily solved by, again, changing the name.

If you ship two characters by pretty much calling them spouses or something, of course the hate mail for shipping two incompatibles is understandable. Same for the whole Gay Marriage thing, which is something you don't want to get involved in, especially not right now when the states are in such an uproar between wanting it and not. (For the record, I'm not Homophobic. I have at least three friends, good friends, who are gay.)

Just call them something that's not intimate at all. Marriage system sounds like a system where you and your husband/wife relies on each other out of love. ...Well, Best friends don't need love to rely on each other, partners don't need love to rely on each other.

Personally I like your idea, it has potential, and I HAVE seen this kind of thing done before in an actual game. Just that name for it you need to change up.

The ONLY real problem I can see with this is that it's a hell of a lot of extra work.

[Pkrockinomega 0]

Yeah, all those problems you just mentioned? ...They can be easily solved by, again, changing the name.

If you ship two characters by pretty much calling them spouses or something, of course the hate mail for shipping two incompatibles is understandable. Same for the whole Gay Marriage thing, which is something you don't want to get involved in, especially not right now when the states are in such an uproar between wanting it and not. (For the record, I'm not Homophobic. I have at least three friends, good friends, who are gay.)

Just call them something that's not intimate at all. Marriage system sounds like a system where you and your husband/wife relies on each other out of love. ...Well, Best friends don't need love to rely on each other, partners don't need love to rely on each other.

Personally I like your idea, it has potential, and I HAVE seen this kind of thing done before in an actual game. Just that name for it you need to change up.

The ONLY real problem I can see with this is that it's a hell of a lot of extra work.

"Companions" would be the most likely contender for an alternate name.

[Pkrockinomega 0]

Playing around the the concept of a Support class. I have the stats and such planned out, the only issue is what would be the name of the method in which they use their skills?

Maybe Worry, where it's like Momentum only the more full the meter gets, the more effective all buffs/heals are and it fills with how much damage everyone in the party takes.

[Pkrockinomega 0]

Apologies for the lack of updates recently, been busy with Drama Club and my upcoming trip to Orlando so things have been pretty busy as of late.

If you guys want some kind of update, I've been working on something I like to call "Chaos Mode." After a certain period of time spent in a battle (or for story purposes), certain characters will be able to enter their Super form temporarily (or for the entire battle, again, for story purposes) if they have a Chaos Emerald equipped. You get more Emeralds to use on certain party members as the story progresses, but there are only seven so you'll have to decide who's Super form will help you most in an upcoming boss battle or what have you.

In Super form, all of the character's stats are increased substantially and they have a new arsenal of skills that are either jazzed up versions of their usual skills, or new ones entirely. Also, the Super forms are technically their own class, so they have their own method of using skills, "Rings." Without the use of skills, a character can stay in Super form for 10 turns. If you use your skills however, you sacrifice some of the time you have in Super form, so you could either not use any and deal increased damage for ten turns, or you could go into Super for one turn to cast that really powerful skill you need to turn the tide of battle, again it revolves around decision making.

This Saturday's gonna be the only day I've had 100% to myself in a while, so I'll spend it on brainstorming new ideas to compensate for the lack of activity lately.

Also if you have any sort of experience with RPG Maker VX Ace, game design, sprite-making or music composing and you'd like to help me out on Project Archie (working title), my Skype name is srauscher2 and I'm accepting applications at the moment. If you apply, please go ahead and list any projects you've worked on before, if you do have experience to begin with. (If not, don't sweat it, I don't mind.)