[Game Idea] A fan game revolving around character interaction rather than the typical Pokemon storyline. No demo as of now, but thoughts?

[XanDorkiest]

Hello, I'm new to this community, as I've been mostly lurking and playing ROM hacks until now, and I would like to hear some input regarding a fangame I and some others will be making.

I would like to first note that this will be a fangame made in a game engine rather than a ROM hack, as my knowledge in programming stems mainly from the engine I use (Godot).

Anyway, the game is set in Sinnoh, 8 years after the main storyline, just because it's my favorite region, with the towns and cities being more populated and generally bigger in size (how much larger in comparison to the original game's towns and cities are yet to be determined), to give more space for NPC interaction.

The main Pokemon-style gameplay will be the same as a regular pokemon game, although without a main storyline to go off of. This lets the player roam freely, and beat the gyms in whichever order they wish to do so.

However, the change I am making is with NPCs. We'll be adding storylines for each main character, so to give depth to them as the player character interacts with them, akin to a dating sim, or more character interaction-driven games like Harvest Moon or Stardew Valley. This allows the player to build rivalries, friendships, and romantic relationships with the characters inhabiting the region. I know it's probably bad to use comparisons to other games when making pitches, but I have a limited grasp of English, as it's my second language.

Due to the larger town and cities, Minor NPCs would also be implemented, providing something like quests, which likely means more trading, and/or a few more quirky characters.


My main gripe with my idea though, is that the character-interaction aspect may not be very well received, just because Pokemon games aren't really known for that sort of stuff, so I don't know if I'm even aiming the game at the correct group.

It's probably a considerably large scope for a first fangame, but it's something I'm looking forward to making anyway.

 

[JackQ]

I say go for it! You shouldn't worry if your game doesn't turn out to be a 'typical' Pokemon game. In fact, one of the main reasons people play fan games in the first place is to see something new and interesting.

I think a story and character-driven Pokemon game with more of an emphasis on human interaction rather than Pokemon is perfectly viable. My own fan game, Pokemon M, isn't particularly Pokemon-centric either when it comes to the main plot and the characters themselves.

One thing I would suggest is that you consider making your very own region. It gives you so much more freedom to build your world just the way you want it.

 

[Cataclyptic]

My main gripe with my idea though, is that the character-interaction aspect may not be very well received, just because Pokemon games aren't really known for that sort of stuff, so I don't know if I'm even aiming the game at the correct group.

^^^ You MIGHT be right in regards to some players, but for this community and the pokemon game making community at large, it's not an issue. People online, especially older fans, have been clamoring for more and better story in pokemon games, and many rom hacks and other games are designed to fulfill that. As proof, I give you this: https://pokemonacademylife.com/ . This game is supposedly nothing but the interactions you've proposed (they change things sometimes) and yet it has possibly thousands of downloads for the just alpha version.

So, character interaction? You're in the right community for that sort of game. Go do it without worry. Plus, character interactions are the basis of modern storytelling, so you're already halfway there to a good story! The only thing I'd be wary of is programming multiple endings, but since you are a programmer that probably isn't much of an issue.

Speaking of which, if your game is mostly centered around the interactions, consider taking the Light Novel approach like they did in the above link. But if not and you want to make it more traditional, good luck with all those flags to be made.