Pokemon Glass

[TechSkylander1518]

So, as the title implies, I’ve got a fangame in development at the moment! I’m not requesting any developers/beta testers with this, I’m just interested in seeing what people have to think about the game! (I’m also pretty excited to talk about it and don’t have many people to discuss it with)  

A little warning-I tend to think mostly through writing out my ideas, so there’s an awful lot of text under these headers. If you don’t feel like reading through a wall of text, I’d recommend just looking through what subjects interest you.

Prologue

As both an explanation and a spoiler warning, this does reference an event in Pokemon Black and White 2. It’s not something full of details, but it is something you might want to keep a surprise if you’re thinking of playing those games!

You’ve always had a great love for Pokemon. Snuggling up with the family Stoutland, winning over that wild Rufflet your sister had been trying to pet for days, giving Patrat Christmas gifts of acorns-Pokemon were in a lot of happy memories for you, and you liked to think that the reverse was true as well.

For a long time, your family had lived in Opelucid City. Dad worked at the mall on Route 9, Pops was a trainer in the local gym, and you and Nora would explore the wilderness of the nearby routes. Your little corner of Unova was a pretty nice place to grow up.

And then one day a ship appeared in the sky outside your window.

Dad called Nora and Rufflet in from outside as he watched a mechanism begin to move on the front of the ship. He pulled Pops to the window and began whispering anxiously to him-you think it was something about a war with another region, but you’re not sure. You do know that the icy blasts that sent arctic conditions onto the buildings below had you all in shock.

Dad rushed to the door, found that it was frozen shut, and went off to the cupboards, repeating an unconvincing promise that everything was totally fine. Pops told you fairy tales while you all hid in a blanket fort to keep warm, but you could see how his eyes didn’t meet his smile. That was the first time you had ever seen him scared.

Dad kept a careful eye on inter-regional news after that. Any headline with the word “Team” in it would set his nerves off again, and often with good reason. Organized crime continue to stretch to loftier goals-and while hearing about their downfalls should have put him at ease, the young ages of the heroic trainers made him more wary for his children.

It didn’t come as much of a surprise when it was announced that your family would be moving to the Helos region. While not quite a safe haven, the large number of trainers seems to have broken up any development of organized crime, and your family knows your skill with Pokemon can get you out of some tight spots.

You all know that Helos won’t ever feel completely danger-free. But maybe it can start to feel like home.

General Differences

In terms of general tone and gameplay, there’s not many major shifts. While this does include some personal spins on things, it’s intended to be thing that could be in an actual Pokemon game. There’s a few things that stick out, though:

• The player’s family plays a bit more of a role in the game-Dad, Pops, and even Nora will come to visit the player sometimes and give them a useful gift! (They might also be interested in a little battle…)
  
• The game introduces a Light type. Adding a type is always a big change, but this also marks a change in the Dark type as well. Without getting too sidetracked, the Dark type actually isn’t based on elemental darkness, but actually the idea of dirty fighting. (hence the Fighting type being strong against it, the Ghost type getting all the “Shadow” moves, etc.) In adding an elemental Light type, we’re also changing how the Dark type is used in the designs of Pokemon and moves. (canon Dark moves and Pokemon, though, stay the same)
  
• We’ve actually got two new types in this game, the second being the Glitch type. While the Light type’s introduction is a bit like the introduction of Steel or Fairy, the Glitch type’s a bit like the Nuclear type, created through in-game events and consisting of a small population. The Glitch type is made through the glitches of technology rather than the game itself, but it still draws inspiration from Pokemon glitches-Missingno and Acid Rain make an appearance, and its type effectiveness is like that of all glitch types. (meaning essentially a “Null” type)
  
• The Pokemon League of this region operates a bit differently. While it doesn’t change gameplay too much, it does change the story, creating some more interactions between the player and the opponents they challenge. 
  
• Starters can be found in the wild in later points of the region-which is good, because there’s now a starter for all types! (save the Glitch type) This also means that the usual split of teams being dependant on your choice doesn’t occur-I don’t think RPG Maker/Essentials can even handle nineteen different paths like that, and I don’t relish the idea of having to making nineteen different parties with a character.
  

Pokemon League

The Helos League has a massive amount of trainers registered. (likely due to the large prizes the Championship offers) To prevent gym leaders from becoming swamped, a new system was implemented. Challengers must defeat another registered trainer at a gym after meeting certain requirements decided upon by a committee. There are more than eight gyms, to deal with the number of trainers, but any eight badges may be received. To encourage learning about the region around them, trainers may not win more than one badge in a gym.

To discourage groups of friends from traveling together and earning each other’s badges, as well as to provide an equivalent to the Elite Four of other regions, trainers must defeat four judges that travel the region. Some judges freely disclose their position and encourage challengers, while others keep their identity a secret, to make their battles with trainers more impartial. Similar to gyms, there are more than four judges, but any four may be chosen to battle.


Essentially, what this means is that you’ll be having the typical eight gym battles and five-part championship (with varying trainers similar to Uranium’s championship), along with four strong trainers to defeat at certain points in your journey. The judges and “gym leaders” challenged are the same for each player.

I decided on this because I wanted gym battles to have more meaning to them than just the badge. A lot of times, it seems that the main reason that gym leaders are mostly important just because of their position in the league-they hand out the badge, so they’re considered significant by default. With this setup, I’m hoping to sort of invert that-the character makes the gym challenge and badge more important-and make both of them more fun, breaking away from the “badge dispensers” I’ve seen some people consider them as. (Ironically, the league also has an automated gym in the event that a gym cannot give out a badge-holding a literal badge dispenser)

Starters

Unlike most games, Pokemon Glass actually has a starter of each type, a total of nineteen starters! (And before the nightmares of breeding and trading start, let me reassure you-all starters are encounterable in the wild.) Some of your choices are:

• Dark-type-Cerebit-Why get one partner when you could get three? Cerebit’s heads all have the excitement of a puppy-and sometimes, they can have trouble coordinating their movement! As Cerebit evolves into Cerebite and then into Cereberaw, its heads start to take on a specific role and gain exceptional skill in a certain sense!
  
• Ghost-type-Saramic- Saramic’s doll-like appearance tends to be a little unsettling-the constant, painted-on smile, the glassy eyes, the clinking of its steps. Its transformation in evolution doesn’t help the matter much-the doll-like form seems to have become a chrysalis of some sort, giving it more of a haunted look. But the eerie beauty of Loronawail’s cries is plenty motivation for some trainers to try to face their fears.
  
• Ice-type-Pupsicle-Originally native to the Arctic Circle, Pupsicles would be battered about by their environment before gaining a remarkable control over the freezing cold around them. Curiously, this growth continues to occur in Pupsicles raised in environments with warmer temperatures-even their ability to create aurora borealis remains intact! 
  
• Ground-type-Terrarmor, a little armadillo notorious for making holes in front yards. As it continues to spend time underground, though, it begins to stumble across fossils of ancient Pokemon, unlocking the power of a more reptilian evolution.
  
• Psychic-type-A small peacock chick. As it evolves, it begins to develop different powers depending on its gender. Males grow a brilliant plumage with eyespots that have the ability to hypnotize others. Females grow a more unassuming color and the ability to erase themselves from the memory of others, letting them sneak in and out of places without a trace.
  
• Bug-type-A typical larval Pokemon as its first stage, but its growth takes an unusual path into a flower mantis-inspired Bug/Fairy! I’m not sure whether to use it as the final stage or as a Mega Evolution, but the Devil’s flower mantis is sure to bring some fun inspiration. ( http://cdn3.list25.com/wp-content/upload...tis_tn.jpg )
  

Characters

Recurring Trainers

• Angel-A young trainer who uses her Pokemon’s powers to masquerade as a superhero. Angel’s well aware that her methods aren’t a complete substitute for a police force, but seeing someone flying in to save the day can stop the occasional mugger.
  
• Charles-Similar to the ruder rivals of earlier games, Charles is an overly ambitious trainer that serves as one of the player’s rivals. Charles is constantly focused on getting stronger, growing increasingly frustrated with each loss against the player. Eventually, he resorts to something rather unorthodox…
  
• India-An explorer extraordinaire, India vows to leave no challenge unconquered in the Helos region, heading deep into every forest, cave, and abandoned building.
  
• Melanie-A trainer who has also recently moved to the Helos region, Melanie is similar to the nicer rivals of more recent games. Like the player, Melanie has a great love of Pokemon-she’s done a considerable amount of studying about the new species of Pokemon in the Helos region, and is excited to meet them! Melanie knows a lot about the health of Pokemon and hopes to become a Pokemon Nurse when she grows up.
  

Judges

• Julian-A trainer who specializes in the Fairy type. Julian tends to just wander the region, looking for a community in need, a promising trainer, or just a fun challenge. His Sacchasaurus is the Pokemon he usually uses for help, given its incredible strength and adorable personality, but his other Pokemon are plenty capable of helping, too!
  
• Lucille-A seamstress who specializes in the Ghost type. Lucille is well-known not only for the visual appeal of her clothing but also their surprising functionality. She’s got a rather nice costume for her granddaughter’s unusual hobby.
  
• Mike-A private eye who specializes in the Dark type. Mike shows up at a few plot points throughout the game. (along with the investigative reporter Lizzie, much to his irritation) He takes his job very seriously and has been known to talk in a film noir voice to himself when he thinks nobody’s listening. (those who know this tend to find it hilarious)
  
• Molt-An inventor who specializes in the Bug type. Molt takes inspiration from Bug-type Pokemon’s natural abilities for his inventions, such as a dragonfly wing jetpack, a specialized acid, and a suit that lets the wearer walk on walls. He uses his inventions to scout out trainers to challenge.
  

Various

• Richard-Ricky to Dan, Dad to the player-Richard puts a lot of thought into future plans, sometimes to the point of excessive worrying. He often helps Dan think through his impulses, and always has something useful on hand.
  
• Dan-Daniel when Richard’s getting serious, Pops to the player-A rather excited man, Dan is ready to try anything, and has a charm that can convince people to join him. (Richard gets annoyed with this sometimes, but it’s lead to a lot of memories he’s quite fond of) Dan’s very happy to see the player off on their own journey, and loves hearing about their experiences! 
  
• Nora-The player’s little sister. Nora’s just about coming to the age for her own Pokemon journey, but she’s not quite there yet. For now, she’s just happy taking in the sights of Helos with her Rufflet!
  
• Betsy-Charles’ mom, who is studying Pokemon breeding and farming. She loves to make puns about the subject, much to her son’s annoyance.
  
• Orville-A kindly old man the player often encounters feeding bird Pokemon. He doesn’t seem to have any skill as a trainer, but he often gives the player a few gifts when he sees them.
  
• Luna-An astronomer known for her discovery and capture of nine planetary Pokemon. She’s since retired from Pokemon battles, but an encounter with the player has her unusually perked up at the idea.
  
• Professor Violet Calamus-A rather wild professor (a bit similar to Miss Frizzle), Professor Calamus has a bright vision for everyone’s future, and encourages everyone to pursue it! Because of this, she goes a bit overboard in selecting starter Pokemon for trainers-”To heck with the type triangle! Kids gotta see all the choices out there!” Thankfully, her wife Marigold takes pleasure in looking after the starter Pokemon alongside her. (Nineteen of any Pokemon is quite a handful, and when those Pokemon have a variety of powers…)
  

Currently, I’m not in need of any help in creating the project. We are a bit short on visuals at the moment (for which I apologize-I know very few people like to read big walls of text like I post!)-but we will be able to create them. This doesn’t mean I’ll turn down any offers for help, of course, but I don’t want to anyone to feel like they have to do work for someone else’s project. (I mean, it’s normal that people do work for other people, but usually they’re getting some form of payment) I’d much prefer to know that someone’s helping out just because it gives them something they enjoy doing.

Thanks for checking this thread out! I hope you found something you enjoyed!

[AgentParadox]

The choice of starters is pretty cool, I often envisioned there being a light type, and thus I wish you luck in your project.

[TechSkylander1518]

Thank you! I really appreciate the support!

[Cataclyptic]

When can we get visuals on the starters and evolutions? Having nineteen starters is definitely a draw for me!

[Spiritmon]

I must say, its a ambicious and marvelous fangame. This history for himself have such deep, emotioness, and mistery in the basic sinopse. And the characters look very interesting. One of the things i most like its the League system, who make the "Gym Leaders" have a more important role, and i like the idea about judges. The only think i dont want its Starters can be found in the wild, since they supose to be, well, rare. Its something who make him special, something you would supose to find normally. Unless you make that starters be very extremelly rare in the wild, around 1% or 5% to find (yes, its very low the chance to find, but since they are Starters, the journey to find them would be a challenge). And i simple love the idea of a Starter to each type. And the idea about the new types, Light and Glich. But i think Fairy can be already consider as Light type, i think, but i love the concept. Please update us with new informations about this fangame, i get excited just to think about it

[TechSkylander1518]

Haha, thank you, I'm very happy to hear you like it! 

For now, the starters will be low-encounter and found in later-game areas. I want to keep them rare, but I also don't want to make it impossible to complete the PokeDex. Maybe instead they could be given as gift Pokemon?

The Fairy type does have a lot of association with Light, but I think I can make them work slightly differently in themes. Here's what I've got mapped out for now:

• The Fairy type can be quite mischievous sometimes, but the Light types tend to see things in a black-and-white morality. (this isn't always the case for either type, but it does affect some Pokemon's behavior)
  
• Though Fairy-types are associated with moonlight, this will be made more because of the moon's mysterious nature than the light it gives off. (which, technically, the moon doesn't give off light but instead reflects it-which might be another way to make the two more distinct, I'm not sure) It can be considered that the Fairy-types are kind of manipulating another type's properties, similar to how Fairy Wind could be considered manipulating Flying-type's powers and Flower Shield that of Grass-types.
  
• Light types are able to manipulate the properties of Light a little more-reflection and color might come into play a bit.
  

The Fairy type definitely has an association with light already, so I'm going to try to expand more on the fae folk/magic aspect of it to keep it distinct.

When can we get visuals on the starters and evolutions? Having nineteen starters is definitely a draw for me!

If you mean descriptions of their appearances, I could probably get to work on that, but if you mean sprites/sketches, that may take a bit. I've got a base for some of them going, but they're not quite there yet. I'll be sure to get to work on them soon, I'm glad to know that interests you!

[Polaris]

If you ever want help, I'm something of a game designer myself. I abandoned a Pokemon fangame idea to work on an actual own game, but I have some assets (including a gen IV tileset I've been upconverting to 32x32 resolution-it looks great) and I've put a great deal of thought into how to alter mechanics to make a Pokemon game feel more immersive.

Oh, and here are some sample before/after shots for the tileset I've been working on. I don't have any personal use for it at the present.

[Lord Windos]

With pretty tilesets like that, I wonder how good an original project by you would be, Polaris?

This project is interesting, but I need more time to mull over the detail before I can come to a proper critic of it. Don't want to go in half cocked, after all~

[Polaris]

I don't know about the original project tbh. I have it as a basic RPG, but I want a far, far more ambitious 3D bullet hell-style version (you'd play as a canine/feline animal of some kind and be dodging over, under, and around enemy attacks nonstop in order to reach them) that I'd need to get a lot of animation talent to help me with (probably take it to an existing game studio). And I'm in college, and I'm gearing up to write a pair of novels. Not a lot of time for it at the moment.

[TechSkylander1518]

Woah, @Polaris, those tilesets are amazing! If I get the need and you have the time, I'd love for you to help out! And if you're okay with sharing them, I'd love to hear more about both your Pokemon mechanic ideas and your RPG!

This project is interesting, but I need more time to mull over the detail before I can come to a proper critic of it. Don't want to go in half cocked, after all~

Oh, definitely-it's in a very early beta, so a solid opinion is hard to form.