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Haven's Port - Intro & Reputation System
🕑 Added 2020-05-13 12:10:08 +0000 UTCAlright! Now that I've gotten that initial post about the Wardrobe System out, let's talk about a few other things. First, before I even get into any systems or anything, I do want to say that the Intro Renders for the game are actually already done, and have been for a couple of days (there are 7-8 of them, depending on how to count the main town screen the intro ends on. The three images for the post are all from the intro renders Set). Right now, I'm actually working on some additional renders that will provide at least a little content (beyond the intro) to the first 'teaser build' that's planned for this month. It won't be much, since the first week of the month was dedicated purely to technical buildup, asset acquisition, and other first-build necessities. But there will be at least one or two things to do on the island, after the intro scene(s).
Now, on to a few details about the Reputation System! Please keep in mind, this is all initial concept work at this point, I won't even be starting on actually coding the reputation system until the true First Build next month, even if I've poured quite a bit of time into working out its basic structure this month. As such, some of this may change a bit, as I'm still trying to tweak the system to be as simple-yet-complex as possible. In other words, a minimum number of stats to track/confuse people with, while providing the maximum amount of unique variations to game-content, depending on how you play.
At its core, The Reputation System is the primary means to 'advance' through what is, for all intents and purposes, a free-roam/free-exploration game. Our protagonist will start the game as a recently freed ex-slave, with almost nothing to her name and no reputation. Your goal, in so much as the game has such, will be to Build a Life for Yourself. My goal is to make that take two primary forms. The first form is straight Reputation. This will control how well known you are throughout Haven's Port and will be FAR more than just a number. For example, if you raise your reputation (as well as your wealth!), you'll actually be able to move out of your starting room at the dockside-inn. You'll be able to use your Reputation, plus wealth, to buy yourself nicer accommodations. Which will, in turn, boost your reputation and unlock new content.
The second part of the 'Reputation System' is still being tweaked a bit as I try to make it as robust as possible. This second part will be a gauge of your general Attitude. Originally, I planned this to be a sliding scale that showed how Slutty vs Sophisticated you were. But I'm not 100% happy with it working that way. I'm currently considering if there's a better way to handle it.
Regardless of the exact method, however, the essential function of the second part of the system is to create more variance to gameplay than just 'well known' or 'not well known.' Essentially, it will work hand-in-hand with the Reputation stat to control what you are well known for. It is, after all, rather different to be known as the best prostitute in Haven's Port...veruses being known as the Best Pirate Captain instead. In fact, the very reason I'm trying to rework the system a bit, is that I'd like there to be more variance than the Slutty vs Sophisticated Scale allows for. That you could become well known as an Arena Fighter, Pirate Captain, Brothel Owner, Merchant, etc. But I'm still trying to figure out how to do that without over-complicating the system. I'm currently playing with the idea of making the two parts work as originally planned, but then adding job-specific data to farther slant your 'titles.' That...seems a bit too finicky, though. Hence why I'm still working out the details...
