I just realised I didn't actually post about features I want. Hmm.. I'll just ask some questions about things that have already been mentioned.



I'd find it rather odd to start anew at level 1. In Loren 1 everyone kicked ass and saved the world, and now they're back to square one and are as weak as before that happened? I understand that there needs to be a starting point that characters can develop from, but maybe you could give them a large number of skills to start with. Or make the first skills really deadly.



Also, about classes: Saren/Elenor can still heal, right? Obviously, the Healer would be better at it than the other classes, but having the ability to heal was a huge part of what made the main character special in Loren 1. It would be wierd if that was suddenly gone. I'm one of those people who'd choose whatever class would be most consistent with my character in Loren 1.



Choices would be cool, but I can live without them. In Loren 1, Saren/Elenor was very much the sidekick (which I really enjoyed). I haven't read up on all the info for the next game, but I get the impression that the main character is doing his/her own thing to a greater degree, rather than following Loren around. In that case it'd make sense for Saren/Elenor to be able to make more choices. I'd rather have a completely linear game that feels well executed and polished than a game that gives you poorly-implemented choices, though. *cough*go to the prison or to the forest*cough* I'm happy as long as every scene makes sense in relation to the path I've previously taken.



The dialogue system in Loren 1 was quite weird, but what made it quite awesome was the ability to scroll back and change your dialogue choice. I've never seen a game implement backtracking in dialogue to that degree. It was a cool way to get to know the characters and the lore better. So, please keep that. Also, would it be possible to make sure conversations don't appear in the wrong order or after events that make them obsolete? For example, I noticed that some of Myrth's conversations in Loren 1 didn't make sense after you'd been to visit the dark elves. One moment she agreed that they'd been wrong about the dark elves, the next it was like she forgot all about it.



I love the idea of getting to know more about Saren's and Elenor's lives before Loren 1. That would be sooo awesome.

The starting point is an eternal dilemma in RPG games. Personally I prefer to start fresh, especially if we're going with a new engine (is very likely). So most of the stuff wouldn't make sense in the new system since there would be new gameplay features.

Usually what we do is to offer some options when you create the new character based on what happened in the first game (we're doing the same in PS2). Romances, what happened, etc so the starting point is different.



The classes are four: Warrior, Thief, Mage, Healer. So yes they can heal. The healer probably is going to have more powerful spells, but all classes will be able to heal in a decent way, so that the main character can also fight alone or with a few companions.



There'll be more choices since as you said, this time Saren/Elenor is the main hero As for the dialogue system is built-in in the game libraries I'm using so that will remain for sure!

I'm with Chokad on the starting level. For the sake of story continuity I''d much prefer the sequel start at level 18 (the expected end level for the original game) and work up to level 25, or even 30, then start from scratch. Having formerly bad-a** characters suddenly become beginners again in the sequel is a bit off-putting.



Again, for game continuity it would be nice for Saren to have the abilities of potentially up to 3 classes available, ie. healer, mage, and either warrior or thief. The character could then keep their old skills, and choose between the available high level skills regarding where to spend their new skill points in the 2nd game.

OK will keep this in mind. Being able to allocate many skills during the creation phase seems cool indeed

OK will keep this in mind. Being able to allocate many skills during the creation phase seems cool indeed

And if it doesn't require too much effort, you might even allow the option from starting at level 1 or with a boosted level.

Well, if they're all going to be able to heal, maybe we can treat the new classes as second-tier or dual classes? You can start at Thief Lv. 2 or learn Mage Lvl.1 + Thief Lv.1?

Yes that could be an option too, true (would make sense since in first game the MC is the ultimate healer).

A bit early to talk about how it will work exactly since I don't know yet which engine will use, but very likely if is ready in time the PS2 one (is very flexible and should be adaptable for both sci-fi or fantasy battles). Right Anima?

Yes Sir!

The framework was created with Loren 2 in mind as well. Of course some changes will be necessary but the core framework will remain the same.

We haven't talked much about Loren 2 in general and the character system in particular so far. So the only answer in the moment is more or less we don't know yet.

Yes Sir!

cool

The framework was created with Loren 2 in mind as well. Of course some changes will be necessary but the core framework will remain the same.

We haven't talked much about Loren 2 in general and the character system in particular so far. So the only answer in the moment is more or less we don't know yet.

Yes especially since we should first finish PS2 and get a first test of the framework in that game!

well one nice adaption would be if Saren or Eleanor could learn dark magic, They actively use it when romancing Chamby, so why couldn't we implement that into gameplay? I am happy about the mage class though. Another nice thing would be something like a job thing, kinda like in Spirited Heart. It's just a nit pick but getting money in the original enough to equip that huge party meant hours of battling just to build up money, or just like another way to get money would be nice. Like out of battle skills. But w/e on that, I didn't cheat so I just remember grinding to equip the hole party.



More Romance fights would be nice, there where only 3 or 4 in the first, but like they where so much fun to get. I felt terrible for pushing mirth simply so Chamby would kick her but. Also Chambara being able to use her Shapeshifting in battle would also be nice.



I noticed a few characters had out of battle abilities that would be useful in combat.



Though would there be more characters able to use spears of just karen again?

@ Dark magic

Honestly I don't know, mostly since we still don't know what class system we'll end up adopting. There aren't any reasons against it in principle and unless it collides with the story it will probably be available.



@ Shape shifting

Mostly an art concern. I've been thinking about "mode shifting" for Loren 2 in general already and it wouldn't be that hard to implement.



@ New abilities

Anything specific you got in mind?



@ Spears

While we didn't go into details like that at all so far, it's highly unlikely that any weapon category will be exclusive to a single character.

@new abilities. Well the most apparently one was S&E having Dark magic, or Chamby's shifting, but for instance, Rei is a tracker and Assassin, yet his tracking skills are only mentioned and never used, despite they might have been useful at times in the original, like identifying what type of creature had disturbed Fosts tomb.



Or for instance Dora is a thief and yet the game never give her a chance to pick pocket or steal a quest item, Such as when getting the Diamond for the Vampires she notices the merchant is lying, one of the party members whispers to loren they could just steal it, however the option is shot down and never used. Instead either fight through a plague or pay 2k.



But an intersting one that would add definiate replay value would be, For instance Say a character like Mephis who is prone to demon transformations, Say the player cranked up his Will Stat a lot like made it his highest stat. Then when Jul tried to control him he had a better time resisting.



One that would be intersting would be your actions in combat also reflect into the game world as a whole, like Mephis using his demon form constantly in combat, makes people less likely to trust him ect. GRanted that would be extremely hard to implement so it's more wishful thinking



But maybe for instance, based on skills, class, background ect, different options per play are in effect for completing certain out of combat events, like the imprisonment of the elves in the city. Those where touched but it would be nice to see them more touched upon.



But like say you picked the healer background

Instead of just building reputation fighting, you get the option to heal wounded or sick in the towns, and cities for money and or fame.

You picked the trainer background so maybe you can build rep training guards.



Basically if it's in the characters background finding a way to implement it would be interesting,

Hehe those are all very good ideas. The only problem is finding the time/money/resources to implement them all

Jokes apart, thanks for the suggestions. I like the idea of doing jobs, I can't remember exactly the game (I think was Darklands? or maybe Realms of Arkania?) but when you were stationed in towns, you could do jobs to raise some money based on each character's class.

As for Dark Magic, depends mainly on the story. I am open to it, will need to talk with Aleema. The new Mage class needs some offensive damage spells anyway

The skills that interact and change the story are similar to what I did / am doing in Planet Stronghold 2. Is cool, like you said having several dialogues options for the diamond quest with one based on skills: "(Thief) Steal the diamond" and then would trigger a small cutscene in which you must steal it.

Are all good ideas, ultimately need to balance the game complexity with the release schedule. I prefer to add a bit of features step by step, than wait 1-2 years to finish a game

well one thing my friends and I have commented would be great, and honestly shouldn't be hard. Since draco is the parties fool with his "lame silly" jokes and Chamby is the one with the "I can't believe you did that, Terrible person but hilarious I'm going to hell for this" humor. Could we get the two of them teaming up to harass some of the party members? like Loren, or Rei, or Amikiki? Please, they are the perfect balance to one another both in combat and in humor. Please can we get a gag team up with double harassment jokes?

Haha I'll have to ask also Aleema about this

Hi jack! Happy new year! Do you remember the moment of the game where Chambara purposely coming out of the tent of the main character so that all saw it? It is interesting to me, whether there will be similar situations when the hero is put in an awkward situation not on the fault? This seems to me the amusing and fascinating moment.

p.s. sorry for my English is not English.

Thanks, happy new year to everyone yes I remember well the scene you're referring to!

Hey Jack/Celso



happy new year



I think it is a good moment to start with a new hot sneak preview of Chamby or Breza That would be a feature I want the most at the moment :D



And yes, Chamby teasing the MC and having her way of fun with him/her would definately be fun again :D



Go Chamby



your army awaits your return xD

All right, just a very small preview:

http://i.imgur.com/3488qJ1.png" style="max-width:100%">

that's all you'll see from Chamby until the game is ready (well might show also the camp talk pose once is colored). That is a preview of the pin-up image lineart. There's also a more naughty version...

Of course all the other characters have it, including males. Some are really hot

I'm all in favour of Draco and Chambara (and Dora and Trouble) bugging the more serious partymembers! I mean, Amukiki is just begging to be teased! Not to mention Apolimesho.



Speaking of characters' characteristics impacting gameplay, one thing that bothered me was that the final battle of Draco's quest is built on him not needing a staff to do magic, but even though the game's mechanics doesn't allow that.



Also, happy new year everyone!