Review Fix chats with Kelvin Koh, lead developer for the upcoming “Monster Chronicles†video game. Inspired by classic RPGs, Koh and his team are focused on delivering a quality game that takes the genre to a different level.
Review Fix: When did the initial idea for this game come to you?
Kelvin Koh: Our team always wanted to do a strategic role-playing game suited for mobile. We played and analyzed many RPGs on mobile and found that they are easy to learn but always had the same core mechanic. We then started to think of how we can retain the ease of learning the mechanic but with different way of playing it. By combining puzzle and RPG elements, we were able to come up with something different, the battle tic-tac-toe mechanic that is easy to learn but difficult to master.
Review Fix: What games inspired this one?
Koh: Classic Japanese RPGs like Fire Emblem, Pokemon and also puzzle games like Bejeweled and Tic-Tac-Toe inspired us.
Review Fix: Lets talk about the in-game art. What inspired that?
Koh: Inspired by Japanese RPGs, our monsters are designed based on elemental attributes like fire, water, lightning etc. and mythical creatures like Sirens and Dragons. Initially targeted at an elementary age group, monsters started off brighter and simpler but have become what they are today due to further development and research into the appeal for an older audience. We also designed a mixed-variety of food items based on real-life food like meats and vegetables and fictional items such as potions. We wanted rounder and more standardized designs for cute little creatures called puffs and drew inspiration from soft toys and little creatures like hamsters and birds.
Review Fix: What has development been like?
Koh: Development has been exciting with many good lessons. Our idea actually evolved from something more complicated, with a larger scope to something simpler but still challenging for a small team like our. The iterative process was time consuming but part, along with testing the game. We ensured that we had good development systems in place with very frequent updates and communication to make things more efficient.
Review Fix: With all the competition on the mobile market and in the indies now, how difficult was it for you guys to try and make something that stood out?
Koh: We had to balance between making something that appeals and something totally different. By studying the market and talking to various publishers and developers, we had a better understanding of what is in demand, chose our niche and figured out what appealed to the market. Certain things like art style and quality of art needed to be matched with the gameplay. Thus, we went for an art direction that had qualities of JRPGs. To make things different, we were clear we wanted to make the core mechanic interesting and starting experimenting with various mechanics before deciding on the current battle tic-tac-toe system. Also, we ensure that there’s still enough strategic depth in the meta-game by offering a different yet simple way to customize your monsters skills to build the best team.
Review Fix: Who do you think will enjoy this game the most?
Koh: People who enjoy mobile RPGs in general or those who love strategy RPGs on other platforms like Fire Emblem and Final Fantasy Tactics.
Review Fix: Bottom line, why must someone play this game?
Koh: If you love JRPGs, want a refreshing gameplay experience and appreciate strategic depth at your fingertips, play our game!
Review Fix: What are your goals for this game?
Koh: To share our love for RPGs with the world. To create an appealing and sustainable IP that people enjoy. To partner with awesome publishers who are interested in publishing games that are different to more people.
Review Fix: How do you want this game to be remembered?
Koh: Breaking the current mobile RPG mould of very automated gameplay. We want players to actually consider their tactical moves during battle and actively execute them carefully with some strategic thinking.
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