Ideas for original game design

[minakichan]

So I'm taking this Media Industries and Systems class (\o/ for lofty-sounding vague names), which will eventually involve the class breaking up into 4-ish-person teams and making an original video game prototype from start to finish. Students have to come up with the design, so I need to think of some possibilities.

I've done game design before, but I've always had some sort of premise or mechanic provided, so I've never come up with anything completely on my own. To be honest, this is a little hard for me because I don't play that many games. Soooo I'm asking for help. =D

What original video game (or more than one!) would you love to see? I swear I won't just plagiarize your Next Big Hit in Thirty Years, but I am fishing around for inspiration.

The project itself has some limitations but I won't bore you with them. Just hoping to see some raw ideas ^_^;

[uc pseudonym]

A few random ideas of things I'd find interesting. I don't think they're entirely innovative, but at least they haven't been done to death.

Simultaneous Control Side Scroller: You control two separate characters, one with WASD and the other with the arrow keys. Both have basic mobility but different abilities (for example, one can break down barriers, the other can activate platforms).

Color World: Objects have various colors and interact differently with each one. Say that red objects bounce off blue, annihilate with green, float into the air when above yellow, etc. The player controls something that is colored and interacts according to the same rules (and can also change color via some mechanic). Then I guess they go from point A to point B and you hope that this is amusing enough for people to play the game.

Tower Defense Inverse: I'll admit I don't really like tower defense games, but it would be kind of interesting to have one where you build the enemies and have to survive past defenses. Or you actually get to control said enemies, if you want further involvement.

[blkmage]

I've had an idea for an MMORTS, where your persistent character is like a hero from Warcraft III, but with more character customization options, as in a normal MMORPG. Basically, you'd go around from battle to battle building up armies and fighting skirmishes, winning decorations and earning glory, and getting experience so you can improve yourself.

[minakichan]

Simultaneous Control Side Scroller: You control two separate characters, one with WASD and the other with the arrow keys. Both have basic mobility but different abilities (for example, one can break down barriers, the other can activate platforms).

I think this one is the most interesting out of the three-- it's not a huge leap but double concentration is pretty interesting, even if it's quite hard. I think the trick is probably to make actions different for the two "characters" though...

[Robin Firedrake]

Sandboxes win. Make a completely moddable program with different themes (Steampunk steampunk steampunk!) and the ability to control the weather, drop vehicles wherever, drop buildings, wherever, drop natural formations wherever, have a super powered character ECT... Basically no plot, tons of fun!

[Shiningmonk_e]

Simultaneous Control Side Scroller: You control two separate characters, one with WASD and the other with the arrow keys. Both have basic mobility but different abilities (for example, one can break down barriers, the other can activate platforms).

I literally had this exact same idea lol.

[Robin Firedrake]

^I've seen something like that except it wasn't a side scroller.

[Raiden no Kishi]

I think a rhythmic action/platformer would be an interesting concept. Obviously, the music world is rich with imagery and inspiration, and it would be a neat melding of two very different gaming worlds. Besides, who doesn't dream of fight sequences with synchronized soundtracks? I know I do. But then, I'm a music lover.

Dang, if I were at all interested in game design, I'd work on a project like that.

.rai//

[minakichan]

I think a rhythmic action/platformer would be an interesting concept.

I just had an image of someone using dance moves to fight when you said that.

Not that it wouldn't be <s>awesome</s> interesting...

[Raiden no Kishi]

I just had an image of someone using dance moves to fight when you said that.

Not that it wouldn't be <s>awesome</s> interesting...

Can you dig it?

.rai//

[Fantasy Dreamer]

Can you dig it?

.rai//

I could dig that!

[Mr. SmartyPants]

Sandboxes win. Make a completely moddable program with different themes (Steampunk steampunk steampunk!) and the ability to control the weather, drop vehicles wherever, drop buildings, wherever, drop natural formations wherever, have a super powered character ECT... Basically no plot, tons of fun!

http://www.garrysmod.com/

[Robin Firedrake]

^... I love you