'nother "reverse RPG" idea

[whisperstorm]

Here's another idea just to further mess with the rules of an RPG. Earlier I mentioned a mechanic where you start out buff and gradually get weaker (and the challenges of making that into a game that might ever be fun).

Imagine if instead of dealing damage to stronger and stronger enemies, you had to heal them? Perhaps you are some caring soul that is coming along behind another hero that is bringing tons of creatures near death and you must strengthen your skills as a healer because the creatures you encounter are closer and closer to death, plus they are bigger and meaner so might even resist your healing overtures. Might have to have special spells to undo curses, or special tools to bind broken bones, etc.

The more I think of this kinda game the more I think I'd enjoy playing it. Imagine wandering through dungeons, forests, etc. with healing tools and patching up magical creatures, villagers, etc.

edit: Looks like someone else (http://www.raphkoster.com/2006/03/02/the-healing-game/) already talked about this idea...

[Cartman]

On a side note. There was a comedian the other night on Comedy Central that said he wanted to make a video game where you ran a hospital and had to take care of all the characters that were killed and hurt in all the FPS games that everyone played. :)

[Bmc]

Regardless if it's been talked about before, this is a killer idea and would make for an excellent casual game. It has been proven now that RPG games can succeed in the market, so I say do it up before someone else does... just remember to tailor it towards the market(Theme, Graphical, Story, Controls, difficulty and learning curves etc) and I bet you'll have a hit.

Truthfully, I actually wish I though of this of this idea. I love it that much. :)

[jefferytitan]

You could actually make it pretty open-ended. Say the traditional "hero" is in fact deluded/under a curse and thinks they're on some noble quest, but is actually killing innocent creatures.

You perhaps have some magical connection to the creatures in your land, and when they die it weakens you. Perhaps you have some magical radar for where the hurt and dying are. There could even be a fog of war system where you can see the trail of dead they leave but you cannot see them directly (except in person).

Different patients have different needs. Some of them may be fearful of humans after meeting the hero. In any case, the open-endedness is finding a way to reduce the deaths. Do you treat them as you meet them, recruit others to help you, ignore the wounded and try to catch up and assassinate the hero, maybe assemble and army to stop the hero (who is much more powerful than you)?

[whisperstorm]

Yeah I could totally see this as a casual style game. You have an overmap which takes you to place to place - where you then are presented with your injured or ill creature.... Lots of possibilities.

I was reminded of the PS2 game Okami where the goal of the game is to "heal the land" hrmmmm.

[jefferytitan]

Yeah I could totally see this as a casual style game. You have an overmap which takes you to place to place - where you then are presented with your injured or ill creature.... Lots of possibilities.

I was reminded of the PS2 game Okami where the goal of the game is to "heal the land" hrmmmm.

I've really wanted to play that game - it sounds cool - but I don't have a PS2, and it seems a big outlay for one game. lol