Determining Stats for a Simulation-Style VN

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verysunshine
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Determining Stats for a Simulation-Style VN

#1 Post by verysunshine »

Many simulation-based visual novels have character statistics that you can improve by doing activities. For example, if you decide to go for a jog, you increase the main character's stamina. These statistics should be easy to understand and easy to connect to activities.

Figuring out what statistics the character should have is not easy. The Fallout series supports its player choice with Strength, Perception, Endurance, Intelligence, Agility, and Luck. Long Live the Queen's character stats are Social, Physical, Intellectual, and Mystical, which reflect Elodie's goal of ruling a fantasy kingdom. These stats give you the mentality to roleplay as the main character.

How does one work out what statistics are appropriate for a game? I know the kind of mentality I want my player to have and have researched the type of qualities this mentality would support. Maybe I'm looking at it incorrectly, but I end up with the general concepts of "be nice, be cultured. look good, do as you're told, and respect your superiors." I'm not sure that could be converted into a stats system.

Maybe something like:
[*Politeness / Charisma
*Beauty
*Class / Finesse
*Domesticity]

Build the basics first, then add all the fun bits.

Please check out my games on my itch.io page!

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Katy133
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Re: Determining Stats for a Simulation-Style VN

#2 Post by Katy133 »

It all depends on what the stats will be determining in the game: The situation the player character is in. If the situation involves survival (D&D and Fallout), you'll use more primal-focused stats. If it's a game where you're an "intellectual" character, like a wizard or detective who needs brains to solve problems, then the stats will be more intelligence-focused.

Examples:
  • Dungeons & Dragons game - Situation: Fighting monsters and interacting in a fantasy world. - Stats: (The Six Attributes) Strength/Dexterity/Constitution/Charisma/Intelligence/Wisdom
  • Fallout series - Situation: Surviving a post-apocalyptic, violent world. - Stats: (S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Stats) Strength/Perception/Endurance/Charisma/Intelligence/Agility/Luck
  • Gumshoe game - Situation: A detective solving a murder. - Stats: (GUMSHOE System) Investigative abilities(Architecture, Cop Talk, Forensic Accounting)/General abilities(Athletics, Health, Shooting)/Health and stability(serious injury or mental illness)
  • Persona series - Situation: A student in high school. - Stats: Courage/Knowledge/Diligence/Expression/Understanding
  • Long Live the Queen - Situation: Bringing up a young queen. - Stats: Social/Intellectual/Physical/Mystical/Mood
  • Tally Ho - Situation: Being a butler/maid in the 1920s. - Stats: (SUNDRY Skills) Bold/Culture/Intellect/Observe/Persuade/Skullduggery/Soothing vs Abrasive/Reputation/Suspicion/Tranquility/Renown/Ready Monies
  • Magical Diary - Situation: Smart/Strong/Cute/Weird/Magic Specialisation(Red, Blue, Green, Black, White)/Stress/Merits/Money
  • Reigns - Situation: A King ruling a kingdom. - Stats: Church/Military/Civilians/Money
Hope this helps! :D
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verysunshine
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Re: Determining Stats for a Simulation-Style VN

#3 Post by verysunshine »

Good point. I know the situations the player will be in. This does help!

Build the basics first, then add all the fun bits.

Please check out my games on my itch.io page!

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