So, i have recently decided to make a 2d game, but i would like to have some input about video games from you guys, since i dont want to make a game, which is boring or simply bad. The technology i am going to use is all acquired, but i would like your opinion on the game mechanics, atmosphere and desired features.
So, to be short, What does make a good 2d, top-down survival game?
Below are my ideas, but i want to see yours (that's why i made this post). So tell me, what would you like to see in your "perfect" survival indie game, ideas, wishes and things that would set a game apart from others...
Premise: My ideas so far revolve around post apocalyptic environments, countryside and small cities of northern europe. The streets of cities would mostly be empty, with some occasional damaged cars obstructing the way. The places would be randomly generated, with pre-defined set pieces (like streets and buildings with random interiors) placed in random fashion, allowing for many looting options while keeping both replay values and replayability tolerable. Countryside places with lower "population" should also be present, places like farmhouses and mills. Things like windows and doors would be destructible, maybe even walls (not sure about making multi story structures, with many floors and stuff).
Characters/NPCs: So far i have thought of making the NPCs be rather shaken survivors, some ex-policemen, but no soldiers from army, to make the player believe that they really are stranded. There would be NPCs which could sell player items, give quests and some, which player could recruit (squad of 4?), along with squads who have random objectives and roam the game world freely (like in Stalker).
Zombies would be quite simple humans, which dont sprint, but are capable of "power walking", with occasional exceptions. Maybe some tank-types.
Equipment: No power/nano armor, just a pistol and an AK (examples), which degrade over time. You reload magazines, not bullets, so when you reload, you discard remaining bullets in clip. Maybe some weapon modifications, like flashlights. Players could have inventory with 8 or 12 slots: small items (food, bandage, clip) - 1 slot, medium items (medikit, machete, pistol) - 2 slots, big items (smg, shotgun) - 3 slots, large items (rifles) - 4 slots. Containers like trunks of vehicles and boxes available. Trading of items between NPCs also present.
Vehicles: Maybe some cars, trucks, maybe a van or two, all requiring fuel and repairs, both of which are scarce.
Game logics: You don't get experience or skill points, all there is, is a little bar tagged "experience", which tells you how far along the career route a NPC (or you) has progressed. When you start a game, you choose a profession (policeman, medic, etc.) which sets skills available to you and your efficiency with different items (accuracy for policeman, first aid for medic). Killing zombies doesn't give you cash, doing quests does. While there may be a quest, where you get money for clearing area from the undead, shooting them randomly is a waste of ammo.
Extra features: So far, i have thought that there would be a possibility of adding a multiplayer compatibility. But if so, then i would have to start making the game in a completely different way, since logics would be different, requiring a great deal of extra work. Is multiplayer really necessary?
So, these are my ideas.
If you have anything to add, feel free to do so.
Any articles about how to make a good game (mechanics and plot wise), send 'em links here...
I will appreciate any help i can get.