b e a r d
If you're playing an open world RPG, which one of these would you prefer happens once you beat the game?
A) You're able to go back to before the ending and continue playing in the state the game world was in before finishing the game.
B) You're able to carry over your party level when you start a New Game.
In both scenarios, you get some extra gear for beating the game.
Would love to hear thoughts on this!
@berkberkman @Mr_NutterButter I'm asking for my game's development. In that context, the New Game Plus would mean you can start from scratch with your character and party build, and make different choices along the story to see new scenes play out. Those would be the two main things you'd get out of it. The fact you get to keep your level and are given gear obtainable only by beating the game would essentially just make a second playthrough easier if you wanted to see absolutely everything.
For option A, it would be for finishing up anything you missed and there is the potential to get different endings without having to replay the entire game. You might not be able to get every ending from that point, depending on how much you've already done, but you can change it quite a bit. There are some secrets to hunt for too that might be easier if you're going back to before the ending instead of starting a new game. Though, if you're taking a different route with your new game, you might find things you wouldn't have thought of otherwise!
The game is about 25 hours long for an average playthrough. I did about 2/3 of the raw content in my first full one and it clocked in at about 27 hours. Personally, I would probably want to be kicked back out to the overworld instead of starting a new game with beefy characters, but I'm not really one to play games twice very often anyway so I wanted to get some other perspectives.
An Example of Option A that I liked: Super Paper Mario spoilers
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@beardalaxy @berkberkman @Mr_NutterButter I think Option A allows for future post-game content via DLC. Fallout 3 is a good example of this. But there are many examples of it not being done well. Super Mario 64 comes to mind. Seriously, what's the point of getting 100 lives just to replay the same levels you already beat, so you can have fun dying 100 times? Though I think games that allow you to replay levels have the replayability of trying to beat your previous record.
Another terrible example of Option A is the Minish Cap. It has content that can ONLY be obtained post-game, and (as far as I can tell) nothing tells you that it exists. I only found out about it after reading a walkthrough. The game is already known for having the worst side-quest system, so it isn't a big surprise, but the post-game content is just a shield and a few figurines you can unlock, stuff you already don't need.
https://www.zeldadungeon.net/the-minish-cap-walkthrough/dark-hyrule-castle/#c6_5
I think Option A is really only good for games that have DLC/expansions planned, have a definitive ending that requires a 100% completion, or is a game that allows you to replay levels to get higher scores.
Option B depends on if people are willing to replay the entire game, which really depends on the length and enjoyment of the game.
@beardalaxy
Mass effect.
I prefer the Mass effect system of passing your save to the next game
@beardalaxy
Also, NG+ for linear games, and continuation for open world.
Dark souls does both, when you think about it though.
@beardalaxy I almost never do the new game plus: even if I liked the game a lot, why dilute the experience by making it overstay its welcome right after the finale (and JRPGs are LONG); and by the time I might actually want to replay something requiring 30-70 hours, my original save files are usually lost for various reasons
@beardalaxy Definately "B" for me. Bonus points for adding (even a thinly veiled) explanation for why it is all a (neverending) cicle like some of the Dark Souls games or Bloodborne.
@beardalaxy I have mixed feelings with both, but if there's a special bonus/true/secret ending for either one, I'd go with Option A for the sake of finishing those necessary side tasks that I might've missed. Option B is fine only if there's a significant spin done to the gameplay and the story. Otherwise, replaying the whole long campaign all over again would just be mundane for me.