RPGs with Indirectly Exploreable Overworlds?
This is a bit specific, but what I am looking for are examples of RPGs with overworlds that are navigated via menus and maps, as opposed to allowing the character to directly traverse the world. I mostly have earlier, 2D console examples in mind, but some 3D ones could be helpful too. I believe that FFX only allowed you to choose locations to fly to (which is why I never played it), and same with KoToR, though that makes sense with planets. As far as 2D ones, I can only think of Jajamaru Gekimaden, which is an action-RPG but it is somewhat similar in style even if the overworld is traverseable to a degree. In other words, I have no good examples at the moment .
I'd also like to find some examples of interesting overworld maps that can be navigated apart from their levels in other genres. SMB3 is an amazing example, and the end lairs of the Mega Man games are good too (they cannot be navigated, but get close). Shovel Knight had a great one as well, if I recall from pictures, but I have not played it to know firsthand. Rescue Rangers did too, now that I think about it. There are a lot more examples of this in NES-era platformers, but most are slipping my mind. This kind of died out in the SNES era, though SMW, Star Fox, and more that I am forgetting kept it.
Strategy games with static maps like Gemfire are not too helpful, though ones like Fire Emblem has are, come to think of it.
Any examples would be help. Thanks!
I'd also like to find some examples of interesting overworld maps that can be navigated apart from their levels in other genres. SMB3 is an amazing example, and the end lairs of the Mega Man games are good too (they cannot be navigated, but get close). Shovel Knight had a great one as well, if I recall from pictures, but I have not played it to know firsthand. Rescue Rangers did too, now that I think about it. There are a lot more examples of this in NES-era platformers, but most are slipping my mind. This kind of died out in the SNES era, though SMW, Star Fox, and more that I am forgetting kept it.
Strategy games with static maps like Gemfire are not too helpful, though ones like Fire Emblem has are, come to think of it.
Any examples would be help. Thanks!
Comments
Secret of evermore?
Most irrittating "feature" of that game, IMO
For something more modern:
Bastion is an action-RPG in that style (i.e. explicitly selectable levels/zones but action-RPG gameplay within the zone)
For the second question: (i.e. non-RPGs with RPG-style overworlds)
StarTropics (DW-style overworld between DW-style towns and Zelda-style levels)
Zelda 2
Gargoyle's Quest
Adventure Island 2 and 3 (on NES and GB versions)
Super Mario Land 2
Dinocide is an modern Adventure Island clone that uses that mechanic, as well.
Equinox (with the added nuance of a highly interconnected underworld -- i.e. multiple exits/entrances tied to the overworld map)
Leaving a town/area takes you to a scaling and rotating map where you chose your destination from a menu.
Robotrek
Legend of Mana
I think every Ys game I played
Basically any tactical RPG
Originally posted by: arch_8ngel
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For the second question: (i.e. non-RPGs with RPG-style overworlds)
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Second question was for non-RPGs with the same type of point-to-point setup as the first question.
Originally posted by: CZroe
Aren't most RPGs like this? Here's an adventure RPG example: Illusion of Gaia.
Leaving a town/area takes you to a scaling and rotating map where you chose your destination from a menu.
I wouldn't say most, at least among certain developers the preference seemed to be for directly explorable overworlds. Action-RPGs often tend toward the menu system, when they have an overworld at all, since you wouldn't be able to fight otherwise, as opposed to turn-based RPGs where they just carry on the same battle mechanic that they regularly employ for dungeons. Terranigma is one exception to that that I can think of, being an action-RPG with a directly explorable overworld but without battles on it.
Originally posted by: Brock Landers
Final Fantasy Mystic Quest
Robotrek
Legend of Mana
I think every Ys game I played
Basically any tactical RPG
Which Ys games? I have avoided those like the plague .
Anyways, thnaks again. I had forgotten or overlooked many of the ones listed.
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For the second question: (i.e. non-RPGs with RPG-style overworlds)
....
Second question was for non-RPGs with the same type of point-to-point setup as the first question.
Might want to clarify that in the OP, since the second line of questioning, while it clearly INCLUDES that type of point-to-point navigation, sounds much broader.
Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2
Final Fantasy X-2 and XIII-2
Also the Disney games that use direct navigation: Duck Tales and Darkwing Duck.
Which Ys games? I have avoided those like the plague .
Y? (see what I did there? ) No seriously though, at least try the tg-16 cd version if you can, its excellent.