10 Overused RPG Mechanics That Must Die Next Generation
1. Meaningless Character Stats
Similar to inconsistent and unnecessary mechanics, meaningless character stats are another part of RPGs which need to be worked on. Obviously you can’t get rid of character stats, these are the very essence of a player’s build and how they choose to tackle the game.
What you can do, though, is make them mean more than just extra padding for your game. Random, unique stats that a developer liked the name of are all well and good but if they don’t do anything new, then what’s the point? Disco Elysium embraces its wacky character stats and gives every single one of them a purpose, impacting your character at different times.
Shivers? Well, that’s a tingle you get as the cold coastal wind hits your bare neck, helping you remember something from your speed-fuelled stupor the night before. Inland Empire? Bit of a weird name but ultimately, it’ll let you open your imagination, animating the inanimate and allowing for conversation with your own clothing or items around you. So, not only are those two stats unique, they’re also a little bit out there and they contribute to the game’s focus on detective work. If there’s one game RPG devs need to take note of, it’s Disco Elysium.