Text
a game where you only have your words-
use them wisely.
SPODYSSEY Q & A
What does Spodyssey mean?The title of my game, Spodyssey, is a combination of the words “space” and “odyssey”. “Odyssey” meaning “adventure” and space being, well, space. I carefully consider the names of my characters, and usually do large amounts of research into different languages and roots. However, most memorable IPs have unique and sometimes silly names. Think of Pokemon, Petscop, and Splatoon. I was unsure about “Spodyssey” at first, but one of my online friends encouraged me to go with it. She said it was unique and fun to say.
cover art for "Petscop", a webseries created by content creator "Pressedyes" Tony.
Box art for Nintendo's third Splatoon game.
Box art for Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Sky for the Nintendo DS.
The use of the word “Odyssey” was also considered as the structure of Spodyssey is similar to one of my favorite games, Super Mario Odyssey. In this game, you go around various unique themed lands to collect moon pieces. The game was praised at the time for being a breath of fresh air into the Mario series, as well as having stylish and fun world and character design. The gameplay is also engaging and varied, making replays of the game a regular part of my routine. It is a big inspiration to me creatively, so having part of its name in my passion project as an homage felt fitting.
Promotional image showcasing Tostarena, a region in the Sand Kingdom of Mario Odyssey
Mario Odyssey's "Moon Kingdom," a large inspiration for Cassiopeia of Kosmos
The whimsical Luncheon Kingdom of Mario Odyssey!
What is the gameplay of “Spodyssey” like?Spodyssey will be a top-down role playing game. You will play as your player character, a small bunny-like alien. As an intern of the Spodyssey program, you will explore different planets and meet all sorts of folks. Doing your internship tasks will transition you from a top-down view to a rhythm game with limited controls. Engaging in difficult conversations will transition you to a turn-based battle system.
What genre is “Spodyssey”?Spodyssey will be a rhythm-based indie RPG. Drama, comedy, and occasional psychological horror will all be prevalent. I want it to be a fun, emotional experience.
What are some of the main inspirations for “Spodyssey”?Spodyssey has many creative inspirations. For overall tone and structure, Undertale and Pokemon Mystery Dungeon are two that come to mind. I love the mix of humorous dialogue, fun characters, and heartbreaking stories. The surreal indie horror game, Yume Nikki, is also a large creative inspiration. I love how that game, and the fan games made after it, tell so much with their visual storytelling and chilling soundtracks.
For gameplay, my main inspirations were Paper Mario Thousand Year Door, Taiko no Tatsujin, and Rhythm Heaven. Spodyssey’s gameplay is rhythm based, and the player must hit the correct button inputs at the right time to complete certain tasks. Paper Mario in particular was very influential; while playing the game, I felt consistently engaged. My strategies I spent time thinking up were dependent on my accurate button presses. It wasn’t just luck; the turn-based system needed my input to move the battle forward.
So, yes. Rhythm games and heartfelt RPGs are the main inspirations for Spodyssey.
What software is Spodyssey being developed in?I plan to develop Spodyssey in GameMaker Studio 2. This software is incredibly beginner friendly, and the same software Undertale was developed in. The die-hard undertale fan in me wants to keep using this software as an homage, but part of me knows if development gets tough or software changes, I’ll need to switch to a different engine. So, the plan is GameMaker, but that is subject to change.
GameMaker Studio 2 Logo.
I’ve been learning GameMaker through Youtube tutorials, and I’ve been taking a beginner’s programming class at my university. Programming isn’t my strong suit, but I adore game design and want to pursue making games, even if it doesn’t come easily. I am very lucky to have resources online and in-person to help me in my endeavors!
Who is working on Spodyssey? Do you have a team?So far, the main developer of Spodyssey is your’s truly. I have a friend who is very gifted in programming, and they want to help out. But honestly, I don’t feel super comfortable having team members until I save up enough to properly compensate them for their work.I planned on starting a kickstarter for Spodyssey after the Demo is completed, but I’m not quite sure if that is the route I want to go.
When will Spodyssey be released?I plan on completing the demo of the game first before anything else. I have the basic structure of the demo planned out (it is basically the first hour or so of the game) so the next step is scripting and programming.Before I focus my energy on Spodyssey, though, I plan to complete my first game. This is a prequel of sorts to Spodyssey, titled In Stitches We Awake. It will focus on the creation of the first ever planet in their community, and their troubling customs they had to fight to leave behind. Stay tuned!
GAMEPLAYSPODYSSEY contains rpg elements mixed with strategic rhythmic gameplay. When you meet someone who is difficult to reason with, you will enter a “battle” where you try to reasonably conversate with them...or not. Your choice.
YOUR TURN:
Choose to say something, and in order for it to “get through”, you will need to complete a rhythmic button press, similar to games like Taiko no tastujin or paper mario. The easier things to say get easier patterns.
Make your decision!
The button press pattern begins!
THEIR TURN:
Like any good interaction, the other person gets to say their peace. Sometimes, words can hurt, so you will be thrown into a 2d-platformer style ordeal, where they attack you to the beat of the music!
the main goal of your internship, helping the citizens, will also be done through rhythm games!
Spodyssey is a rhythm-based RPG, where the player is an intern at the "Spodyssey program", and is tasked with helping the citizens of the different planets with various projects. These range from smaller tasks like helping a scientist make potions or giving citizens haircuts, to large tasks like assisting in the preparations of an intergalactic ball. These tasks are interactive, taking place in rhythm-based minigames. The player will also have many choices to decide how far they want to go to help the community. Do they want to do the bare minimum tasks? Or do they want to dig deeper and get to know the citizens? Do they have the power to change a person's world view with a little effort? Or is the community destined to crumble?
I'm WHEELIESCOOT! I’m an artist, animator, character designer, and game developer. I love cute things and pastel colors; I also love dark concepts and gritty horror. I love exploring complex ideas through fun and exciting characters. I run an independent online shop selling my artwork. I’m currently developing my first game, a prequel to Spodyssey, titled In Stitches We Awake. I believe making great games takes three main concepts: interesting aesthetic, powerful story, and interactive and fun gameplay.