if you want to play the original, then buy it now. and dont update it. sounds to me that the Ipad version, Fargoal legends, will become the original version. its gonna become universal tho, so you can play it on whichever device.
The article said you can get all of the items in-game as well. So you can just ignore the IAPs. And yeah, as mekanikal said, Fargoal Legends is apparently the original version (and since it's going universal, you'll be able to get it if you don't have an ipad).
Whoa... the Ranger and Thief in those screenshots look great... So I haven't been paying attention again... there *are* character classes now? Also, still skeletons in wizard hats aplenty, right???
That IAP screenshot is not representative of what's actually going to be in the store. We're still working on that and figuring out what makes the most sense. There *will* be new character classes and other larger features in there, not just a bunch of equipment (which is placed there for testing only). Yes, Fargoal Legends will become the classic version and stay that way, universal and available on iPhone/iPad both. Fargoal 2.0 (the current iPhone version) is the new direction. Yup, as I said above, IAP isn't finalized yet, and both versions will be available as the two already-existing apps. Everyone gets upgraded to some degree. Classes yes... and I'd tell you, but then skeletons in wizard hats would have to kill you (they likely will *anyway*).
Then I shall meet my demise wearing a conical chapeau of my very own in hopes of one day joining those grim-wizarding flesh-challenged ranks.
So, we are still debating internally how best to handle IAP for the game. We are curious on the thoughts of you, the loyal throng of Sword of Fargoalians, who have toiled tirelessly in our dungeons time and again. In all cases, new character classes and other extras (modes etc.) would be available as IAP extras. Here now are the current options: Proposed solution A: Extras and unlocks, as well as numerous items/weapons available as IAP for permanent unlock, which can then be chosen from an armoury (for free) when beginning a quest. Items could also be permanently unlocked in other ways through playing. Game gold would be used only for sacrifice within dungeons at the temple etc. Proposed solution B: Extras and unlocks available as IAP, as well as extra game GOLD, which can be used to buy and equip weapons and items for your characters before starting a quest. Gold can also be won from quests by returning alive with gold in hand. Items encountered in the dungeons would be permanently unlocked and appear in the merchant's shop. Proposed solution C: Only extras available as IAP, no items or gold. Always start new character with default equipment, or whatever equipment the character already has from prior quests. Proposed solution D: No IAP whatsoever. This is a fake option. We need to eat, so it ain't happenin' Thoughts? Preferences? EDIT: Updated with wobblez input.
If I may offer my thoughts on IAP...... don't do it. I don't like the idea of being able to choose what weapons and equipment to start a quest with at all. I really feel a huge part of this game is going into the dungeon with a crap sword and that's it, no advantages whatsoever, it's up to you to FIND weapons and everything else to make it out alive. Buying a great shield etc to start with feels very cheap and against the grain of what the game is all about. So, Mr Garden Sir, please don't do it. Don't. Wobblez wouldn't be happy! By the way, what was the item you included last time in my honour - still haven't discovered it!? Either that or I just missed the relationship to me.
Well, I'm all for new character classes and new modes and will happily pay for them. But, personally, I don't like your proposed A and B options. But, if I had to choose, it would definitely be B. The main reason for me not liking either is that I think it could really affect my perception of the game (and the perception may not reflect the reality but that's not really the issue because perception can change everything). You see, if I'm playing and know there are pay-for unlockable items and I'm having a hard time, I'm going to be cursing myself for not buying them and I'll be thinking that I really need them for a leg-up. And if I have bought the items (which I probably would), I'm always going to feel like I'm cheating. I think it may well affect my sense of achievement if I do well. Option B will result in less of that because at least the items are available in a normal game but will I feel like I'm setting out already doomed because I didn't buy gold and properly outfit my character? Or will I feel like I just paid for a win? I think it may sour the game somewhat for me because it's not just a case of decided whether to choose to buy them or not - the simple fact that they are there would call into question the fairness of your starting position. Yep, you've gotta eat but you asked! To be honest, if you packaged this update as Fargoal 2 and charged again for it, I'd buy it in a heartbeat. And I'll definitely by character classes and fun extras (that don't really affect gameplay). So, if there are other ways you can monetise it, I'm all for them. Edit: Now with the new option, I choose C.
Just had a thought - can you not charge for the update instead rather than the additional items and just leave the game "as is" so that you still have to find stuff each time?
Good points BeefJerky. I must say I like Option C the best too. Thanks wobblez. Also, wobblez the update can't be charged-for... since it's an update. However, the basic update will give you everything you already had in 1.x, plus all of the extra gameplay. SO, no IAP is ever required to experience the game normally and properly. And that is what our final goal is too... IAP not a requirement for victory, but a way to extend the experience and make it more fun, while funding for future development (of which we are sorely in need).
I love this game ! However I feel IAP options to alter the original gameplay would ruin the game (I know I would not have to purchase them, but as another person said knowing they are there does alter your perception of a game). For example my perception changed for the worse regarding Infinity Blade when they added the extra gold option and you could effectively 'pay to cheat'. However my perception (if thats the right word) improved for example in a game like Fieldrunners when they added different IAP maps to enhance the already great gameplay and provided extra playability, they didn't have to resort to giving you the option to 'pay with real money' to buy extra defences to beat a level. To ensure you developers don't starve, I would more than happily pay for extra characters, different dungeon tile sets (how about the original C64 tile set and/or music/sound effects or even an alien tile set, or a medieval tile set with all human enemies instead of monsters etc) or how about a character editing tool so you can draw your own hero etc. Please developers why don't you try initially doing something like this first to see if it keeps you in KFC (or whatever you developer types eat ) *To be honest I have even bought the ipad version even though I don't own an ipad (yet) to show you my support.
I like option C the best, in terms of it staying true to the original "struggle to build yourself up from next to nothing" gameplay, but at the end of the day, since you're not doing this for charity, the option that generates you the most income will be the best, no? Seriously, personal preferences aside, I'm know you'll take care to maintain the game's outstanding balance, whichever route you go.
Thanks for your support Betty_2K1 . Jeff and I have been discussing the feedback so far, and we both really like option C, which falls in line with your wishes. I think that pretty much solves it! And once 2.0 is released and we get feedback from players, we can see where to go from there with new IAP extras and options.
Nope. I have no idea where they got that date. It'll be done when it's finished and awesome, that is all. END OF LINE
Thanks! I am glad that we all are on the same wavelength now. We've been batting this around for months...
Sorry, I was the one interviewed. I looked back at my emails and could not find my mention of the anticipated date. But then again I'm infamous on the team for over-predicting or over-promising when we can do things. Paul is the realist, and he's the one who has also been doing the lion's share of the hard work on this *HUGE* update! Everyone's patience will be rewarded. Jeff
Hmmm about the IAP I would pay for character classes, but not for items that you can find, nor do I like the idea of being able to start with good equipment, because finding the better equipment is part of the fun.
