Heyo! Long time no update, figured now would be a good time to pop back in with a little update on whats going on with me!
Long story short, a friend and I have decided to start a little project where we're developing a 2D action RPG. Currently we only have plans to produce a prototype and we're mostly only doing this for fun but we've gotten a lot of support from some unexpected areas and have moved on full steam ahead with developing the prototype. I've signed on as an artist and writer for the project and he's primarily handling programming for the time being. I can't disclose too many details about the project just yet (I should get his permission first) but I can share what I've personally done so far.
The game's project title is Ramen Heroes, it's a cooking themed 2D
action RPG. Inspired heavily by Shokugeki no Soma and Battle Chef Brigade, we've set out to create a game that embodies the two things we absolutely love. Fighting Games and Cooking! The opening song from Baccano sums up the basic tone/feel of our game and story, so have a listen to it while you're reading through this!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_F5459jCtuMHere are some of the details I can share as well concept art for characters so far:
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Setting: The story takes place in a fantasy world modeled after the 1920's/1930's with light art deco influences. The entire story is set in the city of Alta Nua, a huge megalopolis where all the world's finest chefs and gourmands congregate to cook and dine.
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Story: The main narrative follows a young girl in her early 20's named Lydie Laurent. Against her family's wishes, Lydie left home to pursue her dream of becoming the best chef in Alta Nua at the most prestigious academy in the city. After several years in the academy, Lydie returned home on a whim during a holiday to visit her family, only to discover that her neighborhood has become deserted and her family's diner has been abandoned. Lydie's father has gone missing and not a soul remains on her home street.
Overcome with the memories of her family diner and the experiences she shared with the people growing up, Lydie drops out of school and resolves instead to restore her family's diner. She hopes that one day by making the family restaurant famous once more, she will bring back the people that she once shared plates with and perhaps her dad will hear of the restaurant and return home as well.
Join Lydie as she faces off against Alta Nua's eccentric cast of restaurant owners, chefs and gourmands as she cooks for the number one spot in the restaurant world. Experience the culture of Alta Nua such as the Spring Spirit's Festival, a celebration where chefs cook a meal for their deceased ancestors or the Beast Master's Legacy where chefs battle against monsters for the rarest ingredients known to mortals! Most importantly, develop and cook the best meal of your life in this jazzy story about family, food and determination!
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Characters:
(All character designs are currently still WIPs)
Lydie LaurentSkilled with the knife, Lydie possesses the ability to precisely slice any food or monster with ease! Though she doesn't specialize in any particular flavor yet, she is determined to figure out what her specialty is through the trials of running a successful restaurant!
Ryoma SakuraiLydie's underclassmen while they were at school, Ryoma is a hot blooded fire mage that specializes in heat and open fire cooking! He favors spicy and savory foods loaded with umami. Having made a pact to graduate together, Ryoma felt betrayed from Lydie's sudden disappearance and has left school to convince her to return. He runs a food cart with his sister Tsukihi when not attending classes. In battle he uses gauntlets that amplify his fire magic. He see's Lydie as his greatest rival.
Gerard MaraisLydie's uncle and the one that trained Lydie to cook when she was a child. Gerard is a personal friend of Lydie's father and he was given ownership of the Laurent family diner after his father left. Gerard doesn't know why Lydie's father disappeared by he has since abandoned any hope of him returning. Gerard runs his own restaurant on South Street, and after Lydie's return has agreed to help her restore the Laurent Diner.
Donovan Tlax'atlA Coldblood chef that worked in the Laurent Diner when Lydie's father was still around. Donovan was employed by a particularly fussy chef in a different restaurant after the Laurent Diner closed down. He has now returned to work for Lydie and acts as Lydie's first sous chef. He is a vegetarian and works as an aspiring politician in his spare time.
SaffronThe magnanimous chef Saffron is a Celestian witch that appeared in Alta Nua before it became the beacon of culinary adventures that it is today. Saffron runs a restaurant named after herself, Golden Saffron. It is currently the most popular restaurant in Alta Nua. Saffron specializes in spices and herbs, utilizing a combination of alchemy and advanced witchcraft, her meals are known to bewitch customers with their alluring aromas. Saffron prefers savory and salty flavors. She runs a side business selling potions and rare herbs. She has been arrested on occasion for riding her broom past the speed limit.
UmeAlmost constantly drunk, Ume is the enigmatic owner of a posh restaurant named Venom. Ume's family has lived in Alta Nua for generations, as one of the first Oni immigrants to the city. Venom, despite it's name is rated the best restaurant currently in Alta Nua. Ume specializes in using a variety of alcohols and poisons in her cooking. The exotic nature of her food has attracted many daring gourmands and to this day, not one person has left Venom without giving it a 5star review. Ume is often at odds with Saffron, but despite this they are often seen dining together. Ume was in a particularly saucy relationship with Lydie's father at one point.
KrunkThe imposing Krunk is the leader of a crime family seated in the underbelly of Alta Nua. Known only as the "Sugar King", Krunk controls the flow of all sweets in and out of Alta Nua. Despite his status as a criminal overlord, the Sugar Mafia commits very little actual crime. Instead it's more known for buying up and employing promising startup bakeries and patisseries. Krunk himself is known to be a particularly delicate baker and specializes in cakes. As a Golem, he loves sweets and though he doesn't have to ingest food to survive, it has become his favorite pass time. He is quite popular with kids.
And that does it! Thank you so much for taking the time to read all this. Please let me know what you think so far, I know I've been rather vague with details on what the actual game is about but I will be regularly updating this thread with more content as it gets produced! Remember that most of this is still a WIP but I wanted to share at least a little bit of this passion project. Once again, thanks for taking the time to read about my haphazard ideas and look at my awkward character designs!