The Ultimate Guide: Unveiling the Secrets to Crafting Insanely Fun Action RPGs!

As an isometric action RPG, Farsiders follows a well-established path with numerous predecessors showcasing the dos and don'ts of the genre. Thai indie game studio, Ghost Gambit, took this to heart during the game's development, drawing inspiration from past titles to refine the features and gameplay mechanics that have proven to be successful historically. They also identified areas that required additional attention.

In an interview with Game Rant, Farsiders developer, Tanakom Viphavaphanich, emphasized the key aspects of game design necessary for creating a truly enjoyable action RPG. Specifically, he highlighted the need for a diverse range of skills and more intricate movement options, which have often been lacking in the genre. He also emphasized the significance of incorporating visual and audio feedback in combat, as these details greatly impact the overall satisfaction of the gaming experience.

Farsiders Wants Players to Have More Abilities Than Most Action RPGs

Viphavaphanich acknowledged that movement can pose a challenge in isometric games, even for the best ones, due to the absence of a third dimension. To address this limitation and enhance gameplay, the Farsiders team decided to introduce a substantial collection of spells and abilities, called the "grimoire," which players can collect and use to shape their characters. Additionally, the game's encounters are intricately tied to the various movement mechanics.

For instance, take Darksiders Genesis. It's a fantastic game based on a popular intellectual property, but it lacks diversity in terms of gameplay in this particular isometric action genre. It feels somewhat one-dimensional. Initially, we also had a similar approach, with a focus on auto attacks. However, we realized it was too ordinary and predictable, as it has been the norm for a long time. To spice things up, we introduced a spell casting system that plays a pivotal role in defeating enemies, requiring strategic timing and execution of skills, as well as the customization of different character builds.

Isometric games often restrict your abilities and movements to a certain extent, with many games opting for a safer approach and avoiding overwhelming players with too many options. However, we have surpassed that point and overcome numerous challenges, aiming to provide players with a multitude of choices and unprecedented freedom.

In Farsiders, combat takes the form of a visceral hack-and-slash experience that demands precise timing of skills and spell combinations. The extensive range of abilities allows for a refreshing level of diversity in character development, which is typically less common in traditional class-based action RPGs. Additionally, environmental gameplay elements, such as dragons causing icy surfaces or a boss placing players on a spinning wheel, will test players' agility and reaction time, surpassing the typical "avoid the fire" style encounters commonly found in action RPGs.

Farsiders Believes Audio and Visual Feedback are Critical for Satisfying Gameplay

The action RPG genre has undergone numerous iterations over the years, resulting in a highly refined combat system. Viphavaphanich explains that while creating a functional action game is achievable for almost anyone, the true distinction lies in the minor details. One significant aspect is the incorporation of audio and visual feedback when players eliminate enemies. By providing corresponding effects to the player's actions, each kill becomes more impactful.

The satisfaction derived from killing enemies is crucial. We experimented with various techniques to achieve this goal. Initially, we implemented visual effects that varied based on the enemy's demise. These minor details significantly contribute to the overall enjoyment of the hack-and-slash action. Ultimately, it is all about the emotional experience that arises from defeating foes. We continue to dedicate ourselves to enhancing this aspect every day. In the early stages, enemies simply fell to the ground, but we recognized the need for improvement. Thus, we introduced additional blood and other effects to heighten the visceral experience. Although anyone can create an action game, it is these intricate details that set action RPGs apart.

The significance of feedback in gaming can be seen through the rising demand for advanced haptic feedback accessories and controllers. Gamers crave the sensation of every sword strike or trigger pull, and it becomes immediately apparent when games fall short in these aspects. Given that Farsiders' developers have prioritized this aspect, players can anticipate a satisfying experience while obliterating the diverse lineup of over 30 enemy types. Farsiders will be available on PC starting July 19.