Post by Vireo Gilvus on Oct 2, 2015 17:40:58 GMT -5
Remember the 2012 Flash game Parameters? Created by Yoshio Ishii, it reduced the RPG genre to its purest form: fighting monsters, gaining levels, upgrading equipment, and watching your "numbers" go up. Of course, all the graphics were replaced by a simple, mouse-operated, spreadsheet-like interface, but that didn't stop the game from being oddly satisfying and a perennial diversion on my list of Firefox bookmarks.
In 2014, Ishii released a semi-sequel, Heiankyo Parameters. Featuring an interface and ideas similar to its predecessor (along with some elements of the classic Japanese arcade game Heiankyo Alien), this newer "RPG deconstruction" also introduces simulation elements: you can "build a city" by clicking on the small squares. As more "people" move into your developed properties, they periodically throw money onto the map, which you can mouse over and use to buy equipment upgrades and develop more land. The yellow "enemy zones" from the first game are also present here, but it's not recommended to start taking them on until you've bought some weapons and armor for yourself.
As in the first game, you gain a few upgrade points every time your level increases. RCV (how fast your life bar and action bar regenerate) is probably more important in Heiankyo Parameters than in its prequel, so I'd recommend investing most of your upgrade points in RCV.
Unlike the first game, Heiankyo lacks keys, treasures, the letter-collecting sidequest, a slot machine, or that annoying "max out the super-long blue bar by collecting stuff from the same block as quickly as possible" mechanic. Instead, there are different ways to invest your money. In addition to residential areas, you must also rebuild four shrines, two marketplaces, and a government office complex. Each of these special buildings allows you to buy different perks and upgrades for yourself. As with the first game, make sure to collect every green number you see, since those are experience points. (A tip: To build the store that sells weapons, develop the land on the western half of the city. To build the store that sells armor, develop the land on the eastern half.)
Heiankyo Parameters is more detailed and involved than its predecessor, and takes about 250% as much time to finish. If you enjoyed the first game, I definitely recommend this one!
In 2014, Ishii released a semi-sequel, Heiankyo Parameters. Featuring an interface and ideas similar to its predecessor (along with some elements of the classic Japanese arcade game Heiankyo Alien), this newer "RPG deconstruction" also introduces simulation elements: you can "build a city" by clicking on the small squares. As more "people" move into your developed properties, they periodically throw money onto the map, which you can mouse over and use to buy equipment upgrades and develop more land. The yellow "enemy zones" from the first game are also present here, but it's not recommended to start taking them on until you've bought some weapons and armor for yourself.
As in the first game, you gain a few upgrade points every time your level increases. RCV (how fast your life bar and action bar regenerate) is probably more important in Heiankyo Parameters than in its prequel, so I'd recommend investing most of your upgrade points in RCV.
Unlike the first game, Heiankyo lacks keys, treasures, the letter-collecting sidequest, a slot machine, or that annoying "max out the super-long blue bar by collecting stuff from the same block as quickly as possible" mechanic. Instead, there are different ways to invest your money. In addition to residential areas, you must also rebuild four shrines, two marketplaces, and a government office complex. Each of these special buildings allows you to buy different perks and upgrades for yourself. As with the first game, make sure to collect every green number you see, since those are experience points. (A tip: To build the store that sells weapons, develop the land on the western half of the city. To build the store that sells armor, develop the land on the eastern half.)
Heiankyo Parameters is more detailed and involved than its predecessor, and takes about 250% as much time to finish. If you enjoyed the first game, I definitely recommend this one!
