I suggest a multimedia project: A videogame rpg for “the main story” A TTRPG for fans to create their own And a book full of short stories: a few of them mission reports from the hunters hope club, some of them odd and mysterious rumours and tales and a few of them old myths and legends.
this goes without saying but since this is as indie as it can get, focusing effords on one single point seems more possible than taking the risk of spreading their resources too thin
@@gabrieleduardoronlezama7757 exactly. I think the video game should come first, then crowdfund the ttrpg & the book WHEN the video game is successful.
I think having an RPG would make sense. As you adventure, you'd add more and more to your party ala Persona. Each have their own strengths and weaknesses.
While most people are probably gonna want this as a video game, I’ve gotta put my hat in the ring for a Tabletop Game. Everything I’ve seen so far seems like building blocks not for one singular story with specific goals and gameplay objectives, but a world with a lot of directions that players could take. Making it a TTRPG’ll give you a chance to experiment with ways to play that’ll conflict if you stick to the rigid parameters of what code could provide! Especially with the multiple gameplay styles you mentioned at the end - each of the Founders’ philosophies feel like they’d make for a video game with clashing genres, and a TTRPG would probably make the genres mesh a little cleaner!
It'll also simplify the making process a bit because they don't need a coder or a team of them to create it, no music composer either, just writing story/world building/game mechanic and illustrations are enough
Preach my ttrpg brethren, ttrpg are collaborative storytelling mediums that promote creativity and experimentation. A perfect fit for this world and community.
Yeah I agree. It could be each of the members he made could sort of represent different classes you could play. I could see it being a mix of dungeons and dragons and call of Cthulhu.
Like Pokemon, you could always make it a bunch of things. A comic, a video game (RPG of some kind), a tabletop RPG, etc. Nothing’s stopping it from being a franchise beyond budget. And one version of the story could well fund another.
An RPG akin to games like Shin Megami Tensei / Persona feels like it makes most sense. The already established characters and what they stand for also lends itself well to a core story told through a video game with branching endings based on how you approached certain situations
a TTRPG seems like it would be fitting for a setting like this! Being able to create your own character to fit into this world with their own motivations for joining the Hunter’s Hope Club, and exploring fantastic locations seems fitting for how bizarre the world is. Although, i think an RPG would work on a similar level.
Quite honestly, I think this world deserves more than one medium through which to explore it. I think an open world rpg, a table top rbg, and graphic novels are all phenomenal ideas, but as someone partial to tcgs I think a card game would be super fun too.
I genuinely believe that this should be a physical card game accompanied by a novel with illustrations giving fans a way to interact with the world and you the ability to create a story you can love and be proud of. I've never commented on a video before so I want you to know that this is one of the most interesting worlds I've ever had the pleasure to observe. I love seeing what you can create and I am excited to see more.
A ttrpg sounds like It'd be a very good approach. Look at it this way: You'd be getting both parts of the whole. 1. You'd be able to keep the form of the story being told through word and art all while.. 2. Providing a playable game at the same time, allowing people to experience the world and interact with it
Throwing my hat into the ring for TTRPG. Not just because i'm a rpg goblin who hordes games I will never play, but also TTRPG are a hell of a lot easier and faster to create in every way. The biggest issue is that if it's not tied to D&D it's really hard to market it, but with the youtube channel that's not as much of an issue. EDIT: Also there is already an TTRPG that gives a great template for this game: Vaesen. The game is literally about people in the early 20th late 19th century dealing with strange creatures through creative ways other than violence. It gives a great set of bones to build off of.
For some reason i see this as a card-based roleplaying game. You collect cards of different enigmorphs or actions during the game and use them to tell a story. No idea how it would work, but a game like this would perfectly combine the creature collection and narrative aspects of your world.
I'm actually developing a horror, monster collecting, deck builder and I think it would work for his design approach. Plus the deck building helps lean into the mystery part of battles, since cards don't have to be attacks.
@@Autistic_Menace00 maybe it'll be like dnd, but spells and features will be divided into cards, and each card type will be a type of enigmorph or certain items/actions/abilities. Sort of like a combo of dnd and magic the gathering
I love the idea of a ‘coffee table book’, something large and hefty with pages that look similar to the final illustrations in your ‘I designed gods for our monster collection game’ video or drawings from projects like MerMay, SmAugust and apoctober. It could be framed as an encyclopaedia, textbook, journal, field guide… with that format you could tell the story through more enigmatic means, we’d have to put together a story from context clues and tidbits (similar to earlier MerMay videos - which are my absolute favourites)
TTRPG is probably your best bet and I haven’t really seen a good monster taming TTRPG yet so it’s got potential. In general, you can have something of a 80:20 split between the rules of FATE Accelerated Edition (FAE) and Dungeons and Dragons so their are rules that are flexible and customizable but not to the point that players don’t have anything to work off of. As for how I think it’d work mechanically for the players, you seem to have a basic class system setup, Illusion, Battle, and Study. Each getting bonuses to their respective class. To further spice things up since there is only three classes, add in a Enigmorph type specialization system based on the Enigmorph types you’ve already got. So they now get a bonus for doing things involving specific types of Enigmorph as well. So now you can make unique characters mechanically while still keeping it simple and players aren’t fighting for spotlight when there are inevitably two Battle class characters.
The ideia of multiple resolutions for encounters, like battles, makes me think of Undertale, since the combat could be solved through other actions besides attacking the target
Since you pointed out strategy, I think a turn-based strategy game would be interesting given this context. Especially with what you said previously of wanting to have the player avoid combat as much as possible. Maybe a good option would be a turn-based stealth game where the human characters have to investigate enigmorph activity while preventing people outside the world of eldritch secrets from encountering your own enigmorphs. The Human characters would be able to do things such as investigating clues, interacting with NPCs by running distractions, interrogations, or trying to convince people to be in the right place at the right time. Meanwhile the enigmorphs while riskier to use because they can unintentionally cause NPCs to panic if spotted can offer supernatural support such as fae types buffing conversation skills/offering support via illusions, construct types being able to manipulate machine parts, etc. This way the player would need to consider the whole of the map they're currently on and what NPCs can do to either aid or hinder their progress. IDK I think that would be a good way to make combat secondary to the investigation angle. I still think Enigmorphs need more than typing to be able to feel unique to use so maybe kinda like pokemon they have 4 ability slots with each enigmorph having access to different abilities based on type/theming. However, unlike Pokemon not all of these abilities are combat-oriented, some emphasize stealth, others mobility, or other utility, and yes some combat-oriented skills for when the player is caught or finds the enigmorph they're looking for
IMO a Enigmorphs/Aprocryphal game would be something similar to the Digimon Cyber Sleuth games (where the player uses different types and attributes of digimon to use their hacking skills), but maybe less focused in the battles and more focused in puzzle solving. Also, iirc, you mentioned in previous videos that the method of getting enigmorphs would be similar to writing down about them. In some digimon games, instead of capturing or breeding the digimons, you mainly scan the data of the digimon you battle and then you manifest them when have 100% or more scan data of a digimon. So it'd be very nice to see Enigmorphs working in a similar way (tho the actual process would be more "archaic") Anyways, excellent video as always and i can't wait to see more about this new series you're creating! ^^
A TTRPG would be great, as it would make it so people can make their own stories and enigamorphs. It would also make it so that the players could decide their own ways of using enigamorphs.
I would love to see a TTRPG based around forming connections with creatures like the enigmorphs. Some relationship mechanics that differ between the different enigmorphs such as different needs, likes and temperaments would be really cool.
A TTRPG would also work especially well with the idea that there are many ways to solve a problem as they are usually incredibly open. It would also be cool to see different enigmorphs with different balances of in combat and out of combat abilities, though probably none with only combat or only out of combat as that goes against the idea of allowing players to choose their route.
Check out Monsters and Other Childish Things. Pretty much this except you only have one creature, but I'm sure there's some add on to it. (There's even a Persona hack for it that's really good!!) @@bryncristie5602
These designs are giving off a "tactical rpg" vibe to me. The way you described the different types of creatures and their matchups also feel very reminiscent of the "Weapon triangle" from Fire Emblem.
I believe perfect inspiration for a game is fear and hunger; you could have a mechanic of your characters being driven mad by some of the creatures or sights and that could increase the levels or stats of enemys you encounter and has a perfect mix of the style you have for your own ideas
I actually immediately thought of fear and hunger when he discussed the potential gameplay for the project in an earlier video. Particularly on how the idea of turn based battles where your goal is to get stronger and be the very best like pokemon don't really fit with the theme of the project that is more geared towards learning about and exploring with the creatures, solving puzzles and the like. And Fear and Hunger's approach to combat and just general gameplay loop fits perfectly here. Enemies are much more powerful than you and you don't get anything from defeating them aside from wasting your limited supply of resources and health, that is if you actually manage to win and not die horribly, which is unlikely. so engaging in direct combat is almost universally a last resort, instead most of your progression is centered around using your understanding of the game's mechanics to bypass enemies without engaging in combat at all. Acquiring better equipment and supplies through exploration And when you do have to fight, understanding how each enemy uniquely operates and using that along the resources you managed to save so far to minimize the tax of Health and resources of the battle. Through just knowledge of their behaviours and how to find certain items recurring enemies that would once kill you 7 times out of 10 can almost always be killed without a scratch, while bosses start off as downright impossible and with enough forethought can just scrape into being managable. Is there anything more perfect for the theme of understanding creatures than this?
i think, due to your storytelling skills as a designer, that a visual medium will strongly suit what you have already created in apocryphal. which rules out novels and music, and i can't see any possible way for enigmorphs to fit in a video game, even an rpg, so i think this series suits comics the best, especially since the enigmorphs could lead to some really interesting panel breaking (ex. a fire enigmorph leaving a charred effect on the pages)
Since you talked about wanting multiple different gameplay routes, it could be really fun to make it a TTRP. Then players can decide if they want to battle, do some shapeshift/subterfuge/intrigue, role-play things out in social encounters with people or Enigmorphs. Especially if you make a "template" for custom Enigmorphs, with stats, behavior, vices, interests, etc
I personally believe that a sort of journal would be a good way to tell the story. Kinda a combination of the journal entries of Celeste and the idea of the "orientation" from the last video. Almost like a field guide of sorts
As other said, I think a TTRPG would be a great approach for design. Your designs could shine and be a main part, while still telling the story through them. I imagine it in a more mystery-style, where you have to reveal whats happening through using the abilities of the enigmorphs, but also through decoding messages or reading old journals or speaking to the locals. You can easily create great stories with this material, game masters and players alike can create characters, that fit into this compelling world and decide how they interact with the enigmorphs (do they "use" them or try to learn from them, etc.) The only contrary point to it would be, that you would need to build in a combat system, that makes it more engaging to play and also more "realistic". Yet I do not think that it would have to be a big part of the game, only an option to solve some problems.
I dont think anyone has suggested this, but this would be cool as a interactive novel/texted based adventure since it would be both written & interactive! :)
I know it's probably unrealistic to expect a game like this. But I would love to see AND play an RPG with a fully explorable 3D world with platforming mechanics, hidden items to collect, and enemies to fight. Something like a more horror, Lovecraftian version of botw, or pokemon legends Arceus.
A TTRPG would be so cool especially considering the possibility of having around 20 starting enigmorphs that can be rolled for and all of which could make for a video on it's own or even a contest between the fans like you did with the mazah region
You mentioned ttrpg and my head was immediately filled with possible mechanics to represent monster collection games and how to best allow players to express their characters, both stat and roleplay wise. I also feel like a different system to the standard dnd system would probably work better for this game should you choose to make a ttrpg system for this universe. I feel like something close to lancers accuracy/difficulty system would work pretty well for dice modifiers. I could also see the three leaders roles influencing the tone of multiple small modules for players to engage with. Like one where their battling against the shark mob (I forgot their name), one where they have to infiltrate an elitist club to find a prime enigmorph cult and a third that is themed around a dark disturbing city bursting to the seams with bizarre enigmorphs. Or better yet with the research themed module, they have to investigate a small costal town for a hidden unknown enigmorph that they have to track down both through the field and piles of old tomes and papers. Honestly at this rate I might just start building the modules and ttrpg because my head is just overflowing with ideas that I want to get on paper fast
Disclaimer: Hi! I'm a new fan and not much of a comments person, but this project really caught my interest so I'm hoping it can be as good as it can be. I also apologize for the essay, I wasn't planning on to, but the ideas and interest just kept coming. I was introduce to your channel by your introduction video for Aprocryphal. The idea and the art that you had really caught my interest so I'm hoping for your success and a good result. The idea of a ttrpg seems very enticing as I've played my share of them, but originally being from outside of the States I imagine it'd be hard to ship or take people out of the country into account. Therefore I think the idea of a video game seems to be and feels a lot more valid as an idea. I understand that your demographic is people in America, but having it available worldwide is always a bonus. Now, regarding what type of game it could be, there are so many ideas that could work and be amazing that I'm hoping as long as you make "something" out of Aprocyphal the majority of people will be happy. As for what I think is a good medium is some sort of main story line either in an rpg or some sort of visual novel as your method of portraying the world, Aprocryphal, but the idea or gimmick for the game itself I think should be some sort of card-based game. Card-base games have generally not been in the limelight of games recently, but there have been some resurgences such as that indie game Buckshot Roulette, so people are aware of card-base games there just aren't that many that catches ppls interests. And also Im just a big fan of card-base games and there aren't any fun good ones that are available. Soooo, TLDR I think a good idea would be a simple yet difficult original battle card game, with a sort of visual or more interactive rpg for world and story building.
I think a TTRPG would be amazing. It would allow for the still image designs but also allow the playstyle that you've mentioned in previous videos, such as wanting to use the enegmorphs in more ways other than combat. It would allow for people to create their own stories with a constantly evolving plot, centered around the players choices, allowing fir a more catered experience to each player.
I love the idea of this world as a TTRPG. Especially with the three founders you designed, I could see each one of them representing one of three main classes to play. Something along the lines of hunters, infiltrators and archivists. Anyway, you're building a very strong foundation for this world and all the mediums you mentioned could definitely work. Big fan of the project!!!
I absolutely adore how many people are saying "TTRPG" and I agree! It sounds like an incredible medium for expressing this varying and expansive world.
I love these characters!!! It's so interesting to see the kinds of unlikely personalities all united in the same mission. You've gotta be pretty devoted to be part of this club, so of course these people are so unique!
As a TTRPG enthusiast I think this project fits very well with them. One thing I love about these games is that you can take on encounters in different ways, being able to avoid combat through a more diplomatic means. I think that, in addition, the mechanics of having different elements that counteract others like in Pokémon is something that has been seen a lot in video games but not so much in board games. As a recommendation, I think that a format similar to Keys From the Golden Vault (which is a D&D module) could be good, which could be like small stories independent of each other but that end up being united by the same common thread. In this case I imagine it as a kind of "ghostbusters" role-playing game in which each story is like an assignment in which the party has to go to a haunted house or some catacombs or... In short, I think it has a lot of potential and I would play it. PD: Sorry if my english is not the best 😅
I love the idea of this being a game, the idea of making a team based of utility is very appealing to me and something I already do making pokemon OC’s with specific roles and jobs instead of battling
I think a visual novel style with investigation elements (like Professor Layton and Phoenix Wright) would really suit your concept. Especially because those types of games already have a nice mix of exploration and mystery, something you've mentioned in your videos is a key part of Apocryphal. Hope this helps!
"In a World of Chaos, Mystery and Unpredicability, there is no one answer to solve every problem. Sometimes you must Fight, sometimes you must Flee and sometimes your Wits will be your weapon" is already enough to build off of, that I've already come up with something! A TTRPG would be a FANTASTIC route to go down, still keeping all of the artistic and design aspects, whilst all the elements from the games and media it spiritually takes from would be an interesting story AND game. There are module books in TTRPGS; Curse of Strahd with DnD for example, so going down the route of a planned story is totally doable and SO damn fun, with still room for people to do their own stories down the line. Using one full set of Polyhedral Dice and a one-to-two-page Character sheet could be all you need to play, with a similar dice-for-stats system that Kids on Bikes uses. Confront (Physical) Connect (Emotional) Constitute (Defense) Conceil (Magic) and Concentrate (Knowledge), placing a D20, D12, D10, D8, and D4 on each stat, rolling a D6 then adding one of the stat-dice for when the situation calls for it. Three of the 5 Stats already connect to the 3 Co-Founders in the video. Kane with Confront, Malacostra with Conceil and Caorain with Concentrate. And depending on the configuration of dice, that could give a Class or Trope- showing the kind of Hunter you would play as!
You mentioned in your first video on the series that part of Pokémon's success was it's multimedia approach. I feel like Apocryphal would also work well in many forms. Short stories, comics, and videos (like this) pique curiosity and excitement. I, personally, would love to see an open world exploration/collection video game version where one makes their own discoveries (a la Legends:Arceus). However, that feels like it could be just one avenue of many to explore. The great thing about developing the world first is that you're not restricted by mechanics or medium. You have many, many stories to tell, not to mention the stories others will write in your world. Wherever you go, however you get there, I (and many others, I'm sure) are excited to join you on this journey of discovery.
Everyone's saying TTRPG but part of the fun of TTRPGs is the GM's ability to make every game unique, with a different story and even an entirely different world. Apocryphal has a really established lore, though. It's hard to make a new story without breaking the current lore of enigmorphs since it's really pretty set in stone. I saw one guy say that a book accompanied by a TCG works, and I honestly really agree; the combo of lore and player interaction seems cool. Maybe some sort of collaborative board game could work too, though; maybe there's one secret-unveiling main objective everyone's working towards but there's ways to take eachother down? Some hybrid between a board game and a TTRPG, where the story made is the mystery they're uncovering?
I don't comment on videos very often, but I've been following the channel since before your pokemon videos took off, and it'd seriously be a dream come true to see apocryphal become a TTRPG. I'm constantly homebrewing strange and eldritch creatures for systems not necessarily built for that kind of gameplay, and i have faith in you as a designer to come up with something fun and bouncy while still dread inducing! It especially could be fun to tie the different forms of enigmorphs to different dice, with Nascent Enigmorphs inhabiting smaller dice like D4s and D6s and the numbers going up along the evolution chain. A D20 gives you more margin for success, yes, but a 2 on a d20 is so much worse than a 2 on a d6, introducing a strategic element to the types of enigmorphs you choose for different encounters that could somewhat mimic the original creature collector concept. Whatever you end up landing on, I'll always support the channel and I'm hyped for this project even if it lands in a genre I have no personal interest in :]!
A ttrpg sounds amazing, exploring campaigns in this setting would bem Very cool. Like, imagem each form of each monster has especial abilities that the others dont have, and you'll have to switch them to cross, find, use, or watever, to be able to pass an obsticle. Imagine the replay possiblities! You wont be defined by classes only by the "pokemons" you have!
A TTRPG would be quite good for this, because then it provides a myriad of tones unbound by a singular narrative, providing a firm basis in world building and design
wouldn't it be cool to combine elements of an rpg and puzzle game together outside of solving dungeons? like, what if, during battle, to capture an enigmorph or command it, you have to solve a minigame? (I'm thinking sorting objects until the morph is pleased, unscrambling a word that tells you what to do next, or maybe even drawing what you want the morph to do and seeing if it can understand.) undertale has sorta done this with it's whole heart thing and quick-time attacks, but this approach is more like a silly thinking task rather than mechanical skill.
I'd love to explore more of this world reading and looking through your illustrations in a book format, but that's just a personal preference. I also like these videos format too though. Love this new project. Thank you for making this.
While I think that most people are expecting this to be a game, I do think a TTRPG would be very interesting for this concept. The idea that anything can become an enigmorph has so much potential that I can only see a TTRPG capturing. A comic would be cool for world building reasons perhaps, but I feel as though it's the weakest form of media to portray this concept with because it won't be as interactive as a creature collector would typically be. Really loving this project so far!
I think a videogame is still the way to go, but maybe you would start as a non-believer. But somehow you notice (for instance a enigmorph that could function kinda like a starter pokemon), and you would discover parts of text and images to tell the story, rather than straight up work with the club. You would discover the world alongside the in-game caracter
I gotta go with the ttrpg, running around in the amazing world would be fun as hell. Plus as weve seen with Finch every aspect of this world can be explored, if the oceans can as complex as they are what about the arctic, deserts etc, etc, id love ot play a camping about that!
What about a 'gallery' that you can flesh out. Like a Pokedex, but in way more pieces. Each enigmorth has multiple drawings, entries and fun facts. That way you can incorporate the current style. And, based on a comment from the last video, the more you know about the enigmorths, the less powerful they are. That gives incentive to find this knowledge, in order to defeat the enigmorths. And maybe there could be techniques and other cool stuff unlocked in this way.
I feel like a linear visual novel with battle-based puzzles would really suit the Apocryphal world, and fit really well into your strengths as a designer. You wouldn't need to design an entire function world with billions of side quests, but would be able to guide the player along the story you want to tell. Switching between narrative moments of characters/Enigmorphs and Enigmorph ability-based puzzles and battles would be a satisfying game loop, and would encourage players who 'tame' (idk how this mechanic would work lol) different Enigmorphs to approach the world in a slightly different way.
I see this world through the lense of a JRPG. The stage-mechanic of the enigmorphs would translate really well into turn-based combat, and with the themes of subterfuge and non-violent solutions for situations you could also use the turn-based mechanic for conversations and other things, kind of like Undertale and Yokai Watch
With the creatures and factions, this is giving off some Eldritch Horrors board game vibes. Solve the mysteries before the big bad completes its plan, where you then enter the endgame. Combine the gameplay of that with more roleplay elements and you've got yourself something. I will also say, if it does end up being a traditional board game, there's nothing stopping you from making said board game digital. You would have the benefit of more people being able to connect and play, while at the same time allow for more storytelling than what a traditional board game would allow, especially if it has a single-player campaign.
I feel like it would make a good TTRPG. I can see this artwork being good on cards and it reminds me of a game called Dagger heart , were you have your own characters and you are trying to solve mystery.
Super Eyepatch Wolf's video on "Fake Games" has my mind fixated on this sort of "collaborative world building" that fakemon and adjacent projects already have, and I think they're already cool just being art projects... But, for something tangible, one thought that came to mind was some sort of investigative, choices matter, immersive sim RPG where your enigmorphs more than ever are tools to solve problems, like specs in a character sheet, and less just combat tools. Immersive sims have a really big scope even if each individual system is very simple as there's a very complicated narrative structure, but nonetheless a boy can dream.
The story sounds like it shares simularities with how My Daemon handles their companion daemons. If you havent watched it, it would be a very good resource to watch. It is a very good show and subverts what we think of "battle companions" and has their monsters be horrific deformed beasts of war but each with gentle hearts. Even gigantic daemons can be compromised with.
Apocryphal could be the first eldritch horror creature collector game where you use creatures to aid you in solving mysterious phenomenon and getting the bottom of the instability showing up in the world!
Mysteries and the solving of them feels like it's pretty core to the whole theme so far. I think a puzzley detective game where you're trying to figure out what enigmorph is behind strange occurances would fit best.
It would be interesting to see (in a game) if maybe so emingmorphs we’re defeated by combat while other were defeated in almost puzzle like ways like using clues from you encounters with them of attempting forms of communication you can learn their vices and weaken them that way the game becomes a mix of combat strategies and fun puzzle/logic mechanics
I feel like this could be a great puzzle/mystery type video game! I like the concept of it also being like a dungeon crawler, where you set out on expeditions and solve puzzles until you’re attacked. Maybe the farther you go into the expeditions and the stronger you get, the more weird enigmorphs you encounter.
The way you describe this world make me think that a comic or Graphic novel would be the best way to present this story and characters. If you go with a game however, i think it could be mostly a detective / mystery game, you would use the magic and abilities of your character and enigmores to explore, investigate and find secrets. When combat happens, my mind flies to Devil May Cry 5 and the character V, who has summons that attack for him while using abilities to help them kill the demons they fight, an interesting approach for a hack and slash game
The more I see of Apocryphal the more I want to see it as a show like Eureka or Ware House 13 but with more practical effects and light CGI like the first Hellboy movie.
Honestly, I see this project being a puzzle and/or visual novel more than anything. I know writing various routes for a game is difficult, but I personally find it very interesting to see each route focusing on one type of philosophy each one of the leaders of the hhc believes. And each route showing wherr these phylosophies are great to follow, or where they come short
I think a combination of a TCG and a TTRPG would be a cool niche for Apocryphal to occupy. Players could choose one of three jobs that correspond with the three founders and gain benefits corresponding to how they interact with Enigmorphs. The Enigmorphs themselves could then be cards with art as well as three abilities: one for combat, one for exploration and one for studying. This would give Pokemon fans the ability to collect monsters and battle while still being a narrative-focussed game that has multiple ways to solve problems and progress the story.
a strategy RPG game would be best. Which in moments out of player fight or solve puzzle. Acted as a comic book in the form of a researcher's diary to tell story what player has to do or have to do now. Like when you interact with NPCs and when you go through a key event.
NGL I feel a comic series for this would go soo hard, or even just like a story told through a journal, with like sketches and photos taken by the hunters hope club.
I think the best medium sounds like it would be a Trading Card Game. This way, still images could be paired with transforming elemental creatures. The idea of creatures with their own attributes would fit this. Also you excel at detailed still images. Your art would fit wonderfully on a card
Excited to see another Apocryphal post! You announced you were making it into a game around the same time I decided to revamp my own worldbuilding project into its own game - another collectible creature entry that draws a little bit on the Lovecraftian aesthetic. You've made me realize that while I'm building my monster roster, I haven't populated the NPCs nearly well enough. I have the barest skeleton for a few late-game characters, but I've truly neglected the villagers you grow up with over my game. Which is a serious problem, given I'm focused on a game where you are the rising tide that lifts all ships. It's all about collecting salvage and using it to craft monsters that make life better for the village.
A detective game a really good for world building, introducing characters, and the enigmorphs collected could point out specific clues or details that may or may not matter but whatever fits with the creature's theme.
I think a TTRPG would make sense. Because this is a mystery solving game, it would be better if the players themselves solve the mystery rather than picking the correct dialogue option from a set list.
I think a comic book could be fun, but your ability to write narration is incredible. I wouldn’t mind some book that acts as a larger, physical version of the month challenges
You should make this a mystery puzzle game where the creatures are used to solve puzzles that unlock more of the story and lore . Maybe some combat vould be necessary, but i think a game where you have to solve complex puzzles in unique ways sounds really fun. Some inspiration i feel could be used: - Dr. Lautrec (3DS) -the last guardian -Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons -Cookie and Cream (PS2) Basically any game where you have to control two things at once to solve puzzles and navigate areas.
The idea of a monster collecting ttrpg sounds like it would best fit this project. So many stories can be told in this world and the idea of going on adventures with your friends and their partner Enigmorphs sounds AMAZING. Plus it could inspire more people to draw and make art mayhaps? Tabletops are what inspired my to learn how to draw and I'm sure it has been the same for countless others.
I appreciate how even though this video focuses primarily on human(oid) characters you still slipped in several quality Enigmorph designs. Slightly obsessed with Araminta's revolver 'friend' in particular, but every design here is great, human or otherwise.
Ngl the idea of a game similar to how something like fear and hunger or undertale seems to make sense to me, having options to either fight or exhaust or do actions to try and just make friends with the enigmorphs seens really cool
I feel like it would be great for a sort of puzzle game with story elements, the concept reminds me a lot of a dragonology game i played when i was a kid, it was a game where you were playing a young dragon researcher and had to complete diffrent research tasks all around the globe, first identifying the species and then locating a dragon to fotograph, retrive a stolen item or capture the creature and return it to it's natural habitat. But it could also work well for a detective pikachu style game where you investigate enigmorph activity with your enigmorph companions.
A TTRPG would be the easiest start. A rulebook with some starter adventures, character sheets to print off, and monster cards to fight and collect. The three characters shown in this video can even give you your first Enignmoroh like a starter pokemon letting you choose to fight, puzzle, or sneak through an adventure, and then collect more if you'd like. And after you feel finished here you can go to another part of the world and expand there.
I’ve been watching subjectively’s video for a while now and I’m so glad I finally have an actual account for RUclips so I can subscribe and comment on videos! This channels has inspired a lot of my own work and is part of the reason I finally got around to making my own channel, even if it is still in the beginning stages, Apocryphal has especially helped with some of my more horror/Eldritch based designs (even if it’s hard for me to strike a balance with my certain art style 😅)
![Monster Hunter Squares (Part 1) [speedpaint]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/HQXv-eJLCIE/mqdefault.jpg)
I suggest a multimedia project:
A videogame rpg for “the main story”
A TTRPG for fans to create their own
And a book full of short stories: a few of them mission reports from the hunters hope club, some of them odd and mysterious rumours and tales and a few of them old myths and legends.
Exactly! It doesn't need to be restricted to a singular medium.
this goes without saying but since this is as indie as it can get, focusing effords on one single point seems more possible than taking the risk of spreading their resources too thin
@@gabrieleduardoronlezama7757 exactly. I think the video game should come first, then crowdfund the ttrpg & the book WHEN the video game is successful.
@@gabrieleduardoronlezama7757 I know, but I was more thinking around as "start with one of them and if it works out keep going"
yee
I think having an RPG would make sense. As you adventure, you'd add more and more to your party ala Persona. Each have their own strengths and weaknesses.
I think he could also do it the Ni No Kuni 1 way , which is like pokemon x xenoblade series.
While most people are probably gonna want this as a video game, I’ve gotta put my hat in the ring for a Tabletop Game. Everything I’ve seen so far seems like building blocks not for one singular story with specific goals and gameplay objectives, but a world with a lot of directions that players could take. Making it a TTRPG’ll give you a chance to experiment with ways to play that’ll conflict if you stick to the rigid parameters of what code could provide!
Especially with the multiple gameplay styles you mentioned at the end - each of the Founders’ philosophies feel like they’d make for a video game with clashing genres, and a TTRPG would probably make the genres mesh a little cleaner!
surprise surprise
it seems many are voting for TTRPG approach!
It'll also simplify the making process a bit because they don't need a coder or a team of them to create it, no music composer either, just writing story/world building/game mechanic and illustrations are enough
Preach my ttrpg brethren, ttrpg are collaborative storytelling mediums that promote creativity and experimentation. A perfect fit for this world and community.
I support this option for the additional reason that we are currently starved for creature catching TRRPGs other than the fanmade Pokémon TTRPGs.
Yeah I agree. It could be each of the members he made could sort of represent different classes you could play. I could see it being a mix of dungeons and dragons and call of Cthulhu.
Like Pokemon, you could always make it a bunch of things. A comic, a video game (RPG of some kind), a tabletop RPG, etc. Nothing’s stopping it from being a franchise beyond budget. And one version of the story could well fund another.
I agree, there is no such thing as one path to follow
An RPG akin to games like Shin Megami Tensei / Persona feels like it makes most sense. The already established characters and what they stand for also lends itself well to a core story told through a video game with branching endings based on how you approached certain situations
I like the idea you proposed of a game with limited combat where you use Engimorphs to solve puzzles.
I imagine like Pokemon Ranger!
I agree. Kind of like Ace attorney meets monster sanctuary.
a TTRPG seems like it would be fitting for a setting like this! Being able to create your own character to fit into this world with their own motivations for joining the Hunter’s Hope Club, and exploring fantastic locations seems fitting for how bizarre the world is. Although, i think an RPG would work on a similar level.
I believe a TTRPG would be cool, but personally a regular RPG game sounds more enticing. Amazing designs and I can't wait for more >:)
True
By "regular," do you mean video game?
both
Yeah not sure about a ttrpg where you basically do all combat through summons
Quite honestly, I think this world deserves more than one medium through which to explore it. I think an open world rpg, a table top rbg, and graphic novels are all phenomenal ideas, but as someone partial to tcgs I think a card game would be super fun too.
I genuinely believe that this should be a physical card game accompanied by a novel with illustrations giving fans a way to interact with the world and you the ability to create a story you can love and be proud of. I've never commented on a video before so I want you to know that this is one of the most interesting worlds I've ever had the pleasure to observe. I love seeing what you can create and I am excited to see more.
A ttrpg sounds like It'd be a very good approach.
Look at it this way: You'd be getting both parts of the whole.
1. You'd be able to keep the form of the story being told through word and art all while..
2. Providing a playable game at the same time, allowing people to experience the world and interact with it
theres also the chance of eventually making a video game based on the trpg rules
Throwing my hat into the ring for TTRPG. Not just because i'm a rpg goblin who hordes games I will never play, but also TTRPG are a hell of a lot easier and faster to create in every way. The biggest issue is that if it's not tied to D&D it's really hard to market it, but with the youtube channel that's not as much of an issue.
EDIT: Also there is already an TTRPG that gives a great template for this game: Vaesen. The game is literally about people in the early 20th late 19th century dealing with strange creatures through creative ways other than violence. It gives a great set of bones to build off of.
For some reason i see this as a card-based roleplaying game. You collect cards of different enigmorphs or actions during the game and use them to tell a story. No idea how it would work, but a game like this would perfectly combine the creature collection and narrative aspects of your world.
Maybe similar to Gwent: Thronebreaker
or similar to inscryption
I'm actually developing a horror, monster collecting, deck builder and I think it would work for his design approach. Plus the deck building helps lean into the mystery part of battles, since cards don't have to be attacks.
So like a deckbuilder?
@@Autistic_Menace00 maybe it'll be like dnd, but spells and features will be divided into cards, and each card type will be a type of enigmorph or certain items/actions/abilities. Sort of like a combo of dnd and magic the gathering
I love the idea of a ‘coffee table book’, something large and hefty with pages that look similar to the final illustrations in your ‘I designed gods for our monster collection game’ video or drawings from projects like MerMay, SmAugust and apoctober.
It could be framed as an encyclopaedia, textbook, journal, field guide… with that format you could tell the story through more enigmatic means, we’d have to put together a story from context clues and tidbits (similar to earlier MerMay videos - which are my absolute favourites)
TTRPG is probably your best bet and I haven’t really seen a good monster taming TTRPG yet so it’s got potential. In general, you can have something of a 80:20 split between the rules of FATE Accelerated Edition (FAE) and Dungeons and Dragons so their are rules that are flexible and customizable but not to the point that players don’t have anything to work off of.
As for how I think it’d work mechanically for the players, you seem to have a basic class system setup, Illusion, Battle, and Study. Each getting bonuses to their respective class.
To further spice things up since there is only three classes, add in a Enigmorph type specialization system based on the Enigmorph types you’ve already got. So they now get a bonus for doing things involving specific types of Enigmorph as well. So now you can make unique characters mechanically while still keeping it simple and players aren’t fighting for spotlight when there are inevitably two Battle class characters.
The ideia of multiple resolutions for encounters, like battles, makes me think of Undertale, since the combat could be solved through other actions besides attacking the target
Since you pointed out strategy, I think a turn-based strategy game would be interesting given this context. Especially with what you said previously of wanting to have the player avoid combat as much as possible. Maybe a good option would be a turn-based stealth game where the human characters have to investigate enigmorph activity while preventing people outside the world of eldritch secrets from encountering your own enigmorphs. The Human characters would be able to do things such as investigating clues, interacting with NPCs by running distractions, interrogations, or trying to convince people to be in the right place at the right time. Meanwhile the enigmorphs while riskier to use because they can unintentionally cause NPCs to panic if spotted can offer supernatural support such as fae types buffing conversation skills/offering support via illusions, construct types being able to manipulate machine parts, etc.
This way the player would need to consider the whole of the map they're currently on and what NPCs can do to either aid or hinder their progress. IDK I think that would be a good way to make combat secondary to the investigation angle.
I still think Enigmorphs need more than typing to be able to feel unique to use so maybe kinda like pokemon they have 4 ability slots with each enigmorph having access to different abilities based on type/theming. However, unlike Pokemon not all of these abilities are combat-oriented, some emphasize stealth, others mobility, or other utility, and yes some combat-oriented skills for when the player is caught or finds the enigmorph they're looking for
IMO a Enigmorphs/Aprocryphal game would be something similar to the Digimon Cyber Sleuth games (where the player uses different types and attributes of digimon to use their hacking skills), but maybe less focused in the battles and more focused in puzzle solving. Also, iirc, you mentioned in previous videos that the method of getting enigmorphs would be similar to writing down about them. In some digimon games, instead of capturing or breeding the digimons, you mainly scan the data of the digimon you battle and then you manifest them when have 100% or more scan data of a digimon. So it'd be very nice to see Enigmorphs working in a similar way (tho the actual process would be more "archaic")
Anyways, excellent video as always and i can't wait to see more about this new series you're creating! ^^
A TTRPG would be great, as it would make it so people can make their own stories and enigamorphs. It would also make it so that the players could decide their own ways of using enigamorphs.
I would love to see a TTRPG based around forming connections with creatures like the enigmorphs. Some relationship mechanics that differ between the different enigmorphs such as different needs, likes and temperaments would be really cool.
A TTRPG would also work especially well with the idea that there are many ways to solve a problem as they are usually incredibly open. It would also be cool to see different enigmorphs with different balances of in combat and out of combat abilities, though probably none with only combat or only out of combat as that goes against the idea of allowing players to choose their route.
Check out Monsters and Other Childish Things. Pretty much this except you only have one creature, but I'm sure there's some add on to it. (There's even a Persona hack for it that's really good!!) @@bryncristie5602
These designs are giving off a "tactical rpg" vibe to me.
The way you described the different types of creatures and their matchups also feel very reminiscent of the "Weapon triangle" from Fire Emblem.
5:51 THE LADY BONE DEMON
Ah i see you are a man of culture aswell
@@tanxplayer-7108 :))
I believe perfect inspiration for a game is fear and hunger; you could have a mechanic of your characters being driven mad by some of the creatures or sights and that could increase the levels or stats of enemys you encounter and has a perfect mix of the style you have for your own ideas
I actually immediately thought of fear and hunger when he discussed the potential gameplay for the project in an earlier video.
Particularly on how the idea of turn based battles where your goal is to get stronger and be the very best like pokemon don't really fit with the theme of the project that is more geared towards learning about and exploring with the creatures, solving puzzles and the like.
And Fear and Hunger's approach to combat and just general gameplay loop fits perfectly here.
Enemies are much more powerful than you and you don't get anything from defeating them aside from wasting your limited supply of resources and health, that is if you actually manage to win and not die horribly, which is unlikely.
so engaging in direct combat is almost universally a last resort, instead most of your progression is centered around using your understanding of the game's mechanics to bypass enemies without engaging in combat at all.
Acquiring better equipment and supplies through exploration
And when you do have to fight, understanding how each enemy uniquely operates and using that along the resources you managed to save so far to minimize the tax of Health and resources of the battle.
Through just knowledge of their behaviours and how to find certain items recurring enemies that would once kill you 7 times out of 10 can almost always be killed without a scratch, while bosses start off as downright impossible and with enough forethought can just scrape into being managable.
Is there anything more perfect for the theme of understanding creatures than this?
Oh my god, these mentor-like character's are so awesome. They are all so different and i adore them 😭😭😭
i think, due to your storytelling skills as a designer, that a visual medium will strongly suit what you have already created in apocryphal. which rules out novels and music, and i can't see any possible way for enigmorphs to fit in a video game, even an rpg, so i think this series suits comics the best, especially since the enigmorphs could lead to some really interesting panel breaking (ex. a fire enigmorph leaving a charred effect on the pages)
Since you talked about wanting multiple different gameplay routes, it could be really fun to make it a TTRP. Then players can decide if they want to battle, do some shapeshift/subterfuge/intrigue, role-play things out in social encounters with people or Enigmorphs.
Especially if you make a "template" for custom Enigmorphs, with stats, behavior, vices, interests, etc
I personally believe that a sort of journal would be a good way to tell the story. Kinda a combination of the journal entries of Celeste and the idea of the "orientation" from the last video. Almost like a field guide of sorts
As other said, I think a TTRPG would be a great approach for design. Your designs could shine and be a main part, while still telling the story through them.
I imagine it in a more mystery-style, where you have to reveal whats happening through using the abilities of the enigmorphs, but also through decoding messages or reading old journals or speaking to the locals. You can easily create great stories with this material, game masters and players alike can create characters, that fit into this compelling world and decide how they interact with the enigmorphs (do they "use" them or try to learn from them, etc.)
The only contrary point to it would be, that you would need to build in a combat system, that makes it more engaging to play and also more "realistic". Yet I do not think that it would have to be a big part of the game, only an option to solve some problems.
I hadn't thought for different forms of media but I think either a mystery-adventure RPG or a graphic novel series with the same genre
Table top RPG sounds perfect
Also that Gun enigmorph is awesome and I want one on my team
A mystery visual novel is what I think this game should be.
I dont think anyone has suggested this, but this would be cool as a interactive novel/texted based adventure since it would be both written & interactive! :)
To de honest, I imagine apocryphal as an open-world RPG.
I agree it can have mechanics like Undertale and Deltarunes
A videogame guide Without a videogame is a wonderful way to explore another world. Vermis and Apple Quest do this exceptionally.
I know it's probably unrealistic to expect a game like this. But I would love to see AND play an RPG with a fully explorable 3D world with platforming mechanics, hidden items to collect, and enemies to fight. Something like a more horror, Lovecraftian version of botw, or pokemon legends Arceus.
A TTRPG would be so cool especially considering the possibility of having around 20 starting enigmorphs that can be rolled for and all of which could make for a video on it's own or even a contest between the fans like you did with the mazah region
If this comment gets 1k+ likes Subjectively has to do a monster frog illustration.🐸
Join me in raising the voice of this hero, comrades!
@@thevioletbee5879 wow. U get a frog 🐸:)
Commenting so the algorithm keeps this towards the top
@@youhavegottobekidding u get frog too 🐸:)
@@TheTheorizingFrog Frog? 🐸
You mentioned ttrpg and my head was immediately filled with possible mechanics to represent monster collection games and how to best allow players to express their characters, both stat and roleplay wise. I also feel like a different system to the standard dnd system would probably work better for this game should you choose to make a ttrpg system for this universe. I feel like something close to lancers accuracy/difficulty system would work pretty well for dice modifiers.
I could also see the three leaders roles influencing the tone of multiple small modules for players to engage with. Like one where their battling against the shark mob (I forgot their name), one where they have to infiltrate an elitist club to find a prime enigmorph cult and a third that is themed around a dark disturbing city bursting to the seams with bizarre enigmorphs.
Or better yet with the research themed module, they have to investigate a small costal town for a hidden unknown enigmorph that they have to track down both through the field and piles of old tomes and papers.
Honestly at this rate I might just start building the modules and ttrpg because my head is just overflowing with ideas that I want to get on paper fast
Disclaimer: Hi! I'm a new fan and not much of a comments person, but this project really caught my interest so I'm hoping it can be as good as it can be. I also apologize for the essay, I wasn't planning on to, but the ideas and interest just kept coming.
I was introduce to your channel by your introduction video for Aprocryphal. The idea and the art that you had really caught my interest so I'm hoping for your success and a good result. The idea of a ttrpg seems very enticing as I've played my share of them, but originally being from outside of the States I imagine it'd be hard to ship or take people out of the country into account. Therefore I think the idea of a video game seems to be and feels a lot more valid as an idea. I understand that your demographic is people in America, but having it available worldwide is always a bonus. Now, regarding what type of game it could be, there are so many ideas that could work and be amazing that I'm hoping as long as you make "something" out of Aprocyphal the majority of people will be happy. As for what I think is a good medium is some sort of main story line either in an rpg or some sort of visual novel as your method of portraying the world, Aprocryphal, but the idea or gimmick for the game itself I think should be some sort of card-based game. Card-base games have generally not been in the limelight of games recently, but there have been some resurgences such as that indie game Buckshot Roulette, so people are aware of card-base games there just aren't that many that catches ppls interests. And also Im just a big fan of card-base games and there aren't any fun good ones that are available.
Soooo, TLDR I think a good idea would be a simple yet difficult original battle card game, with a sort of visual or more interactive rpg for world and story building.
I would love to see this either as a RPG or TTRPG
I think a TTRPG would be amazing. It would allow for the still image designs but also allow the playstyle that you've mentioned in previous videos, such as wanting to use the enegmorphs in more ways other than combat. It would allow for people to create their own stories with a constantly evolving plot, centered around the players choices, allowing fir a more catered experience to each player.
I love the idea of this world as a TTRPG. Especially with the three founders you designed, I could see each one of them representing one of three main classes to play. Something along the lines of hunters, infiltrators and archivists.
Anyway, you're building a very strong foundation for this world and all the mediums you mentioned could definitely work. Big fan of the project!!!
I absolutely adore how many people are saying "TTRPG" and I agree! It sounds like an incredible medium for expressing this varying and expansive world.
I love these characters!!! It's so interesting to see the kinds of unlikely personalities all united in the same mission. You've gotta be pretty devoted to be part of this club, so of course these people are so unique!
As a TTRPG enthusiast I think this project fits very well with them. One thing I love about these games is that you can take on encounters in different ways, being able to avoid combat through a more diplomatic means. I think that, in addition, the mechanics of having different elements that counteract others like in Pokémon is something that has been seen a lot in video games but not so much in board games. As a recommendation, I think that a format similar to Keys From the Golden Vault (which is a D&D module) could be good, which could be like small stories independent of each other but that end up being united by the same common thread. In this case I imagine it as a kind of "ghostbusters" role-playing game in which each story is like an assignment in which the party has to go to a haunted house or some catacombs or...
In short, I think it has a lot of potential and I would play it.
PD: Sorry if my english is not the best 😅
I love the idea of this being a game, the idea of making a team based of utility is very appealing to me and something I already do making pokemon OC’s with specific roles and jobs instead of battling
A TTRPG makes the most sense for the “problem solving” concept, where you can make creative moves toward the conclusion
I think a visual novel style with investigation elements (like Professor Layton and Phoenix Wright) would really suit your concept. Especially because those types of games already have a nice mix of exploration and mystery, something you've mentioned in your videos is a key part of Apocryphal. Hope this helps!
"In a World of Chaos, Mystery and Unpredicability, there is no one answer to solve every problem. Sometimes you must Fight, sometimes you must Flee and sometimes your Wits will be your weapon" is already enough to build off of, that I've already come up with something!
A TTRPG would be a FANTASTIC route to go down, still keeping all of the artistic and design aspects, whilst all the elements from the games and media it spiritually takes from would be an interesting story AND game. There are module books in TTRPGS; Curse of Strahd with DnD for example, so going down the route of a planned story is totally doable and SO damn fun, with still room for people to do their own stories down the line.
Using one full set of Polyhedral Dice and a one-to-two-page Character sheet could be all you need to play, with a similar dice-for-stats system that Kids on Bikes uses. Confront (Physical) Connect (Emotional) Constitute (Defense) Conceil (Magic) and Concentrate (Knowledge), placing a D20, D12, D10, D8, and D4 on each stat, rolling a D6 then adding one of the stat-dice for when the situation calls for it.
Three of the 5 Stats already connect to the 3 Co-Founders in the video. Kane with Confront, Malacostra with Conceil and Caorain with Concentrate. And depending on the configuration of dice, that could give a Class or Trope- showing the kind of Hunter you would play as!
You mentioned in your first video on the series that part of Pokémon's success was it's multimedia approach. I feel like Apocryphal would also work well in many forms. Short stories, comics, and videos (like this) pique curiosity and excitement. I, personally, would love to see an open world exploration/collection video game version where one makes their own discoveries (a la Legends:Arceus). However, that feels like it could be just one avenue of many to explore.
The great thing about developing the world first is that you're not restricted by mechanics or medium. You have many, many stories to tell, not to mention the stories others will write in your world. Wherever you go, however you get there, I (and many others, I'm sure) are excited to join you on this journey of discovery.
I think the way you imagined the creatures in the game use their abilities to solve puzzles would honestly work excellent for a TTRPG
Everyone's saying TTRPG but part of the fun of TTRPGs is the GM's ability to make every game unique, with a different story and even an entirely different world.
Apocryphal has a really established lore, though. It's hard to make a new story without breaking the current lore of enigmorphs since it's really pretty set in stone.
I saw one guy say that a book accompanied by a TCG works, and I honestly really agree; the combo of lore and player interaction seems cool. Maybe some sort of collaborative board game could work too, though; maybe there's one secret-unveiling main objective everyone's working towards but there's ways to take eachother down? Some hybrid between a board game and a TTRPG, where the story made is the mystery they're uncovering?
I don't comment on videos very often, but I've been following the channel since before your pokemon videos took off, and it'd seriously be a dream come true to see apocryphal become a TTRPG. I'm constantly homebrewing strange and eldritch creatures for systems not necessarily built for that kind of gameplay, and i have faith in you as a designer to come up with something fun and bouncy while still dread inducing! It especially could be fun to tie the different forms of enigmorphs to different dice, with Nascent Enigmorphs inhabiting smaller dice like D4s and D6s and the numbers going up along the evolution chain. A D20 gives you more margin for success, yes, but a 2 on a d20 is so much worse than a 2 on a d6, introducing a strategic element to the types of enigmorphs you choose for different encounters that could somewhat mimic the original creature collector concept.
Whatever you end up landing on, I'll always support the channel and I'm hyped for this project even if it lands in a genre I have no personal interest in :]!
A ttrpg sounds amazing, exploring campaigns in this setting would bem Very cool. Like, imagem each form of each monster has especial abilities that the others dont have, and you'll have to switch them to cross, find, use, or watever, to be able to pass an obsticle. Imagine the replay possiblities! You wont be defined by classes only by the "pokemons" you have!
I think the idea of these enigmorphs would best fit a TTRPG or A Comic, OR BOTH
A TTRPG would be quite good for this, because then it provides a myriad of tones unbound by a singular narrative, providing a firm basis in world building and design
wouldn't it be cool to combine elements of an rpg and puzzle game together outside of solving dungeons? like, what if, during battle, to capture an enigmorph or command it, you have to solve a minigame? (I'm thinking sorting objects until the morph is pleased, unscrambling a word that tells you what to do next, or maybe even drawing what you want the morph to do and seeing if it can understand.) undertale has sorta done this with it's whole heart thing and quick-time attacks, but this approach is more like a silly thinking task rather than mechanical skill.
I'd love to explore more of this world reading and looking through your illustrations in a book format, but that's just a personal preference.
I also like these videos format too though.
Love this new project. Thank you for making this.
Wasn’t expecting Regiclam but it’s a welcome addition
I WAS THINKING THE SAME THING!!!
While I think that most people are expecting this to be a game, I do think a TTRPG would be very interesting for this concept. The idea that anything can become an enigmorph has so much potential that I can only see a TTRPG capturing.
A comic would be cool for world building reasons perhaps, but I feel as though it's the weakest form of media to portray this concept with because it won't be as interactive as a creature collector would typically be.
Really loving this project so far!
I think a videogame is still the way to go, but maybe you would start as a non-believer. But somehow you notice (for instance a enigmorph that could function kinda like a starter pokemon), and you would discover parts of text and images to tell the story, rather than straight up work with the club. You would discover the world alongside the in-game caracter
I personally LOVE the sound of a ttrpg, I think the combat system would lend itself well to that format, and it would be a lot of fun
I gotta go with the ttrpg, running around in the amazing world would be fun as hell. Plus as weve seen with Finch every aspect of this world can be explored, if the oceans can as complex as they are what about the arctic, deserts etc, etc, id love ot play a camping about that!
What about a 'gallery' that you can flesh out. Like a Pokedex, but in way more pieces. Each enigmorth has multiple drawings, entries and fun facts. That way you can incorporate the current style.
And, based on a comment from the last video, the more you know about the enigmorths, the less powerful they are. That gives incentive to find this knowledge, in order to defeat the enigmorths.
And maybe there could be techniques and other cool stuff unlocked in this way.
I feel like a linear visual novel with battle-based puzzles would really suit the Apocryphal world, and fit really well into your strengths as a designer. You wouldn't need to design an entire function world with billions of side quests, but would be able to guide the player along the story you want to tell. Switching between narrative moments of characters/Enigmorphs and Enigmorph ability-based puzzles and battles would be a satisfying game loop, and would encourage players who 'tame' (idk how this mechanic would work lol) different Enigmorphs to approach the world in a slightly different way.
I see this world through the lense of a JRPG. The stage-mechanic of the enigmorphs would translate really well into turn-based combat, and with the themes of subterfuge and non-violent solutions for situations you could also use the turn-based mechanic for conversations and other things, kind of like Undertale and Yokai Watch
With the creatures and factions, this is giving off some Eldritch Horrors board game vibes. Solve the mysteries before the big bad completes its plan, where you then enter the endgame. Combine the gameplay of that with more roleplay elements and you've got yourself something. I will also say, if it does end up being a traditional board game, there's nothing stopping you from making said board game digital. You would have the benefit of more people being able to connect and play, while at the same time allow for more storytelling than what a traditional board game would allow, especially if it has a single-player campaign.
I feel like it would make a good TTRPG. I can see this artwork being good on cards and it reminds me of a game called Dagger heart , were you have your own characters and you are trying to solve mystery.
Super Eyepatch Wolf's video on "Fake Games" has my mind fixated on this sort of "collaborative world building" that fakemon and adjacent projects already have, and I think they're already cool just being art projects...
But, for something tangible, one thought that came to mind was some sort of investigative, choices matter, immersive sim RPG where your enigmorphs more than ever are tools to solve problems, like specs in a character sheet, and less just combat tools. Immersive sims have a really big scope even if each individual system is very simple as there's a very complicated narrative structure, but nonetheless a boy can dream.
The story sounds like it shares simularities with how My Daemon handles their companion daemons. If you havent watched it, it would be a very good resource to watch. It is a very good show and subverts what we think of "battle companions" and has their monsters be horrific deformed beasts of war but each with gentle hearts. Even gigantic daemons can be compromised with.
Apocryphal could be the first eldritch horror creature collector game where you use creatures to aid you in solving mysterious phenomenon and getting the bottom of the instability showing up in the world!
Mysteries and the solving of them feels like it's pretty core to the whole theme so far. I think a puzzley detective game where you're trying to figure out what enigmorph is behind strange occurances would fit best.
It would be interesting to see (in a game) if maybe so emingmorphs we’re defeated by combat while other were defeated in almost puzzle like ways like using clues from you encounters with them of attempting forms of communication you can learn their vices and weaken them that way the game becomes a mix of combat strategies and fun puzzle/logic mechanics
I think a book can give more of the mistery and a better storytelling than other medias
I love me some normal humans (seriously, I'm so used to you drawing monsters, I'm blown away but how characterful your human designs still are)
I hadn’t considered a TTRPG for this project but I love that so much. Not sure that it’s the best format but it’s the one I want the most
I feel like this could be a great puzzle/mystery type video game! I like the concept of it also being like a dungeon crawler, where you set out on expeditions and solve puzzles until you’re attacked. Maybe the farther you go into the expeditions and the stronger you get, the more weird enigmorphs you encounter.
TTRPG and Visual Novel both sound awesome
The way you describe this world make me think that a comic or Graphic novel would be the best way to present this story and characters.
If you go with a game however, i think it could be mostly a detective / mystery game, you would use the magic and abilities of your character and enigmores to explore, investigate and find secrets.
When combat happens, my mind flies to Devil May Cry 5 and the character V, who has summons that attack for him while using abilities to help them kill the demons they fight, an interesting approach for a hack and slash game
The more I see of Apocryphal the more I want to see it as a show like Eureka or Ware House 13 but with more practical effects and light CGI like the first Hellboy movie.
Honestly, I see this project being a puzzle and/or visual novel more than anything. I know writing various routes for a game is difficult, but I personally find it very interesting to see each route focusing on one type of philosophy each one of the leaders of the hhc believes. And each route showing wherr these phylosophies are great to follow, or where they come short
Good point, but it would also works as an rpg style game 🎮
I think a combination of a TCG and a TTRPG would be a cool niche for Apocryphal to occupy. Players could choose one of three jobs that correspond with the three founders and gain benefits corresponding to how they interact with Enigmorphs. The Enigmorphs themselves could then be cards with art as well as three abilities: one for combat, one for exploration and one for studying. This would give Pokemon fans the ability to collect monsters and battle while still being a narrative-focussed game that has multiple ways to solve problems and progress the story.
a strategy RPG game would be best. Which in moments out of player fight or solve puzzle. Acted as a comic book in the form of a researcher's diary to tell story what player has to do or have to do now. Like when you interact with NPCs and when you go through a key event.
NGL I feel a comic series for this would go soo hard, or even just like a story told through a journal, with like sketches and photos taken by the hunters hope club.
I think the best medium sounds like it would be a Trading Card Game.
This way, still images could be paired with transforming elemental creatures. The idea of creatures with their own attributes would fit this.
Also you excel at detailed still images. Your art would fit wonderfully on a card
Excited to see another Apocryphal post! You announced you were making it into a game around the same time I decided to revamp my own worldbuilding project into its own game - another collectible creature entry that draws a little bit on the Lovecraftian aesthetic. You've made me realize that while I'm building my monster roster, I haven't populated the NPCs nearly well enough. I have the barest skeleton for a few late-game characters, but I've truly neglected the villagers you grow up with over my game. Which is a serious problem, given I'm focused on a game where you are the rising tide that lifts all ships. It's all about collecting salvage and using it to craft monsters that make life better for the village.
A detective game a really good for world building, introducing characters, and the enigmorphs collected could point out specific clues or details that may or may not matter but whatever fits with the creature's theme.
I think a TTRPG would make sense. Because this is a mystery solving game, it would be better if the players themselves solve the mystery rather than picking the correct dialogue option from a set list.
Story building is so fun in and of itself I’m happy to watch these vids
Also 4 year of watching this work and it get better everyday please don't stop because you inspired me work on my own worlds thank you
I think a comic book could be fun, but your ability to write narration is incredible. I wouldn’t mind some book that acts as a larger, physical version of the month challenges
You should make this a mystery puzzle game where the creatures are used to solve puzzles that unlock more of the story and lore . Maybe some combat vould be necessary, but i think a game where you have to solve complex puzzles in unique ways sounds really fun.
Some inspiration i feel could be used:
- Dr. Lautrec (3DS)
-the last guardian
-Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
-Cookie and Cream (PS2)
Basically any game where you have to control two things at once to solve puzzles and navigate areas.
The idea of a monster collecting ttrpg sounds like it would best fit this project. So many stories can be told in this world and the idea of going on adventures with your friends and their partner Enigmorphs sounds AMAZING. Plus it could inspire more people to draw and make art mayhaps? Tabletops are what inspired my to learn how to draw and I'm sure it has been the same for countless others.
I appreciate how even though this video focuses primarily on human(oid) characters you still slipped in several quality Enigmorph designs. Slightly obsessed with Araminta's revolver 'friend' in particular, but every design here is great, human or otherwise.
Ngl the idea of a game similar to how something like fear and hunger or undertale seems to make sense to me, having options to either fight or exhaust or do actions to try and just make friends with the enigmorphs seens really cool
I feel like it would be great for a sort of puzzle game with story elements, the concept reminds me a lot of a dragonology game i played when i was a kid, it was a game where you were playing a young dragon researcher and had to complete diffrent research tasks all around the globe, first identifying the species and then locating a dragon to fotograph, retrive a stolen item or capture the creature and return it to it's natural habitat.
But it could also work well for a detective pikachu style game where you investigate enigmorph activity with your enigmorph companions.
A TTRPG would be the easiest start. A rulebook with some starter adventures, character sheets to print off, and monster cards to fight and collect.
The three characters shown in this video can even give you your first Enignmoroh like a starter pokemon letting you choose to fight, puzzle, or sneak through an adventure, and then collect more if you'd like.
And after you feel finished here you can go to another part of the world and expand there.
So happy Malacostra is back! I can’t wait for the Don’s daughter to hopefully return as well, cause those two have always been some of my favs
I love this story and love seeing more of it!
I’ve been watching subjectively’s video for a while now and I’m so glad I finally have an actual account for RUclips so I can subscribe and comment on videos! This channels has inspired a lot of my own work and is part of the reason I finally got around to making my own channel, even if it is still in the beginning stages, Apocryphal has especially helped with some of my more horror/Eldritch based designs (even if it’s hard for me to strike a balance with my certain art style 😅)