Open-ish World?

[Ninlhil]

I’ve had an idea, but I’m not sure if it’s possible. Are OpenBOR games stuck in the level-by-level structure, or would it be possible to create a game with a (kind of) open world exploration set up?

I guess the best analogy I can think of would be like a Metroid-Vania, like Symphony of the Night, with one big location but there was back tracking and exploration in those location… or maybe like SplatterHouse 3, where each floor of the house was kind of explorable.

Anyone ever try something like that?

 

[DCurrent]

Welcome to the forum @Ninlhil.

Advice #0, if you're about to use "possible" in question form... don't. The word you want is "how". When we say you can make any game mechanics with OpenBOR, we mean it.

Levels don't have any hard code size limit, so in theory you could have one huge map. In practice though, you'll probably want loading corridors like SOTN or even the original Metroid used, and break themed areas up into separate levels.

@Bloodbane made several games with a metroidvania style layout you could use as an example.

HTH,
DC

 

[Bloodbane]

the best analogy I can think of would be like a Metroid-Vania, like Symphony of the Night, with one big location but there was back tracking and exploration in those location…

I've made this metroidvania called Cherry On Top with OpenBoR couple years ago:

I've made more metroidvanias after that game which allow changing room vertically both up and down.

maybe like SplatterHouse 3, where each floor of the house was kind of explorable

It is doable, I've even made template called The House. It's inspired by Splatter House 3.