Be able to save anywhere?

[Jolt Android 36]

My game's pretty long, and kinda tough at certain parts. Right now players can choose whether they can save anywhere or only at save points.

But I was thinking, why not just scrap that choice and let them save anywhere they want right off the bat? The save points would still be used for using camping items (shelters and what have you).

 

Or do you enjoy the challenge of only being able to use save points? I suppose someone could challenge themselves by only saving when they saw the save point, if they thought that always being able to save made the game too easy. Which is why I'm taking the middle road, since I think most people can't restrain themselves from saving very often.

 

What do you think?

Edited January 22, 2015 by joeyjoejoe

[roccstar1oh1 19]

I think giving the player the option would be a good idea, some may just want to play for the story or just as a casual type thing, while other players may look for a challenge. It's like a difficulty level in a way.

[+ Chaosian 617]

Depends a bit more on the game. Different systems give different tones to the game. The best comparison is early Resident Evil to Elder Scrolls.

 

Want to make the player think hard about the importance of their saves? Save points.

Want saves to be a convenience rather than a necessity for gameplay? Save anywhere.

Want to stress the player out? Save points that require consumable items for each use.

Have an expansive overworld in which exploration is a key part of it? Save anywhere.

 

The menu option, while considerate, probably won't come across as such at the time of playing the game. It might figured as an exploit to some, or an easy mode to others.

[Knighterius 502]

If your game is massive and resembles games like Dragon Age then let them save anywhere. Because if it's massive it's going to be a chore putting up save points anywhere. 

[marierock13 12]

I'm not able to cast a vote, personally, because I think the answer depends on your intentions.

 

If you like the idea of the game as a challenging one, save points are a good option. If you'd like to decrease the difficulty a bit, then saving anywhere might be better.

 

A compromise might be to put save points directly before some of the tougher sections of the game, so that the player doesn't loose too much progress in the event of a Game Over.

 

Hope that helps,

Marie

[Necromedes 103]

I would say give them the choice. That way, if they want more of a challenge, they can choose to only use save points. if not, then they can select to save anywhere. You may even be able to work this into a difficulty system, if you wanted to.

[Jolt Android 36]

Thanks everyone, it's rather funny that the votes now are at 33%, 33%, 33% XD... The polls didn't make it much clearer to me, but everyone's said something for me to consider.

 

As it stands I put the save points right before the challenging parts (as we've come to expect) and for longer dungeons there's a secondary one in the middle somewhere. You can save anywhere in the overworld.

 

The current middle-of-the-road option was me trying to accommodate different types of players. The game's not absolutely massive but it's expansive enough I guess. There are difficulty settings in regards to battle but I'd rather keep them separate from the save location option.

 

I think I may just keep the status quo. I don't really see being able to save anywhere as an exploit, I understand that some people may not have the time to get to a save point if something comes up in their real life or whatnot. If anyone has any other opinions though keep 'em coming, the more input the better =D

Edited January 23, 2015 by joeyjoejoe