Possible Game Concept

Some of the other guys here, like Dylan, have already listed out brainstorming ideas for the Battle Mode of our game. However, before we can really get to work on a battle mode, we really need to nail down our single-player version (or "composition mode") first. I did bring up this idea I had for a single-player mode at the meeting, though I didn't go into as much detail as I would've liked to then.

The basic story would be that you assume the role of a traveling musician wandering a world where villages are frequently attacked by monsters (maybe called "Cacos"). The only surefire way to drive off these Cacos is by making music.

The player begins his journey with a very simple instrument, like a stick. The Cacos dwelling in the first village the player encounters are not that threatening; simply beating your stick in a rhythm will vanquish them. However, the player cannot fight off the more powerful Cacos alone. He must join forces with other musicians with other instruments that have the power or unique qualities to fend off these beasts. For example, a guitar that stuns enemies, or a bass that shakes the earth.

However, the key to effectively and quickly vanquishing the Cacos is making music. You can't just bang the stick any old way and expect it to work, or simply let your hand strum out of control on the guitar; the Cacos thrive on the absence of harmony. Subjected to harmonious music, they withdraw, pass out, or even disappear. Keep a relative rhythm! Play notes that sound good! And pay attention to what your buddies do! If all of you together play a song that sounds good, the damage you do to the Cacos multiplies quickly. Messing up once in a while is fine, but if the band isn't playing together for a while, then the angry Cacos will jump on the chance to strike during a moment of weakness. The drummer may control the tempo of the song, but he must also be supported by his friends playing the right notes and at the right moments. The band that plays together stays... alive.

Through your adventures, you'll be able to acquire some useful tools that you can use to defend the villages from Caco attacks more effectively. New instruments and upgrades gradually become available for you to use and master (i.e. drum kits, guitars with more strings, keyboards). You may also find tablets that list out different measures that you and your band can play, making it easier to see what notes or beats you should be playing next. By combining the measure tablets in effective ways, you can create full songs that may be able to drive off any Caco outbreak. Hey, if you don't know what you want to play, stick with what you know.

So, there's my basic idea. Of course, terms like "village", "attack", or "Caco" can be modified, but the idea would still be the same: a troupe of musicians traveling around the world making music to make the world a better place. Any thoughts? Comments? Criticisms?