Nintendo game director Masahiro Sakurai is known for creating the ultimate fighting game franchise, Super Smash Bros., which incorporates characters from various video game franchises. Indie developer Colin McIsaac has taken this concept a step further with his upcoming game, Royalty Free For All. This multiplayer 2D brawler is still in early development but promises to be a unique and entertaining experience for players of all backgrounds.
The Concept of Royalty Free For All
Royalty Free For All takes the idea of incorporating characters from different franchises to a new level by including fighters from all time periods. Imagine a showdown between Don Quixote and Felix the Cat – that’s the kind of absurdity you can expect from this game. During a hands-on preview at PAX West 2024, McIsaac shared his vision for the game, describing it as a joke that some might say has gone too far but insisting that it has not gone far enough.
Character Selection and Gameplay
The demo of Royalty Free For All featured four different fighters based on characters like Sweeney Todd, Mother Goose, the Princess from The Princess and the Pea (renamed Lillith), and Dorothy’s dog Toto (renamed Dorothy). Each character has a unique design inspired by pro-wrestlers, adding a humorous touch to the game. McIsaac explained that every character is a joke character, but they aim to honor their cultural legacies while still making the game enjoyable for all players.
The gameplay in Royalty Free For All is reminiscent of Super Smash Bros., with players using light, strong, and special buttons to execute attacks. The controls are simplified compared to Smash Bros., with a focus on accessibility for a broader audience. Despite the simplicity, the game retains familiar movement techniques like spot dodging and wave dashing, catering to both casual and hardcore players. McIsaac emphasized the importance of making the game easy to follow for those more familiar with the characters than the fighting game genre.
Development and Future Plans
Royalty Free For All is still in the early stages of development, with McIsaac and his team working on bringing the game to PC and consoles. They are open to feedback from players and have set up a website where users can vote for their favorite fictional characters created before 1926 to be included in the game. McIsaac teased that there are already exciting names in consideration for future announcements, hinting at the potential for a diverse roster of fighters in the final game.
As the game continues to evolve, players have the opportunity to shape its development by suggesting characters they would like to see in the game. With over 30 potential fighters currently in consideration, McIsaac is excited about the possibilities for Royalty Free For All. He has researched over 1,000 characters for potential inclusion, showing his dedication to creating a truly unique and engaging experience for players.
In conclusion, Royalty Free For All offers a fresh take on the fighting game genre by incorporating characters from various time periods and cultural backgrounds. With its humorous approach and accessible gameplay, the game has the potential to appeal to a wide audience of players. Keep an eye out for future announcements and updates as McIsaac and his team continue to work on bringing this exciting project to life.
