Solstice found some more research materials for us. Mudducky, a member of a few rpg maker forums, ran a survey of 100 random people about what they like in the games. It covers how characters level, battle system types, leveling control (training), features, and story themes. Of course, take the results with a grain of salt - most people in RM communities don’t even play games!

How should the character level up?

• 94% - By defeating monsters
• 39% - By optaining items which increase state
• 12% - By spending money in certain buildings
• 9% - By opening chests & finding hidden objects on the map

Which battle system would you prefer to use?

• 44% - Sideview battle system + Active time battle
• 39% - Side view battle system
• 9% - Front view battle system
• 8% - Front view battle system + Active time battle

After exp is gained should the character auto level with it, or should the player be in control on what states the character may level up?

• 34% - Auto level the player
• 34% - A mix between the two
• 32% - The player should be in control of the level states

Which of the following features would you like to see in a game? (Users picked 7 each)

• 92% - Elemental strategies
• 86% - Stealing ability
• 86% - Special abilities
• 84% - Beastiary
• 84% - Time System
• 78% - Shops which you buy skills/magic from
• 74% - Minigames
• 63% - Weapons holding skills
• 53% - A cooking menu

Which of these themes would you like to follow in a storyline? (Users could vote for 1 to 7)

• 75% - Mysterious
• 74% - Humour
• 71% - Something deep
• 67% - Action
• 65% - Adventurous
• 52% - Something Dark
• 34% - Romance
• 17% - Horror
• 16% - Calm

Useful information - thanks mudducky for running the survey!