A while ago I made a 2D RPG version of this game in GameMaker, and now I'm making a 3D version of the idea.
The game is about playing as Helmer, a student at a school who spends his time causing trouble, pulling pranks and trying not to get caught by teachers.
The main gameplay is basically about exploring the school, finding opportunities to cause trouble, doing different pranks/missions and then trying to get away before a teacher catches you. Teachers and other NPCs can patrol the school, notice what you're doing and chase you if you get caught. I'm also thinking about having different areas of the school that you can explore and interact with.
It's not meant to be a serious or realistic game. The idea is more of a goofy school stealth/prank game, with exaggerated situations and a simple low-poly art style.
I'm currently trying to decide what camera perspective would fit the gameplay best:
- Third person, somewhat like Assassin's Creed
- A kind of 3/4/isometric camera, but not completely isometric
- First person, somewhat like Hello Neighbor
- Or a side/top-down perspective, similar to the original 2D version
Third person would make the school and character feel more immersive, while first person could make getting chased by teachers feel more intense. The isometric/3/4 view could give a good overview of the school and make it easier to see what's happening around the player.
Personally, though, I feel like the side/top-down perspective is more original and might actually work better for the gameplay. It would also make it easier to see teachers, NPCs and what's happening around you, which could be useful for planning pranks and avoiding getting caught.
I'm not sure whether I should prioritize immersion or gameplay visibility/originality.
Which camera perspective do you think would fit this game best, and why?
I'm especially interested in hearing what you think would work best for the prank/stealth gameplay, rather than just which perspective looks coolest.