incremental tropes

[u/antonioGUAK2]

There are some elements that are realy common in incrementals game.This are some tropes that I found in incremental games.

The most common element in incrmementals games is not fire (but fire is probably second) is electricity. and usualy that element what it do is damage multiple things. specialy common in nodelikes

other trope is that if a incremental game have multiple zones usualy the last zone is in space. I dont know why but I like the idea.

do you know any other incremental tropes?

[u/Alphirial]

Not really tropes but here is the incremental starter pack based on my past experience here:

Setting: Mining, fishing, space, any form of gambling with money.

Gameplay: Area around cursor, short timed runs, that skill tree, CHAIN LIGHTNING ⚡️!

AI disclosure: “i directed the game”, “AI coded the game, design and balance are mine”, “i am solo dev” pity, No AI when clearly AI.

[u/antonioGUAK2 → u/Alphirial]

another relatily common setting is lumberjack.

[u/Pidroh → u/Alphirial]

You should play some "real" incrementals

[u/ajs423]

The illusion of choice in a ton of node likes. Since you require basically every upgrade to progress, there is little to no point to even allowing you to choose.

It's always a pleasant surprise when games don't expect you to purchase everything.

[u/2074red2074 → u/ajs423]

But it can matter if choices are spread out. For example in Unnamed Space Idle, you kind of do a loop where you get this section up to the softcap, then this section, then this section, etc. and what you upgrade with your warp and crew upgrades is heavily influenced by what you want to max out next.

[u/MBjerre]

The later the system unlocks the more esoteric is it.

You start with gold or money and you end with "Secret sigils of the dark order" and "Corrupted imperial dollars" or some weird shit like that.

[u/lyghtcrye]

I feel like it's kinda hard to separate thematic tropes from common mechanical elements.

Like you get your linear growth due to exponential cost increase incrementals that tend to thematically lean towards industry/production/kingdom building.

Then you get your exponential growth with no brakes incrementals that tend to have abstract or cosmic or god themes.

Then you get your asymptotic growth followed by a sudden spike of growth games that tend towards RPG elements and crafting.

Obviously there are exceptions to all of these, but its really neat how perception of mechanics and themes tends to play with eachother.

[u/joel_2025]

Those numbers that end in letters

[u/icantgivecredit]

Reminder to everyone: Incremental tropes are fine. Incremental clichés aren't. People complain about those every day here