Hoop Dungeon Demo - https://whynotgames.itch.io/hoop-dungeon-prototype
Introduction
Hoop Dungeon is a turn-based-tactics basketball game that keeps the narrative on the court.
Selling Points:
- Deep turn-based-tactics.
- Unique, combinable moves.
- Real basketball moves and Easter eggs for basketball fans.
- Novel narrative told entirely on the court.
Hoop Dungeon
Why try the game?
- Sports are an interesting twist on the popular roguelike genre.
- Turn-based-tactics is an unusual way to represent basketball in video games but one that aligns with modern NBA analysis.
Why keep playing the game?
- Thousands of distinct move combinations.
- Strong replayablility and challenge in the roguelike mechanics.
- Anime-inspired storytelling with mature characters.
- Progression system based on friendship and rivalries
Why Should This Game Exist Now?
Firstly, sports games need a shakeup. The tentpole 2K series is regularly criticized for both being formulaic and for being microtransaction-heavy. The time is ripe for an indie sports game with a different style of simulation, as shown by the success of Tape 2 Tape.
Hoop Dungeon is also built to appeal to fans of indie roguelikes. This is a very established audience and the basketball setting helps Hoop Dungeon stand out in a genre that leans SFF.
Additionally, games like Hades show the potential of narrative in roguelikes and Hoop Dungeon’s innovative approach to narrative will appeal to players looking for more in that space. Additionally, despite the popularity of sports anime, the narrative techniques they use are rare to see in video games and so have significant appeal.