I haven't released it yet, and am still in early stage, but my next project is an RPG related to karate. You end up in duels with other people and use water karate to defeat them. The game's people have levels and XP like in Pokemon, a similar-style map, and a similar duel style. For example, in a duel, you choose from a selection of moves, and watch the guy perform it. There are no superly effective moves and such, so that isn't a copy. Based on that description, would it be considered a copy? I know of Creative commons and Fair Use and all that fun stuff, but I want to know as if Nintendo viewed the game and it was a professionally released one in stores, could I be sewed for infringement? Now I know that won't happen on here, but I'm just relating it to a realistic event.

Second, do you have any unique duel ideas totally unique to Pokmon's battles to make it different? Thanks!

And to round up my question above, how much alike does a real game have to be to be considered a copy and infringing on the copyright?

Note: all artwork done by myself

If it's released in Scratch, it's legal.

If you plan on selling it, probably not… Don't know, and I'm tired right now. I'll try to give a more comprehensive answer later.

I think it's okay. As long as it's not a complete ripoff and doesn't steal their artwork.

If you do not use their artwork or music, it is technically okay, because while original works are copyrighted, an idea is not.

If it's just inspired by another game it's fine. After all many games share common elements such as combo attacks, similar looking maps, inventories, gem slots, etc etc. If you are recreating a game that already exists using pre-existing artwork/sprites though, you'd have to research more thoroughly, despite Scratch users being protected by Fair Use.

Bump. Thabks for the responses guys! Just looking for more..,

Most of the stuff you described you would use is in a bunch of popular non-Scratch online games…even a few of the non-free ones…

Although don't make a project containing a rectangle with rounded corners and a screen, or anything else Apple's somehow managed to patent.