71 replies to this topic

[Methulah]

I lose. I always do.

[Lord_Raven]

lol, figures

[bladder]

Since you guys are going to be using the wiki, I'd suggest you make the page names a bit more concrete. Instead of "Brainstorming" make it "DMNC_Project_Brainstorming". Prepend all project specific pages with the word "DMNC_Project" or something - as in "DevMaster.Net Community Project" (don't forget to add the word community, else it may be a bit misleading)

[Ed Mack]

I was using [[Category:Community Project]] to brand them, but if you feel they will cluter the namespace, is there a way to make our own (like Help:Editing, Project:Brainstorming)?

[shiaolin_monk]

:angry: grr Theres a problem with me logging into WiKi. I'll see what the problem is but in the meantime, anyone got any suggestions?

[Lord_Raven]

You shouldn't have to log into the wiki, to see the pages should you? i haven't been anyways.

[bladder]

I'm sure there's a way Will have to look into how though.

[Lord_Raven]

Just Click On This Link: http://www.devmaster...Launching_ideas

[Axehilt]

Hey, I probably won't help out much but hopefully a little critique will be helpful, with a few brainstormed ideas thrown in...

Coverage Gaps
Firstly, as I think someone already stated, the game you attempt to create needs to be fitting of the skills of the group. The two main roles I see lacking so far are Sound, and 3D Animator (unless the people who listed themselves as modellers can also do animations.) Granted, you can still make a game look great, even a 3D game, without 3D animations - but you have to have a plan on what you're going to do, how it's going to look. Sound/music can be entirely ignored, but I feel it's a very important "polish" item for a game - good sounds can really help make a game fun.

For music/sound, one possible avenue of picking up another team member is to post in the discussion forums at http://www.modarchive.com/ I've noticed many requests (and responses) for game music there. Musicians are looking to create a portfolio just like game programmers are. (:

For 3D animation, you'd either have to learn it, find another person who can do it, or design your art style around that limitation. Either 2D art or 3D art without detailed animations can look great if done right. While I wasn't fond of Parappa's art style, the technical way they implemented the visuals might be one option (2D animated textures moving around a 3D world).

AI (artificial intelligence) is another potential limiting factor. Again, one of the programmers could dive in and take a crash course in AI programming - or you could simply have the game design require only minimal AI programming. Given that all of the projects I've been on (stuff like Rise of Nations and Mechwarrior 4) have had dedicated AI programmers, I assume it would be a really attractive thing for an aspiring game programmer to have on their resume. (:

Brainstormed Game Ideas

1. Synthesized. (bizarre/unique-ish game) Part MP3 visualization program, part Asteroids-style shooter. The player selects one of his own MP3s. Enemies are generated based on the music (perhaps with a visual equalizer). The background (and possibly the "walls" of the level) would also be changed by the music. Vaguely similar to Rez, and very similar to a rare (Dreamcast?) game that used your own music CDs in sort of Rythm/Platformer style gameplay.

Anyways, these types of games generally impress gaming enthusiasts by feeling very different from anything else they've played. It's also a relatively simple concept that shouldn't be too difficult to create. Other forms of gameplay besides an Asteroids-style shooter would certainly be possible.

2. Necrosis. (FPS survival horror) Zombies attack and you must survive in a Mall from dusk til dawn until military backup saves you.

* Zombies infinitely spawn throughout the mall.
-----* The player can limit zombie movement by barricading certain areas of the map. Barricades are eventually broken by zombies.
* Some areas of the mall should be poorly lit, and many areas should look ravaged by zombies.
* Weapons/Ammo are limited. Because zombies infinitely spawn, this forces the player to keep on the move to find more ammo.
-----* hunting rifle in the sports store
-----* aerosol can + lighter in the hair boutique
-----* Katana in the Kendo Training Center
-----* pistols off dead security guards - including zombie security guards that spawn occasionally.
* Item powerups provide temporary and permanent effects
-----* food court food restores health
-----* cookies/candy provide temporary run speed increases
-----* books provide permanent bonuses for weapons
----------* The Kendo Master's Handbook increases Katana damage
----------* The Anarchist's Cookbook increases aerosal flamethrower fuel efficiency
----------* So you want to be a Security Guard increases pistol accuracy.

If you don't mind campy cheese factor, have each project member submit voiceovers for the zombies, using their best zombie impersonation. "Braaaainnssss", zombie moans, and so on.

Zombies is a relatively untapped FPS theme compared to Space Marines, Aliens, Modern Military, and WW2. There are like three half-life mods focused on them, but that's about it.

To make it even less like anything currently produced, have it be in medieval times as a Paladin defending a village from an undead attack. And then implement a solid melee system that works less like a Half-life crowbar and more like Jedi Knight 2's excellent lightsaber mechanics.

And remember, this is still just a single level - to keep things simple. If it's smooth sailing and everyone is working well, then adding more levels and cooperative multiplayer might be good options (although if multiplayer is added as an afterthought, it'll probably be more trouble than it's worth.)

Alright, I've rambled on for long enough; sorry to invade your thread. :P

[SpreeTree]

Axehilt said:

1. Synthesized. (bizarre/unique-ish game) Part MP3 visualization program, part Asteroids-style shooter. The player selects one of his own MP3s. Enemies are generated based on the music (perhaps with a visual equalizer). The background (and possibly the "walls" of the level) would also be changed by the music. Vaguely similar to Rez, and very similar to a rare (Dreamcast?) game that used your own music CDs in sort of Rythm/Platformer style gameplay.

Very nice idea, something that on one hand is quite simple (the asteroids part) but on the other is very different. Regardless of the target audience, games like this are fun to play, and ppl, if it is done right, can get a real buzz out of it.

I'm changing my vote!

Spree

[razi3l]

My friend write a few stories for game, so if everyone is interested i can post it.
They are pretty good. The only problem is that i must translate it to english.

[bramz]

Will brian fellows be on the lighting team?

[Ed Mack]

Please do post them!

[Methulah]

Unfortunatly, IBF hasn't made his appearance known yet. I wait.

[Ed Mack]

(Please don't hijack this thread! Use the Lounge)

[Lord_Raven]

Hey Guys, just checking back with you all, I have been working on designing a 2D engine for a New Game studio in New Zealand, but while i have been working on that, i have been checking on how many people volunteered, i think we have enough now, so lets use 3D game studio, its quick to design with and simple to use, the programmers will love it, nice and easy, however it is only a 30-day trial, but you guys will love it, so lets use this Demo of A6 engine found at www.3dgamestudio.com

What do you guys think, at least we would all be using the same thing to add our own ideas to, also it is very VERY easy to learn..... :-)

[Ed Mack]

Lets not rely on cracked software for a community project. It does not represent DevMaster's stance.

[Methulah]

And 3D Gamemaker isn't very powerful or versitile. We could use Quake 3 and add to it.

[SpreeTree]

A Half-Life2/Doom 3 mod might be more fitting maybe? At least then we have something to work with from the start?

Spree

[Methulah]

I am making a half-life 2 mod that would be stylish and signify what the community is about. I think artistic talent woudl be the sticking point though. If anyone is intersted, I can post more info though.