Epic Space Game
From WorkCDN
This design, as well as it's title, is very broad. It's more like a collection of several alternatives and will eventually be weeded down to one, or split into several designs. As for now, while all are pretty vague, I'm including them all here.
Contents |
Gameplay
Hopefully rather open ended. This I would like to hold for all alternatives. The player can make their own decisions, which in turn affect the world around him, and interact with the plot in a very open manner. Ideally, the player will be able to, by choice, choose whether to be a legendary rogue fighter pilot, a pirate captain, a captain in the empire's star fleet or even the leader of it's own empire. That sort of expansiveness could be held back for "sequels" if the smaller games I make now are received well.
A variety of Factions is also central to the plot. The Rag-Tag Rebels versus the Overbearing Empire has been overdone. There will be multiple factions, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, politics and agendas and the character can choose to align themselves with any (or start his own!). Diplomacy between factions can also play huge rolls.
Large customizability of one's own ship. Regardless of level or career choice, the player will have a main starship. Could be a small fighter-sized cruiser, a freighter for trading, or the large flagship of your empire. These ships will be customizable. A player can equip better armor, better engines, better shields, a variety of weapons and special systems. A player will also be able to upgrade their own stats, a long with hire a crew for their starship, each with their own stats.
I'd also like a decent focus on ship combat. Real-time. So far, I have two different types of combat:
Duel
Two ships meet and a open-field combat is assumed. Top down, free mobility, duke-it-out fight. You destroy your opponent, your opponent destroys you or either of you retreat like a slimy coward. Arrow keys (or WASD) for movement and special keybindings for primary and secondary attacks, along with special systems, such as small fighters, shield boost, energy blast rings, etc etc.
Assault
This is when you attack a fleet or a defensive fortification. This is a top-down scrolling shooter. You move forwards, backwards strafe left and right, but you can't turn and you are always moving forward. You'll encounter many smaller enemies on this and potentially a boss ship or structure.
Much influence from Star Control II.
Alternate Universes:
The Epic Universe
No name for this. I'll come up with something only minorly cheesy at another time. The playability of this universe will span the galaxy. This was the first conception when I brainstorm for this epic space game and holds most true the gameplay mentioned above.
Races
(short list)
PureBreds
The empire of normal humans, as we know it. Little to know modifications. (playable race)
Cyborgs
Humans that had extensive cybernetic works done to them. Able to exist in both a virtual reality existence along with a physical one. At first ousted by PureBreds, time has healed wounds and they coexist peacibly, but still remain somewhat wary and generally exist towards the outer edges of the empire. A bit more freedom loving and independent than normal humans. (playable race)
Sons of Man
A group of cyborgs decided to take their transformation to the next logical step and exist entirely within a virtual context. They interact with the world with robotic drones. Some say they have lost all their humanity in the machine. They are rather reclusive and none truly know the extent of their power. (playable race)
Daughters of Man
Not humans at all, but rather an AI "race" that we developed. They left human space and none know how deep into space they go.
Angels
Not truly angels, but rather humans that spent far too long in hyperspace. They live in colonies suspended in hyperspace, where they are born, live and die. This has altered both the psyche and form, making them an entirely new people. (playable race)
Dolphi
These are the descendants of dolphins that we have "brought up," intellectually. Sentient and intelligent, they became a space faring race as well. Very amicable with humans and very tightly knit race.
"Octopi"
An alien race that has the form of a large octopus. Homeworld is rather a swampy one.
"some fungusy name"
As the Daughters of Man pushed further and deeper into unknown space, they came into contact with an new fungal species. As human scientists best speculate, this species spread and grew and became intertwined with some of their AI's system, where they developed a form of intelligence. They spread far and wide in the deep or space and some fear it would destroy the AI race and potentially all sentient life. All we know is that the rusted, blasted, fungal infested ghost ships are seen moving closer into known space.
"something scary but not cheezy"
I just want a very warlike alien race. From a planet of pure predators (all herbivores were driven to extinction). Not necessarily evil. Or maybe.
"another name"
A multidimensional being. Each individual here in our dimension is merely a part of the being poking through into our dimension. A much more sinister view of them in hyper space. It's true self is hidden in yet another dimension.
Slightly Less Epic Universe
Most likely a prequel to the Epic Universe. This one takes place in the solar system and tells the story of the beginning of the PureBreds, Cyborgs, Sons, Daughters and Dolphi. Locations range from planets to mining colonies in asteroid belts, and outposts on moons. Might include more subraces on different environments.
Fantasy Universe
Classic Fantasy... in space! (some of you might remember a certain forum game like this) This can be set over a galaxy or just a solar system. (probably something inbetween.
Races
Humans
Your standard human empire, of course. Well rounded in attack, defense, maneuverability, etc, but their real strength is in infrastructure.
Ship style: Many cues off navy ships and aircraft.
Dwarves
Strong miners and an industrious people. Their starships sport some of the toughest armor around.
Ship style: Very blocky and almost architectural.
Gnomes
Tinkers and Inventors, these people have some of the most interesting, sometimes dangerous devices.
Ship style: Round. Over the top in these shapes.
Elves
A mystical, peaceful people who arise to become fierce warriors when they are called. Their starships tend to be lighter and quicker, especially good for hit and run tactics.
Ship style: Very slick and almost organic lines. Light and dagger-like.
Orcs
A warlike and brutish people. Some wonder how they even got into space. Their ships are most rag-tag equipped with overloaded, powerful weapons.
Ship style: flying scrap heaps. An engine, guns, spikes and a cockpit.
Dark Elves
A cruel, caste-like society, these dark elves will stop at nothing to attain their goals, namely power.
Ship style: Dark and Sleek, but sharp and jagged.
The Legion
A race of Daemons once reigning in terror over the free races was banished out of this universe at the end of the first age. Countless centuries have past and the children of the world spread to the stars, but the Daemon's never forgot and they found a way back to into the universe.
