Customs: Planning Stages: Transformers MMO

Discussion in 'Creative General Discussion' started by whiskeytango, Aug 24, 2009.

  1. whiskeytango

    whiskeytango Combaticon

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    So, I'm in school for video game programming, and as the subject says, I'm developing a Transformers MMO. Obviously, its a project that's beyond a single students capabilities, and it offers all sorts of licensing issues. However, its my dream project, and I plan on pursuing it once I've graduated.

    Now, lets admit it, we're all huge nerds here. Being nerds, probably a good deal of you have played an MMO at some point. This truth being self-evident means that I can probably count on alot of you knowing what goes into making a good one. So, I'd be interested to know about any constructive criticism anyone might have, ideas, what you would want to see in a Transformers MMO, so on and so forth. I'll also be posting things i've worked on (mostly just conceptual stuff at the moment).

    I'm going to start with the beginning of a quest string that I've been working on. Just the first two parts for now.

    Location: Kalis

    Quest: The Missing Patrol

    Autobot Version:

    Hound: "Listen up. As you may be aware, the city-state of Kalis was veritably destroyed near the beginning of the war, and was assumed to be unoccupied. However, one deca-cycle ago, we picked up a strange energy reading there. Shortly there after we sent in a sizable recon team to investigate, with whom we have since lost contact. Based on their last known transmission, we've approximated that they were in the South-East Sector of the territory, just outside of the city. We can't risk lossing a whole other team, so we'll be sending a single bot this time. We want you to go in there, locate the missing team, and bring them back in for debriefing. In the event that they no longer function, we'll require that you remove one of their data-tracks and bring it back, so that we can have at least some idea of what in the name of Primus is going on. This is your mission. Best of luck to you."

    Decepticon Version:

    Hun-Gurrr: "You! What is your purpose here? Well nevermind whatever it was, you've just been reassigned. If anyone has a problem with that, tell them they can take it up with the Terrorcons. Last deca-cycle we picked up an energy signature inside of Kalis proper. We were about to send in a team to uncover its nature, when we found that the Autobots had beat us to it. So, instead we sent in a team to just kill the Autobots and bring back their findings. However, it would appear that they were too incompetent to even complete that task, and haven't reported back in since their intial contact with the Autobots, somewhere around the South-Eastern sector. Where they failed, you had better slaggin succeed. Go find the Autobot team, destroy them, and bring back one of their data-tracks for study. We need to know what they're up to."


    Objectives:

    1. Search the territory of Kalis and locate the missing reconnaissance patrol.

    2. If none of the team has survived, retreive one of their data-tracks, and bring it back to Hound/Hun-Gurrr.

    Overview:

    This would be the first quest for both factions that would take you into Kalis. In the outer regions of Kalis, the mobs are much like the generic ones found in other regions. Animal types, roaming haywire drones, etc. Closer to the city, the mobs become reanimated corpses of the earlier mobs, which are slower but cause more greivous wounds. Around the point where the team was supposed to have disappeared, there is a single member left alive, surrounded by the corpses of the rest of the team. The remaining member is now raving mad, and becomes stuttering something about the dead here not being dead. As he is saying so, the dead team members rise up and tear apart the survivor. They then turn on the player. Once all the the reanimated have been killed again, the player can retrieve the data tack from the recently killed member.

    Next quest in the string:

    Location: Kalis

    Quest: What in the name of...

    Autobot/Decepticon Version
    :

    Hound/Hun-Gurrr: I can't believe my optics. I've never seen anything like this before... We need more information. Take this data-track to Jetfire/Shockwave in Iacon/Kaon. Hopefully he'll be able to make more sense of it than I possibly could. What ever is happening in Kalis is more severe than I could have imagined...

    Objectives:

    1. Take the recovered data-track to Jetfire/Shockwave in Iacon/Kaon

    Overview:

    Pretty self explanatory.

    ______________________________________

    there we go. Lets see what others have to add on.
     
  2. the (H)i(GH)con

    the (H)i(GH)con raver-in-diguise

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    I've been wanting a TF mmo for a long time now! If you pull this off, you'll be the man! What I'd really like to see in a TF mmo is Transformers... all of them, from every series *except Animated*, all playable, and/or the option to create your own character. And a storyline that changes depending on who you play as, or what their Alt mode. Something along the lines of W.O.W, Fable, Oblivion, and KOTOR all rolled into one, jacked up on steroids, and multiplied by 1000. I know it most likley won't happen, but given the popularity of TF's right now, and the fact that you could replay a game like that 100 times and still not get bored with it, someone should get on it!
     
  3. aurascope

    aurascope Well-Known Member

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    You can skirt around the licensing issues by not using Hasbro trademarked names.
    Just pervert the spelling of the characters and factions.
    Eh Opsquishybob Dime from the Rotoborts.

    If the game takes off, it will be on its own merit.
    Not because its a hasbro franchise.
    You can MAKE them beg to buy over your game. heh.
     
  4. whiskeytango

    whiskeytango Combaticon

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    While one that would include every series would be cool, i think its a little unpractical.

    I guess I should have been more descriptive of the concept here. It would be set on Cybertron, shortly after the beginning of the civil war. It'll be G1-esque, relying heavily on the current IDW universe, but pulling from lots of different sources. Like that Kalis quest string, you might be aware of where thats going if you're familiar with the Marvel UK comic from the 80's. Being set near the beginning of the war means that Optimus Prime will not be in it, at least at launch. The current Prime will be Zeta Prime.

    There won't be any playing as pre-existing characters. It'll all be character creation based on 4 different size classes: Light Class (think bumblebee, the insecticons, reflector), Medium 1st Class (think pretty much every car bot, similarly sized bots), Medium 2nd Class (Ironhide, Trailbreaker, the Predacons, Constructicons), Heavy Class (megatron, ultra magnus, tanks, etc). There will be 12 different designs per class, per faction, several of which will be female designs. So there will actually be 24 different looking designs for each class. Heads will be completely customizable, where you can choose different faceplates, eyes or visors, aerials, crests, etc.

    All bots will start with ground based alt. modes, then at a higher level, will be given the option to change to a aerial alt mode, for which there will be 5 different designs per class, per faction.

    At max level, there will be more options, such as triple changing, faction specific upgrades, stuff like that. I've got a huge write up that I think I'll include here soon.
     
  5. whiskeytango

    whiskeytango Combaticon

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    Here's a quick overview of the character classes, with short pros and cons of each

    Character Class Overviews:

    Light Class: Though they are smallest and most lightly armored of bots, Light Class Autobots and Decepticons are no less deadly than their larger counterparts. Commonly employed as Snipers, Scouts, and Sappers, their small size and swift speed allow them to get to places and stay hidden in ways that bigger bots could never hope to emulate. Often their unique programming and hardware involves systems that allow them to turn invisible, project holographs, or otherwise mask their presence.

    Light Class Pros:
    Due to their size, Light Class bots are extremely energon efficient, requiring little for basic functions, thus leaving more available for specialized tasks.
    Also, their Energon Signature is much slighter than other bots, and is nearly invisible while in alternate mode to average sensors.
    Light Class bots are among the most agile, and getting a lock on one can be difficult.
    Only class that has access to Active Camouflage, Sensor Masks, Demolition, and Sniper Rifles.
    Are as fast as non-specialized Medium 1st Class bots.
    Light Class Cons:
    The least armored of all classes, and thus take the least amount of damage to incapacitate.
    Due to weight and space constraints, they do not have access to “onboard” weaponry, such as arm cannons, intergrated seeker missiles, shoulder blasters, etc. For the same reason, they are restricted to a single, 1-handed melee weapon.
    Due to their smaller power cores, they can not effectively make use of integrated Energon weapons, as the demands of such a weapon would put to much strain on their systems.
    While speedy, they can still be easily run down by Specialized Medium 1st Class bots.
    Their melee attacks are not nearly as devastating as other classes.
    Are limited to carrying 1 primary weapon, 1 sidearm, 1 melee weapon, and 1 piece of specialized hardware.



    Medium 1st Class: Along with Medium 2nd Class, Medium 1st Class bots are the most numerous found on Cybertron. Generally a balance of speed, power, and protection, these are take-all-comers kind of bots. Most members of Autobot Special Operations and Decepticon Secret Service come from this Class, as well as more typical rank and file troops. A select few choose to tip the scales heavily in favor of speed, and these troops are fastest of all Cybertronians.

    Medium 1st Class Pros:
    Very easily fit in a myriad of roles, as they start with the most balanced templates.
    Though not as energon efficient as their smaller cousins, an aware Medium 1st Class bot will most likely never find himself running too low on his reserves.
    Have available to them a broad range of gear, and Special Forces can train to use two melee weapons at the same time.
    Can carry on them up to 1 primary weapon, 1 sidearm, 2 melee weapons, 1 piece of specialized hardware, and 1 integrated weapon.
    If modified to become speedsters(working on that name), they are easily the fastest bots, able to break the sound barrier on the ground.
    Medium 1st Class Cons:
    Though not as slight as Light Class Bots, Medium 1st Class bots can still only take a moderate amount of punishment before succumbing to stasis lock.
    Speedsters require much of their energy to be diverted to their drives, and therefore can not make full use of their templates. Speedsters may only carry 1 primary weapon, 1 sidearm, 1 melee weapon, and 1 piece of specialized hardware. Furthermore, their armor is reduced to a midpoint between Medium 1st Class bots and Light Class Bots.
    While 1st Class Bots can make use of integrated Energon weapons, such equipment puts a heavy amount of stress on the reserves, and thus can only be used for a limited amount of time.
    Special Forces are limited in their pursuits outside of combat, and may only choose from a limited pool of “professions”
    Depending on their loadout, their Energon Signature can sometimes be high, such as when equipped with integrated energon weapons, or while boosting (this especially holds true for speedsters.)

    Medium 2nd Class Bots: Much like their counterparts, Medium 1st Class bots, these troops are, for the most part, balanced warriors, though they lean more towards the power/protection end of the spectrum, sacrificing speed to do so. Their larger frames and power reserves allow them to undertake abilities that the smaller classes can only dream of. Most medical/construction bots come from this class, as well many rank and file soldiers. A much more specialized option is the ability to become Legion Commanders.

    Medium 2nd Class Pros:
    Much like 1st Class Bots, 2nd Class Mediums can fill a variety of roles. However, their increase in mass allows them to carry heavier weaponry than their counterparts.
    Have much larger generators than the two smaller classes, and are able to effectively power a moderately large number of complex systems with relative ease.
    Medical specialists can initiate on the spot repairs, as well as launch anti/counter repair viruses into their enemies.
    Legion Commanders can call forth mini-bots, each with their own special abilities, greatly widening the bots utility.
    Can equip 1 Primary weapon, 1 Sidearm, 1 Melee Weapon and an Energon shield, or 1 two-handed Melee Weapon, 2 pieces of Specialized Hardware, and 1 integrated weapon.

    Medium 2nd Class Cons:
    Though able to equip heavy output generators, their systems can still eat up their energy quickly, making this class below average on energon efficiency.
    The increase in mass and systems causes this class to be far slower than the previous two.
    Due to Legion Commanders requiring much of their internal space to be taken up by their mini-bots, their equipment is reduced to 1 primary weapon, 1 sidearm, 1 single-handed melee weapon, 1 piece of specialized hardware, and 1 integrated weapon.
    Medical/Construction Bots likewise have equipment limitations brought on by their specialized requirements. They may only carry 1 primary weapon, 1 sidearm, 1 single-handed melee weapon, and 2 pieces of special hardware, 1 of which must be dedicated to repair.
    These bots have a high energon signature, even while in alternate mode.

    Heavy Class: The largest of the standard 4 class, Heavy Class bots are basically a walking armory. The amount of systems they can carry and power is astounding. Usually they take the form of large carrier type vehicle, a mobile weapons platform, or a tank.

    Heavy Class Pros:
    Have very powerful generators that allow them to make use of powerful systems that smaller classes could never handle.
    Have extremely tough armor, which allows them to take a very high amount of punishment.
    Tank specialists can withstand more damage than any other bot, standing in the face of wounds that would put ten other bots down.
    Artillery specialists excel at long ranged bombardment. They have an immense amount of firepower at their disposal.
    Can equip 2 primary weapons or 1 heavy primary weapon, 1 side arm, 1 melee weapon and an energon shield or 1 two-handed melee weapon, 2 pieces of specialized hardware, 1 integrated weapon and 1 integrated heavy weapon

    Heavy Class Cons:
    Are extremely slow when compared to the other classes, and could never hope to run down any enemy except those in their own class.
    Unless they sacrifice firepower to avoid doing so, they can run out of energon quickly due to the demands of their heavy weapons.
    This is especially a problem for Artillery specialists, as usually a single shot of their main weapon can drop huge chucks of their energon.
    Heavy Class energon signatures are impossible to hide, and can be detected by even weak sensors from miles away.
    Heavy class bots lack the agility of other classes, and have a much more difficult time dodging blows.
     
  6. the (H)i(GH)con

    the (H)i(GH)con raver-in-diguise

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    I only said Every one because I was thinking that it would allow for alot more people playing at once. But I see you put alot more thought into this than me. If this game gets made, I'd definately buy it...matter of fact, can I be a beta tester?
     
  7. whiskeytango

    whiskeytango Combaticon

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    Hey, I'm glad you're interested. Honestly, I thought this would generate more replies/discussion than it has so far.

    If you have any ideas, please feel free to share them. No game is made by the hand/mind of just one person.
     
  8. Rhinox555

    Rhinox555 ライオコンボイ

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    I would be all over this.
     
  9. Rhinox555

    Rhinox555 ライオコンボイ

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    How about Diagnostic Drones for purposes like repairs, exploration, etc.?
     
  10. whiskeytango

    whiskeytango Combaticon

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    kind of like the Autoscout? Not a bad idea. Heres the list so far of the different Legion Troops that Legion Commanders I talked about earlier in the class overview have at their disposal. In case its not as obvious as I think it is, "Legion Commander" is the name I've come up with for characters like Soundwave and Blaster.

    Legion Commander Special Troops:

    Stealth Recon. Legion:
    A type of airborn Legion troop, SRL troops are equipped with minature versions of the sensor masks used by Light Class Bots. For short amounts of time, the legion commander can transfer his consciousness to the SRL, and use him to scout out an area without putting themself in any danger. While nimble and hard to spot, they are lightly armed and armored.
    Assassination and Sabotage Legion: Usually a light four legged design, ASL troops are masters of silent death. They make use of minature versions of Active Camoflague modules that they can usually use long enough to get behind a target and unleash a hail of deadly attacks. Much like SRL troops, ASL troops are very fast, but can take very little punishment.
    Specialized Incapacitation Legion: All SIL troops are bipedal, for the most part resembling more typical larger bots. Where they differ is that they have various types of assault hardware built into them, such as quake generators, sonic bursters, transformation cog locking pulsers, etc. Though more heavily armored than SRL and ASL troops, they will still survive longer in a support role than in a straight forward assault position.
    Specialized Defense Legion: SDL troops can be either 2 or 4 legged, but like SRL and ASL troops, they are usually of a somewhat feral design. They are equipped with a unique piece of hardware that transmits a signal to enemies that confuses their processors, making the SDL troop appear as the most immediate threat in the vicinity. To befit their role as center of attack, they are heavily armored, allowing them to take the attacks that would otherwise be directed towards the Legion Commander. However, to make room for the heavy armor and transmitter, they are only lightly armed, only able to do pitiful amounts of damage.
    Combined Assault Legion: CAL troops are very rare, and each is highly coveted. As such, they are only available to high ranking Legion Commanders. CAL are made up of two different types of Legion Troops who combine to form one large bipedal form, that is usually roughly the same size as Light Class bots. Though they lack specialized functions, they are much stronger than their frames would appear, and are vicious fighters. Futhering their capabilities, they are equipped with integrated energon melee weapons.
     
  11. whiskeytango

    whiskeytango Combaticon

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    Since that last post references specific items like Active Camouflage and Sensor masks, I thought I should probably include the write up on different hardware, weapons, stuff like that. Here you go.

    General Hardware (the stuff that all bots have):

    Armor Plating: A transformers “skin” is made of a self-regenerating molecular armor. Given time and lack of incoming damage, a transformers armor will heal itself. The better your armor plating is, the more AP you have.
    CHSL System: CHSL System stands for Cydraulic Hydrostatic Lubrication System, and it controls the dispersal of heat and power, as well as the regeneration of energy supplies. The better your CHSL System is, the faster your energon bar will replenish itself.
    Equilibrium Chip: Used for targeting stabilization. The better your equilibrium chip, the more accurate your missile and melee attacks will be.
    RTC: Ranged Targeting Chip. A Transformers built in radar. The better your RTC is, the farther away you can track your enemies, and the more information about them your read out will be able to give you.
    Spark Core: A Transformers spark core houses their spark. It’s also used to transfer energon all through out a transformers body. The better your spark core, the more energon you can make use of.
    Trauma Buffers: Used to absorb impacts that might otherwise shatter joints. The better your trauma buffers, the faster you can recoil from attack.

    Specialized Hardware:

    Active Camouflage: A shoulder mounted device that can make the user invisible to optics and radar while turned on. A blur is created while moving which can give away the user to a watchful opponent. Its field of effect is so small that only a light class bot can make use of it. It is also a heavy energon drain, and can only be used for limited amounts of time. The longer it is in use, the higher the users energon signature becomes, eventually making them no longer invisible to radars.
    Cerebro Shell: Developed by the Insecticon Bombshell, and later reverse engineered by Jetfire and ratified for Autobot use by Zeta Prime, a cerebro shell implants a virus into another bots neo-cortex, allowing the user complete control over the enemy for a limited amount of time.
    EMP Generator: Creates a localized pulse that temporarily disables a transformers ability to use specialized hardware and shorts out their radar.
    Energon Reserve Pack: A small add-on that can be used to automatically replenish a portion of ones energon supplies. It can also be used as an alternate source of power for energy weapons, which will drain from the reserve pack before a bots main reserve.
    Energon Siphon: A brutal device, this add-on drains energon from an enemy and replenishes ones own.
    Flash Burst: A shoulder mounted device that creates an intense flash, whiting out enemies optical sensors for a short period of time.
    Force Field Generator: A back mounted component that creates an impenetrable force field around the user. Like the active camouflage, this can only be used for a short amount of time before it has to cool down. The more damage it sustains while on, the shorter it can operate for. Can only be used by Medium 2nd Class, and Heavy bots.
    Gyro Inhibitor: A special piece of equipment that creates a 360 degree burst of energy that throws off an enemies inhibitor chip, making it extremely difficult for them to target while effected.
    Holograph Projector: This shoulder mounted device allows the user to create a semi-solid 3D holograph of themselves which mirrors their movements. This can be used to trick opponents.
    LGW Reactor: Standing for “Localized Gravity Well”, this reactor can create a targeted immense force of gravity, powerful enough to pull airborne transformers to the ground.
    Quake Generators: A device that sends powerful shockwaves through the ground, this can temporarily knock down or stun grounded enemies.
    Sensor Mask: A sensor mask is a highly prized piece of equipment for scouts and snipers. While it can’t render a user invisible to optics, it does effectively make them invisible to radar, and being a low-yield device allows it to never increase ones energon signature. However, only light class bots’ energon signature is low enough to make use of a sensor mask in the first place.
    Short Ranged Transwarper: This internal device allows a bot to make short transwarp jumps, blinking them instantly from one spot to the next.
    Sonic Burst: This device emits a powerful but short ranged 360 sonic pulse that will stun enemies while their processors attempt to dilute it.
    TCL Pulser: Standing for “Transformation Cog Locking” this device sends out a pulse that can temporarily shut down an enemies transformation cog, locking them in which ever mode they are in when hit.

    Ranged Weapons:

    Assault Weapons: Assault weapons are semi-automatic, and are the most common weapon carried by the Autobots and Decepticons. Through they can’t match the rate of fire of pulse weapons, they have more stopping power.
    Burst Weapons: Burst weapons fire spread shots that are devastating at short range. They are often used by used by troops that are involved in close quarters combat with their enemy, or those who operate in urban environments.
    Flame Throwers: Used only by those who get in close, these weapons spew a very short ranged cone of flame, whose effects can only be described as grisly. It can not only do horrific damage, but it can also overheat an enemies CHSL system, making it more difficult for them to recover energon.
    Grenade Launchers: Grenade launchers, while less powerful than missiles or rockets, benefit from indirect fire due to the arc their trajectory. They are also much lighter in weight, allowing for easy use by even light class bots.
    Pulse Weapons: Typically smaller than their assault counterparts, pulse weapons have an increased rate of fire.
    Railrifles: Railrifles use strong magnetic energy created by their two rails to super accelerate a projectile to many times the speed of sound, which has a devastating impact when it strikes. The negative side is their heavy weight, and extremely slow rate of fire.
    Sniper Rifles: Used exclusively by Light Class Snipers, these rifles are specifically crafted for accurate long ranged shooting, usually with a very powerful scope attached. Many snipers prefer projectile rifles over energy rifles for this task, as their ammunition is much less visible when fired.

    Melee Weapons:

    Arc Weapon: Unlike energo weapons, Arc weapons are made of pure energy, with no traditional frame work underneath them. When they strike an enemy they can sometimes short out certain systems and abilities.
    Energo Weapon: The most common melee weapon used by Autobots and Decepticons, energo weapons can take many different shapes. They are always traditional melee weapons that can temporarily project an energy field around it to make its attacks more potent.
    Integrated Energon Weapon: The most potent of all melee weapons, these are built into the bots own body and are made of pure energon. Typically their hand transforms back into the arm, and the weapon extends from it. The damage they are capable of inflicting is amazing The most famous example is Megatrons energon flail.
    Motorized Weapons: Motorized weapons sometimes take the form of things such as buzz saws or chainsaw like blades. Though not as potent as an energized weapon, there is no danger of them running out of power, and do more damage than an unenergized energo weapon.
    Thermal Weapons: Most like Arc weapons, thermal weapons are made of pure energy, only instead of electricity, they are made of super hot flares. Their strikes have an effect much like those of flame throwers, restricting an enemies ability to recover energon.

    Integrated Weaponry:

    Arc Blaster: Arc Blasters create short ranged streams of electricity that deal damage as well sometimes temporarily stunning opponents.
    Assault Cannon: Basically a larger, more destructive variant of the common assault weapons.
    Chemical Launcher: Much like their flame thrower cousins, chemical launchers fire a cone of whatever substance they’re armed with.
    Demolitions Packs: Though they come in several different forms, all demolitions packs have one function: precision destruction. Used exclusively by light class sappers, these charges can be used as mines, timed explosives, and proximity explosives.
    Gatling Cannon: Larger versions of pulse weapons.
    Grenade Mortars: Much like their handheld cousins, grenade mortars benefit from indirect fire, and are lighter than Missiles and Rockets.
    Heavy Railgun: A larger, more powerful version of the rail rifle.
    Missiles Launchers: Much like rockets, missiles are self propelled explosives. However, unlike rockets, missiles can sometimes be long ranged, and have the ability to lock-on to enemies. However, the space taken up by their targeting systems reduces the amount that can be used for explosives, making them less destructive than rockets, though they are still very lethal.
    Rockets Launchers: Rockets are medium ranged self propelled explosives that can cause massive damage. However, they are unguided, and require much skill in targeting to use. Rockets come in many different sizes, but they all operate in the same way, the only differences being power and destructive range of the explosion.
    Note on Rockets and Missiles: Both rockets and missiles also can come in pods, which fire multiple warheads at once. However, each warhead is lighter and less destructive than their launcher variants, though they cover a wider range.
     
  12. whiskeytango

    whiskeytango Combaticon

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    Here are some concept sketches that Blitz was kind enough to do for me. They're all Autobot designs so far.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     

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  13. IF_IR_IE_IE_ID

    IF_IR_IE_IE_ID USAF Seeker

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    A great ambition, and much support from these forums. Good luck.
     
  14. mampy

    mampy Movie-Accurate Mampy

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    You seem to have a lot of the ideas worked out. I am definitely lookin forward to seeing something like this out in the market. :) 
     
  15. destrongerlupus

    destrongerlupus Well-Known Member

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    I second the vote for doing a very TF-Friendly but non-TF game, so that your efforts can actually bear fruit. As previously mentioned, if it's good enough, Hasbro will eventually throw cash AT you to produce a TF-expansion pack or whatever.

    The designs you've got so far are fresh and original, but also very TF-friendly, so you're on the right track. I'm an old-school gamer (I've got a dandy little table-top action-figure-strategy rule set I'm play-testing now), so these MMO's fascinate me, but I can't quite ever get my mind around them ;) 

    A 2D TF-Sprite Graphic-Chat I might be able to handle, but those days are long gone ;) 

    D/L
     
  16. whiskeytango

    whiskeytango Combaticon

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    Well Blitz is a great artist. I barely gave him anything to go off of at all and he's still created pretty much exactly what I had in mind.

    I'm holding out hope for doing an actual TF game instead of a TF knockoff. I have a small bit of a leg up on that though. The school I go to is somewhat "sponsored" by vivendi games, who owns activision, who owns the TF license right now. Another good thing is that they also own blizzard, so they obviously have people experienced in making MMOs.

    Keep your fingers crossed for me, and once again, I would love to hear any ideas that anyone has.
     
  17. Name_Violation

    Name_Violation New Member

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    nice. hope i get to play this..

    gonna need beta testers?
     
  18. Lt. Faceless

    Lt. Faceless I'm a puppet

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    Just remebe in the Exp. Packs,bring in combiners. If you do use any of the Auto/Decpt. names,just make them NPCs.A game like this could go in a hundred different places.

    On a side note,if it does take off.Just remember us GIJOE fans need a MMO too.
     
  19. whiskeytango

    whiskeytango Combaticon

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    You know, I've given a lot of thought to Gestalts, and I actually don't intend on implementing them as character possibilities. Not because I don't think they can be done, cause its video game, anything can be done. Mostly because I don't think you could do them correctly, story wise or game play wise.

    I've heard people saying that they think "guild" members should be able to form a combiner, but I don't think that could work out well. Either several players would have to do give up control of their characters, or you'd have to make some strange way to synchronize actions. Neither really sounds that good. Also, gestalts should be rare bots of legends made out of elite teams. If there were character gestalts, you'd have way too many running around.

    Here are several things I have considered though. Theres a mission in WoW: The Burning Crusade where you briefly play as this bad ass Draenei Paladin to fight this other legendary character. I think that could work well for gestalts, just a certain special mission where you get to play as one of them.

    Another thing I want to do is have player characters that actually are small combiners, in the vein of Squawkbox and Reflector, so that in one form or the other you actually split into several different forms. I imagine it being controlled kind of like the ice climbers in Super Smash Brothers.
     
  20. whiskeytango

    whiskeytango Combaticon

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    I just noticed that I mentioned "guilds" in that last post but I haven't actually touched on them yet, so now I'll rectify that.

    Guilds in this game will be called "Tactical Assault Units" or "TAUs", though I'm sure most people will probably still just call them guilds. My inspiration for how I would try to make guilds seem like in game is The Wreckers, Predacons, and other teams that in the fiction function with a degree of autonomy from their respective faction. Each TAU will have its own emblem, which members can display on one of their shoulders. Something I'm considering is having the emblems be able to get slightly more elaborate the higher rank you are in the TAU, kind of like in Animated where the Elite Guard have the wings on the autobot emblem.

    Something else that I really want TAUs to have is their own personal "base"(guild hall). It'd be really cool to have actual bases scattered throughout the world, but then space becomes an issue, so I think they would have to be instanced, which is still pretty cool. However, something akin to Warhammer Onlines system of claiming keeps might be a possibility, to give TAUs an in world foot hold. The higher the achievements and reputation of your TAU, the more enmities the members can add to their bases. Really, this idea is nothing new though, MMO players have been clamoring for something like that for as long as their have been guilds in games.

    Another thing i've been giving alot of thought to, and I would really like input on this, is naming of characters. Now, I don't role play or anything like that in MMO's, but it still bugs the hell out of me seeing people running around with names like "DavyPWNu69" or anything like that. Takes me out of the experience a little, you know? So what I've been thinking about is compiling a massive list of words that can be combined to form names for characters, making for names that actually sound like a name a transformer would have. A very few that come to mind already are words like "fire", "wave", "side", "master", "wheel", "jet", "sky", Stuff like that. Just from those you can get a bunch of different transformer sounding names: "Fire Wave", "Fire Master", "Sky Wave", "Jet Wave", "Fire Wheel", "Sky Fire", "Wave Fire", "Sky Jet", "Sky Master", "Jet Master", "Sky Side", "Side Jet", "Jetside", "Wheel Master", so on and so forth. Also, you could just use single words, as their are plenty of single word transformer names. The idea would be to get so many different words together that their should be enough different combinations that there would be plenty of names per server. A nice little nod to Hasbros problem with keeping trademarked names too would be if theres a Decepticon named "Sky Side", a player starting an Autobot character could name their character "Autobot Sky Side".

    thoughts?