Post by: Shady Ultima on August 06, 2007, 12:16:39 AM
THE STORY
The most powerful empire in the world has been dealt a tragic blow. It's emperor had been brutally murdered. He was well protected, and his attacker left no trace of his actions.
The emperor's general has been named the new emperor. This has caused tension between the empire and its allied nations. Many rebel forces have made names for themselves against the empire.
Amidst the tension, you play as the General's son. You act as an ambassador, smoothing out relations with other nations by making personal appearances. In your spare time, you fight insurgents against your fathers empire.
On one such trip, you come across a maiden. She is of a strange ethnicity that you have never seen before. She is being attacked by a group of thieves.
After saving her, you are startled. You suddenly come under attack by a strange mystical force. You are in severe pain. You eventually wake up to meet the woman taking care of you. You learn that you are under the attack of a powerful curse. The curse gives you strange and ominous dreams of the past, as well as untold physical strength.
Things take a turn for the worst when a nation launches an attack on the empire. War is on the horizon. The girl wants to follow you-to monitor your condition. You seek to at least meet with your father the emperor, while trying to solve the mysteries of the curse.
WHAT WE STILL NEED
Face set team
More map makers
Item designers
Sound Effects (either custom or found online)
Title screen/Game over screens
More programmers
Story team
Aboutaso
Phayre
Shady Ultima
Scripting team
coasterkrazy
Shady Ultima
Music team
Dren2120
coasterkrazy
coolzidane
Mapping team
Linkizcool
Char set team
ShadyUltima
Phayre
Red Fox
Moosetroop11
Linkizcool
Prpl_Mage
Coding
Aboutaso
Linkizcool
Post by: aboutasoandthis on August 06, 2007, 12:33:04 AM
Post by: Cosmos on August 06, 2007, 12:35:37 AM
Post by: Shady Ultima on August 06, 2007, 12:41:05 AM
Post by: Phayre on August 06, 2007, 01:16:51 AM
Post by: aboutasoandthis on August 06, 2007, 01:21:32 AM
Post by: Shady Ultima on August 06, 2007, 01:21:54 AM
Post by: Phayre on August 06, 2007, 02:34:09 AM
Post by: SaiKar on August 06, 2007, 03:14:10 AM
Just sayin, if you want to do this, you'd better have some sort of plan to avoid that from happening.
Post by: Shady Ultima on August 06, 2007, 04:04:37 AM
Post by: Prpl_Mage on August 06, 2007, 06:40:25 AM
I don't know what style you are looking for here but I am willing to help out as I feel like a failed last time I tried to help out.
Charset can be made as well, not completely custom, I need some kind of basic mostly and I really suck when it comes to hair.
Battle animations... Well I donno, I can make them but I donno if you want them, not that "sniny" and is all made with my simple paint skills. Mostly I just do battle animations for monsters attack and hero skills and magic.
I'm really not that good at Midis(as in; I've done two in my entire life, can't figure the tool out) and the programing often goes slow as I try to take the safe route around problem.
Systems, backgrounds, pictures, panorama; No not really, try not to ask me to do those. I'm a paint man and flashy special effects ála Photoshop just ain't my thing.
I think that pretty much sums it up, I could do alot but I would like to have someone to turn to at a regular basis as I hate when just a task is given and I can't ask about it.
I could help out with the story as well, or at least take part of your disscusions so I know what the characters, monsters and ect should look like.
I'm a pretty all-around person and is mostly online during the days when I'm not out with the gals or doing some raids in Kharazan.
Souldn't be hard to guess my msn either, keep me informed.
Post by: Fortet on August 06, 2007, 02:33:57 PM
MSPaint is my specialty lol
Post by: aboutasoandthis on August 06, 2007, 03:14:19 PM
Quote
Originally posted by SaiKar
The problem with a community project is that everyone wants to work on the story instead of doing the work. So the few talented artists and mappers and coders get told what to do all the time. They eventually become resentful, decide they don't need this crap, and go do their own thing.
Just sayin, if you want to do this, you'd better have some sort of plan to avoid that from happening.
That's like saying the storyline requires no work. This is from a guy who can sprite, can map, and can code his *** off. The storyline is the thing that requires the most work. A game has no hope of getting finished if the story is not done, and done well. Who ever said that those working on the story cannot do other things like code as well?
Post by: drenrin2120 on August 06, 2007, 03:16:26 PM
When the story team is done with all the scenario things, I'll pitch in with midis and maybe battle charas and poses. Maybe, I don't usually have fun doing battle charas and poses. Wish I did. >.>
Post by: Shady Ultima on August 06, 2007, 05:11:28 PM
Post by: SaiKar on August 06, 2007, 06:50:48 PM
Quote
Originally posted by aboutasoandthisQuoteOriginally posted by SaiKar
The problem with a community project is that everyone wants to work on the story instead of doing the work. So the few talented artists and mappers and coders get told what to do all the time. They eventually become resentful, decide they don't need this crap, and go do their own thing.
Just sayin, if you want to do this, you'd better have some sort of plan to avoid that from happening.
That's like saying the storyline requires no work. This is from a guy who can sprite, can map, and can code his *** off. The storyline is the thing that requires the most work. A game has no hope of getting finished if the story is not done, and done well. Who ever said that those working on the story cannot do other things like code as well?[/B]
Don't take this the wrong way, but that old quote about things being 10% inspiration 90% perspiration is true. It's not that the story takes no work; it's that its easier to do the story since you can just think of crazy ideas in the shower and brainstorm with your friends. You never run into a storyline not working correctly (like the code can) or the storyline just not looking right after spending an hour on on it (like spriting can) or a storyline being just too hard or generally not any fun (like playtesting can reveal).
Storyline is the stuff of dreams, but when it comes to actually trying to take those dreams and make them into reality, things begin to bog down. Plus, in every project I've ever worked on, I've had new storyline ideas while doing the code. My original scopes were always, without exception, too limited. For example, I might have a new idea for a subquest that wasn't listed in the script and just add it in. Because I work on my projects solo, that's no problem. But if you try to do that, that means new people making new maps, sprites, code. You have to make allowances for that sort of development.
Post by: Phayre on August 06, 2007, 07:06:57 PM
Quote
You never run into a storyline not working correctly (like the code can)
I've had moments where I'm about 50 pages into a leg of a story, then suddenly realize that something waaaaaaaaaaay back at the beginning doesn't make sense, and I get to either scrap it or do massive, massive editing.
Quote
or the storyline just not looking right after spending an hour on on it
After spending two years on a novel, I can safely say that this is what editing is all about. Tweak, tweak, cut!
Quote
or a storyline being just too hard or generally not any fun (like playtesting can reveal).
An idea can turn out unwieldly or hard to pull off, and the finished product often appeals only to the writer, sometimes not even to them.
The hard part about story is not thinking of stuff. It's figuring out how to implement it, to pace it, how the dialogue should be, et cetera. You can't just think of something wacky in the shower and call it a story.
On topic, I'm also willing to try and help with spriting. My skills aren't superb, but I'd like to get better.
Post by: aboutasoandthis on August 06, 2007, 07:51:25 PM
Quote
Originally posted by SaiKarQuoteOriginally posted by aboutasoandthisQuoteOriginally posted by SaiKar
The problem with a community project is that everyone wants to work on the story instead of doing the work. So the few talented artists and mappers and coders get told what to do all the time. They eventually become resentful, decide they don't need this crap, and go do their own thing.
Just sayin, if you want to do this, you'd better have some sort of plan to avoid that from happening.
That's like saying the storyline requires no work. This is from a guy who can sprite, can map, and can code his *** off. The storyline is the thing that requires the most work. A game has no hope of getting finished if the story is not done, and done well. Who ever said that those working on the story cannot do other things like code as well?[/B]
Don't take this the wrong way, but that old quote about things being 10% inspiration 90% perspiration is true. It's not that the story takes no work; it's that its easier to do the story since you can just think of crazy ideas in the shower and brainstorm with your friends. You never run into a storyline not working correctly (like the code can) or the storyline just not looking right after spending an hour on on it (like spriting can) or a storyline being just too hard or generally not any fun (like playtesting can reveal).
Storyline is the stuff of dreams, but when it comes to actually trying to take those dreams and make them into reality, things begin to bog down. Plus, in every project I've ever worked on, I've had new storyline ideas while doing the code. My original scopes were always, without exception, too limited. For example, I might have a new idea for a subquest that wasn't listed in the script and just add it in. Because I work on my projects solo, that's no problem. But if you try to do that, that means new people making new maps, sprites, code. You have to make allowances for that sort of development.[/B]
This statement still doesn't really make sense. As you have said, when you are working on a solo project, and you suddenly come up with a new idea to add you simply add it. It's much harder to add something like this when you are working in a group.
Why would you do this in a group project though? A group project shouldn't have these ideas thrown in. That just shows disorganization and as you have said, messes up the project.
You're also speaking as if the game will require a massive amount of coding, spriting, and mapping... Unless you are aiming high, a game does not require this. This game shouldn't be some MMORPG with a battle system that rivals a Playstation 2 game, an art director, and a million sprites. It should just get done. I wasn't here long enough to know about it, but if this contest is on its third try then it shouldn't be huge.
What were the first two community projects like? Why exactly did they fail?
As for the storyline business, I agree with Phayre. I would also like to apply for a main coder position. I want to see what Saikar is talking about.
Post by: A Forgotten Legend on August 06, 2007, 07:57:43 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Phayre
I'd like to help with a story. I'll have to get MSN.
...you do know that if you have Yahoo Messenger, you can talk to anyone with MSN...
Post by: Phayre on August 06, 2007, 09:43:57 PM
Post by: SaiKar on August 06, 2007, 11:21:29 PM
Quote
Originally posted by aboutasoandthis
What were the first two community projects like? Why exactly did they fail?
I wasn't involved in both myself, but here's essentially what happened:
The first one was Alex's plan to be part of a contest between every major RPGMaker website. Charas's entry was massive in scope and in initial reaction. Carmen lead it, I believe. She assembled a crack team of story-writers, spriters, and coders out of available people and they all worked together decently as a group. However, at some point, Carmen announced that the participation from the rest of Charas was not satisfactory and that the Community Contest team was officially going private. They took their work and their ideas and left Charas as a team to work on their game without being associated with Charas directly. To the best of my knowledge, at some point after the split the entire thign collapsed.
More details about that here: http://charas-project.net/forum/showthread.php?threadid=6818&forumid=39&catid=9
The second one was a joint effort by Moose and Robotam to revive the spirit of the community game, as it was still a good idea. Much like before, a lot of people said they wanted to do it, and much like before, a lot of them dropped out quickly. It restarted like a year later with rougly the same disasterous results. They got a story done (that, quite frankly, didn't interest me at all to want to work on the game) and a few custom sprites, but little else before it collapsed again.
This is a good, but long, thread about that try: http://charas-project.net/forum/showthread.php?threadid=8491&forumid=39&catid=9
I'm not trying to tell you guys you shouldn't do this. Far from it. I'm trying to learn from the mistakes of the past so that you guys have a better chance of actually making something, anything, by the end.
Post by: Cosmos on August 06, 2007, 11:31:43 PM
Post by: coasterkrazy on August 07, 2007, 12:26:25 AM
Post by: CoolZidane on August 07, 2007, 12:27:16 AM
Post by: aboutasoandthis on August 07, 2007, 01:29:42 AM
If I had to guess though, the main problem with the past Community games would be the focus on having custom stuff...at all.
Originally Posted by SaiKar
Quote
However, at some point, Carmen announced that the participation from the rest of Charas was not satisfactory and that the Community Contest team was officially going private. They took their work and their ideas and left Charas as a team to work on their game without being associated with Charas directly. To the best of my knowledge, at some point after the split the entire thign collapsed.
This part jut irks me.
Post being edited for proposition. Stay tuned.
-------------------------------
I’ve taken the time to read through the twenty-six-page thread. Here’s my analysis on the past community project and why I think it has failed.
To start, there was too huge an emphasis on the custom aspects of the game. From experience, making a completely custom game without shear dedication is ludicrous for this site. The thread wanted to have a custom menu system, custom chipsets, custom charasets, a custom interface, custom monsters, and possibly the inclusion of Dragonblaze’s *not done* battle system. I can only name a few people who can create custom sprites and still visit. I’ve been making my own CBS and CMS, and it is very time consuming.
The storyline wasn’t really done. SaiKar was only half-right. The basic scenario was done. There was still no dialogue. There was no script. There simply wasn’t a plan.
In both projects, there was too much criticism on the resources provided. I think that a new project idea should take what is already there and fix it.
There was no music direction. It was basically “YOU MADE A MIDI?!?! THIS IS AWESOME!!!1111!!!!1!!!!!” I remember seeing a really nice question asked by drenrin about what sound and texture the game should use. I didn’t like how Osmose and Robotam were saying “make a town midi, an evil midi, etc.” I think that if this could have a single, strong soundtrack that covers all emotions and events, it could help build a strong base for the game.
People were changing their minds about ideas. I was a little appalled when Robotam suggested that his storyline would replace Osmose’s, only to have people cheer. I’m not even sure that anyone knew what the storyline was about. That’s just wrong…
My Propositions:
-We focus on preexistence. We take what we already have and focus it.
-The storyline will be completely finished. This at least includes the basic scenario, a timeline, and a script.
- I we should completely finish the soundtrack second, after the storyline. It’s helping me create my game a lot. I’m also hoping that the soundtrack will use mostly preexisting songs, edited to match the new game. We take what is there, add to it, and focus it to make this new game.
-We use a preexisting interface, such as the DBS and the DMS. I wouldn’t mind using the basic Metal Tears if Meiscool lets me code on it. It can’t have anything that takes more than a week to code.
-We use a preexisting art direction and sprite direction. The storyline will be edited to fit this style of this direction. Nothing custom or demanding will be created. We also use someone who is good with colors and depth to recolor everything to match one style.
-We use Osmose’s storyline as a base. I thought it was kinda lame, but it is a done scenario and it did give me ideas to make this a done project. I wouldn’t mind editing this to fit an idea I’ve had for a while.
Of course, this is Shady Ultima’s thread. It’s his and the community’s decision. Good night.
Post by: Shady Ultima on August 07, 2007, 03:26:46 AM
Post by: drenrin2120 on August 07, 2007, 03:30:29 AM
Post by: Shady Ultima on August 07, 2007, 03:37:11 AM
Post by: drenrin2120 on August 07, 2007, 03:44:59 AM
Post by: Prpl_Mage on August 07, 2007, 05:58:09 AM
As long as they are custom they will give a certain style that will probably fit through the game.
I mean we could use the RTP b-chars and yet do teh lothes and such custom, it wouldn't take to long.
And making custom monsters and such can't take more than an hour, at least not the sprite-sized ones that does not require so much shading.
But chipsets and the like will need to be corrected and fit perfectly in order for the mapmakers to actually be able to use them to their full skills.
Just speaking out of my own mind, I began with a game where I used more or less just custom graphipcs(not including chipsets) and it went fine, I just got stuck on the programing and map making as it never turned out the way I wanted it.
Post by: SaiKar on August 07, 2007, 06:35:48 AM
And I may consider throwing my own hat into the ring as well. I was becoming quite a decent character set spriter for a while there.
Post by: Red Fox on August 07, 2007, 07:11:34 AM
Post by: Cosmos on August 07, 2007, 01:05:43 PM
Post by: aboutasoandthis on August 07, 2007, 11:46:20 PM
Post by: Shady Ultima on August 08, 2007, 03:43:37 AM
Post by: Osmose on August 08, 2007, 07:29:29 AM
Post by: Shady Ultima on August 08, 2007, 07:27:48 PM
I have added everyone who has expressed interest to my msn. So if Patrickc_999@hotmail has added you, that's ME!
Now, onto more serious business. As of so far, this is who has expressed interest in the fields.
Story team
Aboutaso
Midnight
Phayre
Shady Ultima
Battle Chars team
Prpl_mage
Dren2120 ?
Monsters
Prpl_mage
Face Sets
Music team
Dren2120
coasterkrazy
coolzidane
Mapping team
Char set team
ShadyUltima
Phayre
Red Fox
Coding
Aboutaso
So, as you can see, we need mappers, face makers and some other people to help with coding. All teams are still open to new people as well, as long as stuff gets done.
There's also dialogue writers needed. This includes the more simple stuff, that really doesn't progress the storyline, for example townspeople's banter and such. As well, weapons, items and spells need to be chosen, unless everyone decides we just use the ones already provided by the program.
Also, first meeting will be Saturday, August 11th at 5PM Charas time. If anyone has a problem with this, let me know immediately.
Post by: Phayre on August 08, 2007, 09:23:46 PM
Post by: aboutasoandthis on August 08, 2007, 10:53:18 PM
However, I can still make the first storyline meeting. Like Phayre said, 6:00 eastern.
Post by: coasterkrazy on August 08, 2007, 11:22:53 PM
Also, just throwing an idea out there, would anyone agree we need a name? I think if we are approaching this seriously, then we need to be united under a team name. Let's not turn it into an argument though; that's the number one thing I think we need to avoid. I think it should be something simple, such as Charas Community Project Team. I know there are plenty of talented photoshop artists too, and I think whoever volunteers to make a logo should make one and that should be the end of it. There shouldn't be a whole bunch of logos and a voting process or anything. That, I think, is the reason why we never ended up with a new forum banner.
Post by: Cosmos on August 08, 2007, 11:39:58 PM
Post by: Phayre on August 09, 2007, 12:58:34 AM
Post by: HackersTotalMassLaser on August 09, 2007, 01:34:02 AM
Post by: Shady Ultima on August 10, 2007, 05:13:36 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Phayre
I think the first order of business is setting, then at least preliminary story, then the title. Unless we want to work backwards, which could work, but I'm not sure.
I agree. After the story team has come up with the 3 basic ideas, which then will be voted on by the community, the story team will build on the chosen story, and come up with a title when we come up with it lol
Post by: Phayre on August 10, 2007, 06:56:19 PM
Post by: Shady Ultima on August 10, 2007, 07:14:13 PM
Post by: Phayre on August 10, 2007, 07:24:39 PM
Post by: Shady Ultima on August 10, 2007, 08:09:44 PM
Post by: Phayre on August 10, 2007, 10:03:20 PM
Post by: aboutasoandthis on August 10, 2007, 10:12:19 PM
Post by: Prpl_Mage on August 10, 2007, 10:46:29 PM
Maybe you don't need my presense during the meeting but... Well yeah, you get the point.
Post by: Phayre on August 10, 2007, 11:19:16 PM
But then the magey one is busy....
oh, hell.
Post by: Shady Ultima on August 10, 2007, 11:45:09 PM
Post by: Cosmos on August 11, 2007, 02:50:29 AM
Post by: Shady Ultima on August 11, 2007, 03:35:28 AM
Post by: SaiKar on August 11, 2007, 04:08:31 AM
Quote
And I would also like to say, that upon the completion or failure of this project, I am leaving Charas. So, let me go out with a bang guys, lets do this, lets get it finished, so I don't leave Charas a complete failure.
Man, screw this. I don't really care what happened between you and Mid today, but if your emo stupid fight crap is all it is going to take to almost break the Community Contest, then I want nothing to do with this.
Post by: Shady Ultima on August 11, 2007, 04:29:20 AM
I'm not giving up on the project. My fight with mid has absolutely nothing to do with my leaving. I've thought about leaving for quite a while, and I want to see this project through.
I believe that this community has the strength to complete this game. We have thousands of members, and at least fifty solid members who visit almost every day. We still need more people to help out with this project, and I'll be doing my best to get everyone to help out with something. I know everyone on here has their strengths and weaknesses for RPG making, and I think that gives a lot of potential to this project in general. If everyone helps just a little bit, the project can be completed. I want to finish this project, and I'm going to work as hard as I can to keep it together.
I realize that the community has failed twice before at making a game. But I've stated my beliefs on how it failed. Giving one person a single task for a game is daunting, especially for something like programming or map - making. I cannot expect one person to do all of that, it's simply asking too much. I know from experience that when I start making a game, I am excited by the possibilities, and I start out with a story, and I make some character sets... and then I start to put the story into motion... and I begin to hate it. I am not a skilled map - maker, and I am a poor programmer. So, if this community joins together, we have everything we need.
Sai, I know you are good at making battle characters, I've seen your work. I'd love if you could join us. I know you think that Charas is in trouble, and perhaps it is, but a project like this could really help Charas to unite as a community. If you don't feel this project will succeed, because of my fight with mid, then you're fooling yourself. And I'm going to do everything in my power to prove you wrong. I want this project to be completed. I want to have something that I can show for the time and effort I've invested into RM2k/3, and the time I've spent at this forum. And despite the fact that I do plan to leave after the project is finished, no matter the outcome, I will put forth my strongest effort to complete this project. So, don't worry that I plan to leave. It has no bearing on this project what so ever, because I will not allow it to affect my work.
Post by: Prpl_Mage on August 11, 2007, 06:07:10 AM
Post by: Red Fox on August 11, 2007, 02:51:18 PM
Post by: aboutasoandthis on August 11, 2007, 04:03:52 PM
Quote
I'm not giving up on the project. My fight with mid has absolutely nothing to do with my leaving. I've thought about leaving for quite a while, and I want to see this project through.
When exactly was this? I was on the computer from 7 to midnight on Friday night, and no one was on Charas at all. Was there a secret meeting I didn't know about?
Originally Posted by Saikar
Quote
Man, screw this. I don't really care what happened between you and Mid today, but if your emo stupid fight crap is all it is going to take to almost break the Community Contest, then I want nothing to do with this.
Oh so it happened today...
Post by: Shady Ultima on August 11, 2007, 06:48:31 PM
I'm not sure when we can have the meeting. I'm available all day today, until 5 tomorrow (server time), all day monday, etc.
And to Fox, I'd like every meeting to start with every one together, then each teams splits off from the big group chat and works together in the smaller groups. So, at the beginning, anyone not involved in the story team will be able to leave and do whatever they want, but when the story is complete and the game starts really moving, every team will work together to do what needs to be done.
Post by: Shady Ultima on August 12, 2007, 03:08:40 AM
Post by: Prpl_Mage on August 12, 2007, 05:52:09 AM
Post by: Red Fox on August 12, 2007, 01:35:20 PM
Post by: CoolZidane on August 12, 2007, 05:10:35 PM
It doesn't necessarily have to be a villain's theme, but whatever use you find for it, go ahead.
Post by: Shady Ultima on August 13, 2007, 02:46:18 AM
Everyone who is involved so far, give me your msn/aim/yahoo information so that for the next meeting i can contact you on there before hand to make sure you already remember.
I already have :
Phayre
Red Fox
PrplMage
People I've added who have no appeared online so far:
Aboutasoandthis
CoasterKrazy
People who need to give me their contact info
Drenrin
Coolzidane
Anyone else who is interested in the project!
Post by: coasterkrazy on August 13, 2007, 02:53:05 AM
I'm always on AIM though, but you probably have my old sn. My new one is in my profile now.
And one last thing, I doubt I'll be able to make many of these meetings. If you need to tell me something important, though, please PM me or email me at coasterkrazy@yahoo.com.
Post by: Shady Ultima on August 13, 2007, 06:00:31 AM
Post by: aboutasoandthis on August 13, 2007, 12:18:56 PM
Post by: Shady Ultima on August 13, 2007, 01:36:30 PM
And btw, as for your proposal, I'd prefer if the story team comes up with something on our own, so me, you and Phayre will write something together.
And I can do sprites pretty well too.
Post by: aboutasoandthis on August 13, 2007, 02:26:55 PM
So what did you manage to come up with with Red Fox and Prpl_Mage? I have some free time now. Until maybe noon. There are two giant pools here that are calling my name. I'm only sitting down because I just ate.
Post by: CoolZidane on August 13, 2007, 07:07:12 PM
If you've played Final Fantasy 6, you'll notice that each character's theme plays when you get the chance to name them. If you listen to music throughout the game, you'll notice the themes crop up in different styles in scenes pertaining to the characters. Similarly, in Final Fantasy 7, Aerith's theme can be heard in the final dungeon, representing part of their motivation to continue on.
This is very important for a game because it can add depth to the game. Let's say, for example, the hero and villain are brothers who split down the two paths years ago at a literal split in the path. The music in the flashback could contain a musical theme, which is heard more noticeably with the hero's theme later. However, the same theme goes with the villain, although his version is probably in a minor key with some other slight variations.
To score a game, it's best to work in this order:
1. Character themes (Important NPC's and villains included)
2. Themes for important story elements (Like a theme for the mystical jewels that the characters collect, if you'll pardon the cliche)
3. Location music
4. Battle Music
5. Scene-specific music (background music for a certain scene)
Character themes can be written once the characters are planned out, making them the first pieces of music to write. Themes for important story elements go with this, I suppose.
Once locations have been established and the composers figure out the feel of the areas, then music for those places can be written.
Battle music should wait until the battle system has been established so that the music fits the battles. The other advantage is that with special boss music, you can work in the villain's theme that has already been established previously with the character themes.
Scene-specific music in a game is best left until the scene in question is well-underway in production so that the composer can really get into the feel.
Overall, music can be as complex a department as some of the other parts of the game, but if it's done right, it can not only enhance the game, but the story as well.
Post by: Shady Ultima on August 13, 2007, 07:42:33 PM
Post by: coasterkrazy on August 13, 2007, 08:00:58 PM
Quote
Originally posted by CoolZidane
This is very important for a game because it can add depth to the game. Let's say, for example, the hero and villain are brothers who split down the two paths years ago at a literal split in the path. The music in the flashback could contain a musical theme, which is heard more noticeably with the hero's theme later. However, the same theme goes with the villain, although his version is probably in a minor key with some other slight variations.
I completely agree and love that idea, but you, dren and I will need to agree on something. I also love how games do that, such as FF6, how Terra's theme is worked into so many different situations (emotional, gallant, horrific). Nice suggestion!
Post by: Moosetroop11 on August 13, 2007, 08:48:41 PM
Post by: Linkizcool on August 16, 2007, 11:57:18 PM
Besides nobody's in the mapping team :P
I also had an awesome CMS programmed. It was like a scrolling wheel, except it moves up and down in a circle.
As you can imagine here.
The graphics and backgrounds were only temporary, and I can still salvage the whole thing and change it around.
Post by: Shady Ultima on August 17, 2007, 04:28:38 AM
We should probably have a meeting on Saturday, me, aboutaso and Phayre have to begin on the writing.
Post by: aboutasoandthis on August 18, 2007, 11:21:28 PM
Post by: Shady Ultima on August 22, 2007, 11:59:24 PM
Post by: Phayre on August 23, 2007, 04:59:12 PM
Post by: aboutasoandthis on August 23, 2007, 08:14:21 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Shady Ultima
Ok, so... what's going on? Phayre and aboutaso, we need to meet soon to work on the storyline...
I'm sorry I had to do this. I uninstalled MSN. It caused way too many problems on my computer. For example, it slowed down my computers memory. I will not be able to meet via a Messenger box, unless it is America Online Instant Messenger only.
I also have started school; I'm going to be very busy this year. Aside from other things, with me making my project of my own, I will not have the time to sit down and make a new storyline. I can only work on the story if someone else presents me with a basic idea for me to review.
What did you come up with while I was gone Shady Ultima?
If you really wanted to wait for my input...how about posting my PM for everyone to see? That way, the Charas can see it, and come up with some alternatives. Please?
I want to see this get done, but I simply do not have the time.
Which reminds me. Who the hell had this moved to the Community Contest section? Now nobody is seeing it.
Post by: Shady Ultima on August 27, 2007, 12:04:32 AM
So you only have aim now Aboutaso? I think we'll be able to work it out, since I think Phayre has Aim too, and I do as well.
Let's say... Friday or Saturday to meet on aim, if that's ok for everyone, let me know.
Post by: aboutasoandthis on August 27, 2007, 12:23:23 AM
Post by: Shady Ultima on September 01, 2007, 07:18:40 PM
The main character is a imperial guard - in training. He is the son of the emperor's most trusted friend, and so is often included in peace keeping missions. The emperor is a very benevolent ruler, but his life is always at risk, because he does have many enemies.
One day, the emperor receives word that a small village on the outskirts of the empire has been attacked by bandits, and that the people there are in need. So he brings a small group, including the main character, to the village. Upon arrival, they enter the mayor's house. The mayor seems strange, and suddenly, he collapses, and a group of men attack the emperor and his guards. They kill everyone except for the main character, who is knocked unconscious.
When he wakes up, he is in the village's church. He is being attended by a nurse who explains that the emperor walked into a trap. The main character must return to the capital as quickly as possible, because as soon as news reaches the capital of the emperor's death, it will cause a civil war, due to the emperor leaving behind no heirs. She warns him that many of the emperor's enemies will be attempting to stop him, and gives him a health potion.
In the chapel, the main character grabs a long sword and a short sword from displays on the walls, and leaves.
The point of the swords is an idea I came up with. The main char can only use swords, but each sword has strengths and weaknesses. A long sword is extremely powerful, but slower, and has lower defense. The short sword is rather weak, but it's fast, and has high defense. The medium sword, which you begin with, is an average blade. Each sword will have several different types of swords, but there are only 3 types of swords available, long, short and medium, and obviously, you buy the type you like most.
Anyways, I added both Aboutaso and Phayre on aim now, so we should meet later today. If you like this general story idea, we can continue with it.
Post by: aboutasoandthis on September 01, 2007, 08:05:25 PM
I have a few gripes with the story, but generally I like it.
Things I Don't Like
- Emperor leaving his station
- The Murder of Everyone but the Main Character
- Emperor Having No Heirs
I don't think a ruler, especially one at risk, would leave their post. They should only do so if it is something important like a fortress or merchant city.
I think that instead of the Emperor having no heirs, he is almost on his deathbed and he has a very young son as his heir. He reluctantly sends his son, and his son gets murdered. He now has no heirs, and doesn't know about it. We could even make his death a plot twist or something.
I don't mind the second one, but there's something wierd about it.
Post by: Phayre on September 01, 2007, 08:25:37 PM
Post by: CoolZidane on September 02, 2007, 12:43:33 AM
I agree with aboutasoandthis about the Emperor leaving his post. It doesn't make sense for the leader of the empire to personally go out and deal with bandits in a small village. I also like the idea of the emperor's heir being killed. Of course, even then, it doesn't make a lot of sense. However, it could be that the heir went against his father's wishes and disguised himself and tagged along with the hero and the guards, only to be killed in the eventual attack. It certainly helps make the revelation of his death more of a twist.
I also would like to throw in a concept that I had used in a game I never completed. It involves three guards of some royalty who are actually spies from an antagonistic character. But I don't mean like three completely incompetent guards who are surprisingly strong. I mean three guys who really know what they're doing. Anyway, these three guards would be fought on numerous occasions (3-4 times). The first time you fight them, they get away. The second time, the least competent one would die through his own fault (in my game, his desire to escape blinded him to the cliffside off which he falls). The third time, the middle one would die. The final guard would be killed in the fourth battle, perhaps with a scene following the battle covering his death.
I doubt it's a brilliant idea, but I'm just throwing it out there.
Post by: aboutasoandthis on September 02, 2007, 03:01:22 AM
Shady Ultima will then make changes to the plot in the PM. The PM will then be forwarded to you Phayre so you can familiarize yourself. We will then meet some time to discuss opinions, events, and character designs-the three of us.
Shady if you're reading this, I changed some ideas to fill in the plot holes. If you have any changes for the storyine, put them in italics or something without deleting anything I posted. This way, Phayre can get see each of our opinions.
I will edit this post after I finish PMing Shady Ultima.
PMing finished.
Post by: Phayre on September 02, 2007, 03:08:50 AM
Post by: aboutasoandthis on September 02, 2007, 03:48:05 AM
Post by: Linkizcool on September 02, 2007, 04:25:05 AM
Quote
Originally posted by aboutasoandthis
I don't mind the second one, but there's something wierd about it.
Then again he wouldn't be the main character if he didn't survive.
Post by: Shady Ultima on September 02, 2007, 04:48:15 AM
I'm going to create the sprite for the main character right now, and I'll be posting it up as soon as it is complete.
Also, I'm adding everyone to msn/aim
I need MT11's contact info as well.
Post by: Shady Ultima on September 02, 2007, 06:14:56 AM
Post by: aboutasoandthis on September 02, 2007, 11:08:31 AM
Post by: Shady Ultima on September 08, 2007, 11:18:55 PM
Post by: Linkizcool on September 09, 2007, 01:44:23 AM
The center land mass is the starting point for the story.
Post by: Red Fox on September 09, 2007, 05:40:57 AM
Post by: Shady Ultima on September 24, 2007, 05:41:00 AM
But, I used a program called "HeroMachine" and it doesn't work too well in the RM2k program.
So, if anyone can either A - alter it so it looks GOOD in rm2k/3
Or, B - make a different version, based off of this and the sprite of the main character, and make it look good in 2k/3, it would be very helpful.
So, anyone who wants to try can do so.
Post by: Shady Ultima on September 27, 2007, 11:36:20 PM
I need a sprite of a sorcerer, but I don't want him to be the classic robed sorcerer, I want something a little more unique.
So either look around on the internet, or make something, and send it to me!
Post by: Shady Ultima on October 24, 2007, 11:55:16 PM