This is way overdue, but... I think I will!Commodore wrote:(PS you should make something)
I'm just trying to decide on a project. I've got plenty of ideas, but I can't make up my mind, and I'd really like input from you guys. The following is the result of a whole bunch of brainstorming, roughly cut down to some of the better ideas:
Space opera: The GV series was a poor-quality rip-off of Star Wars and War-Torn, and I'd really like to redeem myself. Perhaps that's a bit harsh, but I've learned some stuff since then, and I know I could make a better game. Not a remake or a sequel or anything, mind you -- just another game. Probably with spaceships. And maybe laser rifles. But definitely with a better story and fewer cutscenes.
Generic action game: Or, I could skip the story (or at least marginalize it) in favor of running around and shooting stuff. I like what Nadir did with Lebensraum -- it's a basic ZZT shooter, but what sets it apart from other ZZT games is the effective use of a couple of innovative engines. It's a ZZT shooter with a twist. A shooter with stealth components or multiple weapons would be interesting, provided that all the engine stuff is streamlined and doesn't get in the player's way.
Engine-based games: A 3D shooter in which turns aren't restricted to 90 degree angles. A non-trivial turn-based strategy game. Flight sim. Collection of card games. These projects are all technically impressive, stuff nobody has done before, and for good reason -- they're hard. Before starting on one of these, I'd have to be certain that it is possible to do in ZZT, and that I wouldn't lose interest after a week. As I did with most of these.
Concept games: A game with all dialogue in an invented language, where you have to learn the language to win the game. A game which spans various ZZT eras (e.g., first level is styled after pre-STK games). A game in which all perception is hallucination, but the real world still exists and is important to gameplay. These are all interesting ideas, but whether or not they would make good games is unknown.
So, what would you like to see? I reserve the right to actually decide on a project, but I really would appreciate your opinions.