Starting Small...
by Scott Coursey · in Game Design and Creative Issues · 09/23/2004 (8:39 pm) · 9 replies
Hi, all.
I've had the Indie license for a while (since Feb) and I've played around with it a bit (souping up the demo car, adding a sniper rifle to the starter.fps, etc).
Now I have the itch to start with something of my own.
Of course, when someone wants to do something, what's the first thing that usually comes to mind? BIG.
I have some great ideas, but I'm going to follow everyone's advice and keep them just that: ideas.
For now, I'm going to start small. So, here's my scenario, and I hope I can get some decent feedback. It's not like I'm trying to start off with a blockbuster. Just something I can get done and hopefully play around with my son (he'd sure get a kick out of it).
At the game's startup, you're presented with the option of being either inside a turret, or flying an airplane. If you're the airplane, then your mission is to strafe the turret. If you're the turret, you have to try and shoot down the airplane.
At higher difficulties, there are more turrets and more planes.
I know it sounds simple, and that's just what it's supposed to be.
I saw a version of this at an arcade a while back and I was amazed at how utterly simplistic the gameplay was. But, hey, people sure wanted to play it.
So, my request from you "pros" out there: what are some potential pitfalls I should expect?
I've had the Indie license for a while (since Feb) and I've played around with it a bit (souping up the demo car, adding a sniper rifle to the starter.fps, etc).
Now I have the itch to start with something of my own.
Of course, when someone wants to do something, what's the first thing that usually comes to mind? BIG.
I have some great ideas, but I'm going to follow everyone's advice and keep them just that: ideas.
For now, I'm going to start small. So, here's my scenario, and I hope I can get some decent feedback. It's not like I'm trying to start off with a blockbuster. Just something I can get done and hopefully play around with my son (he'd sure get a kick out of it).
At the game's startup, you're presented with the option of being either inside a turret, or flying an airplane. If you're the airplane, then your mission is to strafe the turret. If you're the turret, you have to try and shoot down the airplane.
At higher difficulties, there are more turrets and more planes.
I know it sounds simple, and that's just what it's supposed to be.
I saw a version of this at an arcade a while back and I was amazed at how utterly simplistic the gameplay was. But, hey, people sure wanted to play it.
So, my request from you "pros" out there: what are some potential pitfalls I should expect?
#2
09/24/2004 (6:15 am)
Beachhead 2000 was probably the arcade game you saw...its got a few tweaks, like helos, jets, cargo planes, tanks, etc, but the basic idea is simple. I believe its a good starter game, and its fairly easy to expand upon once you are done, as you will certainly get many great ideas while doing your project.
#3
Anyway, this could be a fun and simple game.
09/24/2004 (1:32 pm)
Ahh... I believe that this is one of the first beginners that listened (Not that I'm not a beginner, or that I did listen). WooT!Anyway, this could be a fun and simple game.
#4
09/25/2004 (11:42 am)
Sounds great, although you might want to focus on the "inside the turret" aspect first and try to make that as fun as possible.
#5
Good luck with your game. I would recommend checking out this turret resource; it is excellent
http://www.garagegames.com/index.php?sec=mg&mod=resource&page=view&qid=4116
09/27/2004 (1:39 pm)
This sounds like an excellent idea. Far to many people try to make an MMORPG as their first game. The first project we started was way to big, so we went back to the basics and made a game that can be explained to someone in one or two sentences. It's easier to stay motivated on small projects because you'll actually be able to see the end in sight. Good luck with your game. I would recommend checking out this turret resource; it is excellent
http://www.garagegames.com/index.php?sec=mg&mod=resource&page=view&qid=4116
#6
For example what kin of game do you really want to make?
Whatever it is break it up into little pieces, and try to make a bunch of small games that share an aspect of the BIG game you want to do.
That way you've gotten experience with each individual piece of the puzzle, and then all you have to do is fill in the gaps for the BIG project.
Like ok you start with your turret vs airplane idea. Then as you said a lot of turrets vs aircraft. Hey later maybe the turret becomes a tank and the airplane gets bombs.
Perhaps then you do a airplane vs airplane game. Then maybe a multiplayer airplane vs airplane game.
You can see the progression. Before you know it you have everything including the knowledge you need to make your own Battlefield 1942. lol
10/06/2004 (3:53 pm)
I also agree it's best to start small yet I think theres a progression to it.For example what kin of game do you really want to make?
Whatever it is break it up into little pieces, and try to make a bunch of small games that share an aspect of the BIG game you want to do.
That way you've gotten experience with each individual piece of the puzzle, and then all you have to do is fill in the gaps for the BIG project.
Like ok you start with your turret vs airplane idea. Then as you said a lot of turrets vs aircraft. Hey later maybe the turret becomes a tank and the airplane gets bombs.
Perhaps then you do a airplane vs airplane game. Then maybe a multiplayer airplane vs airplane game.
You can see the progression. Before you know it you have everything including the knowledge you need to make your own Battlefield 1942. lol
#7
I didn't really want to say, "Hey, this is my first project and I want to make a full-blown combo FPS/RPG game. Any suggestions?"
10/06/2004 (7:31 pm)
My "ultimate goal" with this project is to gain some experience with TGE. Since I've gotten the itch to work on a game, I've gotten lots of great ideas (FPS, racing, RPG, etc).I didn't really want to say, "Hey, this is my first project and I want to make a full-blown combo FPS/RPG game. Any suggestions?"
#8
You can make a simple arcade FPS with an innovative look and weird storyline. The Great Burger War was trying to achieve this.
I never forget the movie Bugsy Malone, where all the crew are children and the guns spit cream pies. You see, it's just a simple mafia movie, but very unique at the same time.
The thing is: if you want to make an FPS, with Torque you're almost there.
10/06/2004 (8:22 pm)
You can also keep it simple in the game design and be a psycho in the art direction (if you're an artist).You can make a simple arcade FPS with an innovative look and weird storyline. The Great Burger War was trying to achieve this.
I never forget the movie Bugsy Malone, where all the crew are children and the guns spit cream pies. You see, it's just a simple mafia movie, but very unique at the same time.
The thing is: if you want to make an FPS, with Torque you're almost there.
dakz0rz