I was inspired after seeing malu05's Project Vector. I'm not that skillful with the editor, but I think this would be a pretty fun map. As a survival horror game, you have to play it slow and steady, so the key-detection lag won't be that important.
I'm currently in need of testers. Preferably players who are on every other day. Thanks :D
Progress Update (Recent ones first):
The game will be broken up into 3 chapters.
Using knife will cost stamina.
Main UI is now a bit smaller.
Enemies will make freaky sounds when they attack/unburrow.
When being attacked, red cracks will appear on your screen.
The first thing that spoiled the immersion for me was seeing the zergling running towards the camera from far away. The enemies would be much scarier if they'd circle around you in shadows rather than running straight at you. The UI also seems way larger than it needs to be, taking away some of the immersion.
I'm also a bit sceptical on how FPS works in multiplayer. I'd much rather see this as an offline singleplayer map, because that's the only way to have decent WASD+mouse controls in SC2. Even if it's "slow and steady", lag with keyboard controls is too annoying for me. But then again, I'm the guy who almost ditched Skyrim because the controls felt too awkward. Even after tweaking and getting used to them and noticing how great the game is, the controls still make me grit my teeth from time to time. Anyway, my point is... don't underestimate the impact that good controls have on making a game good.
Furthermore, horror works much better when playing alone. Multiplayer just takes you right out of the game world.
Good point...multiplayer is fun with friends...but singleplayer...is realistic... O_O
And yea, I'd make sure my gun had little ammunition in the game to make it feel even scarier. I'd also make it not take long to die. And at the same time make it not so crowded, that way I feel like I can't hide and there's always something around me. Then I'd make enemies come in larger numbers but less life. This my friend...is the key. That's a horror game with good quality.
I'm also a bit sceptical on how FPS works in multiplayer. I'd much rather see this as an offline singleplayer map, because that's the only way to have decent WASD+mouse controls in SC2. Even if it's "slow and steady", lag with keyboard controls is too annoying for me. But then again, I'm the guy who almost ditched Skyrim because the controls felt too awkward. Even after tweaking and getting used to them and noticing how great the game is, the controls still make me grit my teeth from time to time. Anyway, my point is... don't underestimate the impact that good controls have on making a game good.
FPS/TPS mode is fine in multiplayer. You can look at my videos (2-3 players in multiplayer with FPS/TPS modes). It's absolutely playable.
That zergling is the first enemy you see in the game, so it's going to run straight at you. Later on enemies will appear from all directions to ambush you, like that hydra. Some even come from the sky, no spoilers lol. I agree the UI does seem to be too big, I'll try to change that.
As for the controls, I can't fix that, and you can't expect them to be flawless like a real FPS game. The degree of tolerance also differs between people. Like you said, you almost quit Skyrim just because it had awkward controls. But some people overlook that because Skyrim is a good game.
The amount of players for co-op is still up for debate. I want to have some sort of teamwork. But it doesn't need to be 4 players. I might make it 2 or 3 players. Because you will be forced to split up in certain places. The first 30 minutes of the game actually requires you to go in two different directions. Then you have to meet with your team and report what you've seen. Some parts you have to go in alone, some you don't. Imagine yourself cornered up against a door, waiting for your teammate on the other side to open it while swarms of enemies are coming at you. In a boss battle, you will have to distract the towering behemoth while your teammate plants the bombs in order to kill it. The co-op is part of the experience. It also increases replay value.
I know all this sounds more action than horror, but I'm just trying to create something unique. Having stuff jump out at you gets old pretty fast, even in single player.
Tips for a horror games as I love the psychological terror that horror games have.
As Robeezy said, Amnesia is a killer. You also want (im pretty sure these titles are familiar to you) Dead Space 1 and 2, F3AR and so on, for sources of inspiration.
What I suggest you add, seeing from the trailer you have there, are sounds. Loud Zerg sounds. Like that last Nydus Worm.
The music you have there is pretty nice indeed to develop the atmosphere, but you also want those Zerglings and Hydralisks shrieking when they surprise attack you. Browse their portrait sounds and see if you can get a horrific fit :P
Oh and another pointer here to lookout for ( i know you've said that its still a WIP), are Roofs; or at least hints that there are roofs. Nothing feels as terrifying as being surrounded by zerg in a tight room. Project Vector I believe, has this. Altho I might be wrong since its been awhile since I last saw malu's trailer.
Anyways IMO, The formula for horror games: Scary Environment + Scary Sound FX = Win.
Death Depot has been released! So go play it!
Features:
I was inspired after seeing malu05's Project Vector. I'm not that skillful with the editor, but I think this would be a pretty fun map. As a survival horror game, you have to play it slow and steady, so the key-detection lag won't be that important.
I'm currently in need of testers. Preferably players who are on every other day. Thanks :D
Progress Update (Recent ones first):
The first thing that spoiled the immersion for me was seeing the zergling running towards the camera from far away. The enemies would be much scarier if they'd circle around you in shadows rather than running straight at you. The UI also seems way larger than it needs to be, taking away some of the immersion.
I'm also a bit sceptical on how FPS works in multiplayer. I'd much rather see this as an offline singleplayer map, because that's the only way to have decent WASD+mouse controls in SC2. Even if it's "slow and steady", lag with keyboard controls is too annoying for me. But then again, I'm the guy who almost ditched Skyrim because the controls felt too awkward. Even after tweaking and getting used to them and noticing how great the game is, the controls still make me grit my teeth from time to time. Anyway, my point is... don't underestimate the impact that good controls have on making a game good.
Furthermore, horror works much better when playing alone. Multiplayer just takes you right out of the game world.
@A1win: Go
Good point...multiplayer is fun with friends...but singleplayer...is realistic... O_O
And yea, I'd make sure my gun had little ammunition in the game to make it feel even scarier. I'd also make it not take long to die. And at the same time make it not so crowded, that way I feel like I can't hide and there's always something around me. Then I'd make enemies come in larger numbers but less life. This my friend...is the key. That's a horror game with good quality.
FPS/TPS mode is fine in multiplayer. You can look at my videos (2-3 players in multiplayer with FPS/TPS modes). It's absolutely playable.
@NarcoticNite: Go
looks nice Id be glad to help test
also check the irc chat if you need people as well
@A1win: Go
That zergling is the first enemy you see in the game, so it's going to run straight at you. Later on enemies will appear from all directions to ambush you, like that hydra. Some even come from the sky, no spoilers lol. I agree the UI does seem to be too big, I'll try to change that.
As for the controls, I can't fix that, and you can't expect them to be flawless like a real FPS game. The degree of tolerance also differs between people. Like you said, you almost quit Skyrim just because it had awkward controls. But some people overlook that because Skyrim is a good game.
The amount of players for co-op is still up for debate. I want to have some sort of teamwork. But it doesn't need to be 4 players. I might make it 2 or 3 players. Because you will be forced to split up in certain places. The first 30 minutes of the game actually requires you to go in two different directions. Then you have to meet with your team and report what you've seen. Some parts you have to go in alone, some you don't. Imagine yourself cornered up against a door, waiting for your teammate on the other side to open it while swarms of enemies are coming at you. In a boss battle, you will have to distract the towering behemoth while your teammate plants the bombs in order to kill it. The co-op is part of the experience. It also increases replay value.
I know all this sounds more action than horror, but I'm just trying to create something unique. Having stuff jump out at you gets old pretty fast, even in single player.
@SouLCarveRR: Go
Your SC2 ID and #?
Maybe you want to try out Amnesia: The Dark Crescent for inspiration? Or watch gameplay videos. Thought that game was pretty scary. :P
I think you're gonna need to get a really good terrainer for this. The environments, at least for me, are a huge part of horror games.
Tips for a horror games as I love the psychological terror that horror games have.
As Robeezy said, Amnesia is a killer. You also want (im pretty sure these titles are familiar to you) Dead Space 1 and 2, F3AR and so on, for sources of inspiration.
What I suggest you add, seeing from the trailer you have there, are sounds. Loud Zerg sounds. Like that last Nydus Worm.
The music you have there is pretty nice indeed to develop the atmosphere, but you also want those Zerglings and Hydralisks shrieking when they surprise attack you. Browse their portrait sounds and see if you can get a horrific fit :P
Oh and another pointer here to lookout for ( i know you've said that its still a WIP), are Roofs; or at least hints that there are roofs. Nothing feels as terrifying as being surrounded by zerg in a tight room. Project Vector I believe, has this. Altho I might be wrong since its been awhile since I last saw malu's trailer.
Anyways IMO, The formula for horror games: Scary Environment + Scary Sound FX = Win.
Cool stuff man.
Needs more players. That is all.
I have an enormous payload of SC2 maps I still need to check out, but I'll add this to the list.