My last (technically first) post about Game 01 got some interesting attention, though part of it was regarding what I DIDN'T say. Let's face it, I wrote about the process of turning idea into game, but not what IS the game.
“But what is the game, anyway?”
I’m glad that you asked!
Picture this: you have just been assigned to manage a trade space station at the edge of the highly advanced League of Worlds with the mess that is the Chaos March, where primitive species incapable of forming an unified planetary government keep on killing eachother like the the barbarians they are. Humans happen to be included in that list.
Your job is to make the station profitable by connecting the Chaos March with the League through trading. Of course this is not that simple. The League doesn’t want a mass exodus of immigrants, so you’ll have to keep and eye out on that.
Disclaimer: All in-game images are temporary and will probably change in some way.
The game will be played around three levels of view: Sector, Star System and Station. On the top level you see your area of space and nearby Chaos March star systems. You will be able to open trade routes with these worlds based on what they want to buy and sell. You’ll need to be mindful of the story and characteristics of each star system, as this is not just about numbers. Niterians are highly competitive negotiators whose lives are ruled by corporations. Dealing with them probably means good profit, but it also may mean a risk of corporate conflict flooding into your system. And would you risk selling weapons to the Korbo knowing that they use suicide nuke bombers against those they consider their enemies (aka the League of Worlds?).
The mid-level is the Star System screen where you see what is going on locally. From the start there will be objects in space you’ll be able to access. A nearby asteroid belt, a white dwarf star, a distant ice and crystal cloud. What do you with these objects will be the starting point of the stories ahead. Do you invest on immediate profitability or do you risk the chance of scoring big and maybe even learning the truth about this place and the League of Worlds? During the game new objects will come up: ancient derelict ships, incoming fleets, pirates, distressed convoys and more. Each will present a situation you’ll have to deal with.
The lower level is the Space Station itself, which acts almost like your character. You will be able to build new station modules based on what resources and money you have available. Think of it as a mix of crafting and character equipment window. Modules will affect your station’s attributes (currently Command, Defense and Security. That may change.). Its, of course, not just that. As you build new modules you’ll need to choose who will manage each sector like Science, Security, Fighter Squadron, Factories, etc. Those guys won’t be just numbers: they are people. Think of them like Bioware’s companions. Each will have their own stories and personalities, and you’ll be able to get back here and talk to them (or ignore them completely). I’m not 100% yet of how many companions will exist in the game, as it means resources, but I WANT to have at least 2 per specialty.
What makes the game interesting is the mix. The decisions you make on the star system screen trigger a branching story that is affected by what star systems you are trading with and what officers you have hired. Maybe because you decided to set up an archaeological dig on the asteroid belt and you have a trade route with Niter, a niterian corporation will try to steal a powerful alien artifact your team have found. Now, because your Security officer is secretly addicted to a drug (which you could have known if only you took your time to learn more about him), he ends up allowing niterian smugglers to take the artifact in exchange for drugs, which may actually get him overdosed just as Korbo terrorist (you armed yourself) attack the station.
I hope that gives you an idea of what I’m aiming for. Not incredible graphics, not guns blazing action, but an intricate story you’ll help weave with your own decisions. After all, you are the station commander.
Let me know what you think about it.
Comments
Post a Comment