Manga style story telling
by Marvin Hawkins · in Game Design and Creative Issues · 02/03/2005 (7:58 pm) · 27 replies
Hi all,
I'm working on this game idea for an RTS/Action game with a strong story. Since I wanted to tell a story i needed dialogue but i can't afford to pay actors or make these highly animated scenes so heres what i came up with.
to set up the premise of the game, you are following the story of a child who is writing a manga about giant robots. He just happens to be bored so he creates the story that the player will follow.
The characters in this world use these giant robots known as armors to stop a war from escalating between a seemingly peaceful race of aliens and the native humans.
During the single player game, the cut scenes switch between kid and his friend (who shows up later) drawing the comic and the action of the comic itself. All of the cutscenes are set up as Manga panels. (similar to max payne) The only two voices are the two children. They voice all the characters as the children imagine the world they are drawing.
The decision to use the two children to tell the story was two fold. on one had it offered a fresh new story within a story type that hasn't been done in two many games. and on the other it cuts down on the amount of voice 'talent' needed for the game. A friend and I can do the voice work ourselves.
So do you guys and gals think this is a good idea? Will the Manga cutscenes be compelling enough to carry the story. Also are there any video play back options for mac and linux. i'd like to produce this game on all 3 major pc platforms. so i need to know what video play back options i have.
Thanks guys. Let me know if you need more info. I know this is pretty vague. I didn't want to post the full design doc or story doc but if you want to see them let me know.
"If you still have faith in humanity, you haven't worked at the Pottery Barn"
I'm working on this game idea for an RTS/Action game with a strong story. Since I wanted to tell a story i needed dialogue but i can't afford to pay actors or make these highly animated scenes so heres what i came up with.
to set up the premise of the game, you are following the story of a child who is writing a manga about giant robots. He just happens to be bored so he creates the story that the player will follow.
The characters in this world use these giant robots known as armors to stop a war from escalating between a seemingly peaceful race of aliens and the native humans.
During the single player game, the cut scenes switch between kid and his friend (who shows up later) drawing the comic and the action of the comic itself. All of the cutscenes are set up as Manga panels. (similar to max payne) The only two voices are the two children. They voice all the characters as the children imagine the world they are drawing.
The decision to use the two children to tell the story was two fold. on one had it offered a fresh new story within a story type that hasn't been done in two many games. and on the other it cuts down on the amount of voice 'talent' needed for the game. A friend and I can do the voice work ourselves.
So do you guys and gals think this is a good idea? Will the Manga cutscenes be compelling enough to carry the story. Also are there any video play back options for mac and linux. i'd like to produce this game on all 3 major pc platforms. so i need to know what video play back options i have.
Thanks guys. Let me know if you need more info. I know this is pretty vague. I didn't want to post the full design doc or story doc but if you want to see them let me know.
"If you still have faith in humanity, you haven't worked at the Pottery Barn"
#22
- Destroy all Albanon Settlement
- Destroy Guardian Command Center
- Destroy all 4 members of the Guardian spade force (Hero units)
Mission Failure Parameters:
- Loss of Any Hero Units
Enter Mission 14: Iricho arrives in the city after Iron Hand's mercenaries have destroyed most of the Albanon settlements. With the rest of the elite spade force destroyed, Iricho is tasked with covering the escape of the remaining Albanon settlers.
Mission Objectives:
- Base remains must be protected for 30 minutes
- 3/5 rescue transport units must survive
Mission Failure Parameters:
- Destruction of Rebel Command Center Building
- Destruction of at least 4 rescue transport units
Enter Mission 15: After the convoy of rescue transports escape, Kahn shows up and engages the player in a battle. Iricho must defeat Kahn in order to advance to the next mission.
Mission Objectives:
- Defeat Kahn in Battle
Mission Failure Parameters:
- Loss to Kahn in Duel
Cut Scene 8: Although Iricho gets the upper Hand in battle; Jin appears and broadsides the enemy pilot. As the two are about to kill Neil appears and fends off the attackers.
Briefing 14: With the losses suffered in the previous battles the Guardian forces are nearly depleted. They are left at a loss for how to recruit new members. Iricho remembers a former Guardian soldier who left to start her own mercenary group. Iricho wants to try to recruit her services Neil is reluctant to do so.
Enter Mission 16: with the great losses suffered in the previous battle, Neil and Iricho try to recruit a former Guardian troop for the cause. In order to gain the use of her troops however, they must first meet the needs of the people she has sworn to protect. Neil and Iricho go around on mini quest to fulfill the needs of the people. There are three towns that each has a mission for Neil and Iricho.
Mission Objectives:
- One town wants the men to stop the bandits that live in the mountains
- Another couple wants Neil and Iricho to find their daughter
- The last town wants them to return a giant condor egg from the mountain pass.
Mission Failure Parameters:
- Death of Neil of Iricho Hero Units
03/17/2005 (6:54 am)
Mission Objectives: - Destroy all Albanon Settlement
- Destroy Guardian Command Center
- Destroy all 4 members of the Guardian spade force (Hero units)
Mission Failure Parameters:
- Loss of Any Hero Units
Enter Mission 14: Iricho arrives in the city after Iron Hand's mercenaries have destroyed most of the Albanon settlements. With the rest of the elite spade force destroyed, Iricho is tasked with covering the escape of the remaining Albanon settlers.
Mission Objectives:
- Base remains must be protected for 30 minutes
- 3/5 rescue transport units must survive
Mission Failure Parameters:
- Destruction of Rebel Command Center Building
- Destruction of at least 4 rescue transport units
Enter Mission 15: After the convoy of rescue transports escape, Kahn shows up and engages the player in a battle. Iricho must defeat Kahn in order to advance to the next mission.
Mission Objectives:
- Defeat Kahn in Battle
Mission Failure Parameters:
- Loss to Kahn in Duel
Cut Scene 8: Although Iricho gets the upper Hand in battle; Jin appears and broadsides the enemy pilot. As the two are about to kill Neil appears and fends off the attackers.
Briefing 14: With the losses suffered in the previous battles the Guardian forces are nearly depleted. They are left at a loss for how to recruit new members. Iricho remembers a former Guardian soldier who left to start her own mercenary group. Iricho wants to try to recruit her services Neil is reluctant to do so.
Enter Mission 16: with the great losses suffered in the previous battle, Neil and Iricho try to recruit a former Guardian troop for the cause. In order to gain the use of her troops however, they must first meet the needs of the people she has sworn to protect. Neil and Iricho go around on mini quest to fulfill the needs of the people. There are three towns that each has a mission for Neil and Iricho.
Mission Objectives:
- One town wants the men to stop the bandits that live in the mountains
- Another couple wants Neil and Iricho to find their daughter
- The last town wants them to return a giant condor egg from the mountain pass.
Mission Failure Parameters:
- Death of Neil of Iricho Hero Units
#23
Enter Mission 17: Aiko and Kehana go to the prison to bust out the weapons master deep within Eutorian territory. To get into the prison the two ladies have to first destroy the power generator and get to the prisoner's cell.
Mission Objectives:
- Destroy the power generator
- Reach Scientist's prison cell
Mission Failure Parameters:
- Loss of any Hero units
- Loss of Scientist unit
Briefing 16: Aiko and Kehana take their evidence to president Buelling. With the evidence of the scientist's testimony Belling can finally confront Alexi about his ties to the group. Before any other actions can be taken an urgent call from the Albanon Satellite Nation comes across the president's direct line. Aiko and Kehana rush to join the rest of the Guardian forces.
Enter Mission 18: Aiko and Kehana join Neil and the rest of the Guardians on the Albanon Satellite Nation (a giant floating city-state). They must fend off the Iron Hand forces before they destroy precious resource pods.
Mission Objectives:
- Protect Albanon Resource Pods (15)
- Destroy Iron Hand landing pods
Mission Failure Parameters:
- Destruction of (more than 2 resource pods)
Enter Mission 19: Jin Arrives and attacks Iricho. The focus of the player switches to Iricho who must defeat the young soldier in a duel.
Mission Objectives:
- Defeat Jin in Duel
Mission Failure Parameters:
- Loss to Jin in Duel
Cut Scene 9: Iricho defeats Jin but before he can kill Jin, Mingmei stops Iricho. She reveals that the young soldier is her brother. (Ming Mei is on a good will meeting with Aegis at the Albanon Satellite Nation when the event happens.)
Briefing 17: Fed up with the persecution of the Albanons, Nedulous attacks the human UDN capitol. His goal is to toss the world back into total chaos by killing the leaders of the free world.
Enter Mission 20: As the Albanons, the player is tasked with destroying the UDN building in the heavily defended city of London.
Mission Objectives:
- Destroy the UDN building
Mission Failure Parameters:
- Loss of Hero Unit
03/17/2005 (6:55 am)
Briefing 15: While Iricho and Neil are away, Aiko and Kehana get word that the bandits have captured a scientist who is the grandson of the Original Armor units. They know that if he can be liberated, the Guardians will have the proof they need to place Alexi Dukov with the bandit attacks. Enter Mission 17: Aiko and Kehana go to the prison to bust out the weapons master deep within Eutorian territory. To get into the prison the two ladies have to first destroy the power generator and get to the prisoner's cell.
Mission Objectives:
- Destroy the power generator
- Reach Scientist's prison cell
Mission Failure Parameters:
- Loss of any Hero units
- Loss of Scientist unit
Briefing 16: Aiko and Kehana take their evidence to president Buelling. With the evidence of the scientist's testimony Belling can finally confront Alexi about his ties to the group. Before any other actions can be taken an urgent call from the Albanon Satellite Nation comes across the president's direct line. Aiko and Kehana rush to join the rest of the Guardian forces.
Enter Mission 18: Aiko and Kehana join Neil and the rest of the Guardians on the Albanon Satellite Nation (a giant floating city-state). They must fend off the Iron Hand forces before they destroy precious resource pods.
Mission Objectives:
- Protect Albanon Resource Pods (15)
- Destroy Iron Hand landing pods
Mission Failure Parameters:
- Destruction of (more than 2 resource pods)
Enter Mission 19: Jin Arrives and attacks Iricho. The focus of the player switches to Iricho who must defeat the young soldier in a duel.
Mission Objectives:
- Defeat Jin in Duel
Mission Failure Parameters:
- Loss to Jin in Duel
Cut Scene 9: Iricho defeats Jin but before he can kill Jin, Mingmei stops Iricho. She reveals that the young soldier is her brother. (Ming Mei is on a good will meeting with Aegis at the Albanon Satellite Nation when the event happens.)
Briefing 17: Fed up with the persecution of the Albanons, Nedulous attacks the human UDN capitol. His goal is to toss the world back into total chaos by killing the leaders of the free world.
Enter Mission 20: As the Albanons, the player is tasked with destroying the UDN building in the heavily defended city of London.
Mission Objectives:
- Destroy the UDN building
Mission Failure Parameters:
- Loss of Hero Unit
#24
Briefing 18: With the UDN in shambles after the Albanon Attack, Alexi decides the time is now for him to seize power. Dukov sends Jin to assassinate his last opposition. President Buelling.
Enter Mission 21: Alexi is holed up in a bunker somewhere in burning London. Jin is tasked with destroying that bunker and thus killing the last member of the UDN
Mission Objectives:
- Destroy the bunker housing President Buelling.
Mission Failure Parameters:
- Loss of Hero Units
- Loss of Command Center
Cut Scene 11: After finding president Buelling, Jin's sister Ming Mei tries to foil his assassination attempt. She is nearly killed for her efforts. After completing his task Alexi declares himself ruler of earth and declares war on the Albanons.
Briefing 19: In his first act as ruler Dukov sends his first secret weapon-- the Nuclear Armor to destroy an Albanon settlement.
Enter Mission 22: The objective of the mission is to use the Nuclear Armor to destroy the nuclear generator in the town. Alarice is sent to perform the task.
Mission Objectives:
- Destroy the city's nuclear reactor
Mission Failure Parameters:
- Destruction of command center
- Loss of any members of the sentinel squad
- Loss of Nuclear Armor
Briefing 20: (Confused by the actions of Nedulas, Iricho and the Guardians are left to wonder which who is the more dangerous threat. Neil wants to go after Alexi before he can nuke another Albanon settlement.) Ming Mei reveals her plan to stop Alexi. Her plan involves using nuclear missiles to destroy Eutoria. Before the Guardians can talk her out of it, Ming Mei starts the launch sequence. Iricho rushes off to destroy the missiles before they are launched.
Enter Mission 23: Iricho must stop the launch of Min Mei's nuclear missiles by returning to her kingdom and destroying the pods. This mission is an action mission.
03/17/2005 (6:55 am)
Cut Scene 10: After his reckless actions, Aegis Dinakat tries to arrest Nedulas. Nedulas' supporters kill the Albanon leader and the military leader declares himself to be the new ruler of the ASN. Briefing 18: With the UDN in shambles after the Albanon Attack, Alexi decides the time is now for him to seize power. Dukov sends Jin to assassinate his last opposition. President Buelling.
Enter Mission 21: Alexi is holed up in a bunker somewhere in burning London. Jin is tasked with destroying that bunker and thus killing the last member of the UDN
Mission Objectives:
- Destroy the bunker housing President Buelling.
Mission Failure Parameters:
- Loss of Hero Units
- Loss of Command Center
Cut Scene 11: After finding president Buelling, Jin's sister Ming Mei tries to foil his assassination attempt. She is nearly killed for her efforts. After completing his task Alexi declares himself ruler of earth and declares war on the Albanons.
Briefing 19: In his first act as ruler Dukov sends his first secret weapon-- the Nuclear Armor to destroy an Albanon settlement.
Enter Mission 22: The objective of the mission is to use the Nuclear Armor to destroy the nuclear generator in the town. Alarice is sent to perform the task.
Mission Objectives:
- Destroy the city's nuclear reactor
Mission Failure Parameters:
- Destruction of command center
- Loss of any members of the sentinel squad
- Loss of Nuclear Armor
Briefing 20: (Confused by the actions of Nedulas, Iricho and the Guardians are left to wonder which who is the more dangerous threat. Neil wants to go after Alexi before he can nuke another Albanon settlement.) Ming Mei reveals her plan to stop Alexi. Her plan involves using nuclear missiles to destroy Eutoria. Before the Guardians can talk her out of it, Ming Mei starts the launch sequence. Iricho rushes off to destroy the missiles before they are launched.
Enter Mission 23: Iricho must stop the launch of Min Mei's nuclear missiles by returning to her kingdom and destroying the pods. This mission is an action mission.
#25
- Destroy Ming Mei's Nuclear pods
Mission Failure Parameters:
- Loss of Hero Units
Enter Mission 24: After destroying all the visible missile pods, Jin appears and unveils a final pod. Iricho must destroy this missile pod before it launches.
Mission Objectives:
- Destroy final missile pod before launch
Mission Failure Parameters:
- Destruction of Iricho Unit
- Failure to destroy missile pod before time.
Cut Scene 12: Although Iricho destroys the final missile pod. A nuclear missile still manages to hit Eutoria.
Briefing 21: In retaliation for the attack, Alexi sends his entire fleet of Nuclear Armor into position to destroy Ming Mei's country. Neil and the Guardians must stop the Nuclear Armor before they can get within striking distance of Ming Mei's borders.
Enter Mission 25: As Neil and the rest of the Guardians, the player must stop the Nuclear Armor from firing on Ming Mei's country. They must also destroy the Iron Hand factory that produces the Nuclear Armor.
Mission Objectives:
- Destroy the Armor Factory producing the Nuclear Armor
- Destroy All Nuclear Armor after the factory is destroyed.
- Prevent the Nuclear Armor from reaching firing range of Ming Mei's Nation. (A predetermined hotspot on the map.
Mission Failure Parameters:
- Loss of Any Hero Units
- Allowing Nuclear Armors reaching the position on the map to fire their missiles
Cut Scene 13: After they destroy the nuclear armor factory inside Iron Hand's main base, a large gate opens up and reveals a massive air ship that is several miles long. The ship unleashes a powerful attack directed toward the forces on the ground.
03/17/2005 (6:56 am)
Mission Objectives: - Destroy Ming Mei's Nuclear pods
Mission Failure Parameters:
- Loss of Hero Units
Enter Mission 24: After destroying all the visible missile pods, Jin appears and unveils a final pod. Iricho must destroy this missile pod before it launches.
Mission Objectives:
- Destroy final missile pod before launch
Mission Failure Parameters:
- Destruction of Iricho Unit
- Failure to destroy missile pod before time.
Cut Scene 12: Although Iricho destroys the final missile pod. A nuclear missile still manages to hit Eutoria.
Briefing 21: In retaliation for the attack, Alexi sends his entire fleet of Nuclear Armor into position to destroy Ming Mei's country. Neil and the Guardians must stop the Nuclear Armor before they can get within striking distance of Ming Mei's borders.
Enter Mission 25: As Neil and the rest of the Guardians, the player must stop the Nuclear Armor from firing on Ming Mei's country. They must also destroy the Iron Hand factory that produces the Nuclear Armor.
Mission Objectives:
- Destroy the Armor Factory producing the Nuclear Armor
- Destroy All Nuclear Armor after the factory is destroyed.
- Prevent the Nuclear Armor from reaching firing range of Ming Mei's Nation. (A predetermined hotspot on the map.
Mission Failure Parameters:
- Loss of Any Hero Units
- Allowing Nuclear Armors reaching the position on the map to fire their missiles
Cut Scene 13: After they destroy the nuclear armor factory inside Iron Hand's main base, a large gate opens up and reveals a massive air ship that is several miles long. The ship unleashes a powerful attack directed toward the forces on the ground.
#26
Enter Mission 26: The rebels must mount a full-scale assault to fight the vessel before it destroys what remains of the rebel base. Toshi is tasked with destroying ship's shield and stabilizer relay stations.
Mission Objectives:
- Destroy the shield station
- Destroy the ship's stabilizer station
Mission Failure Parameters:
- Destruction of hero units
- Destruction of command center
:
Briefing 23: Jin and the others get inside Alexi Dukov's ship. They must find and destroy the Ships main power station to bring it down.
Enter Mission 27: As Jin and the rest of the Guardians, the player must fight their way to the ship's core and destroy it. The ship's mazelike structure and auto defenses impede their path.
Mission Objectives:
- Reach the ship's core
Mission Failure Parameters:
- Loss of any Hero units
Enter Mission 28: After navigating the maze, the player reaches the ship's inner core where Alexi Dukov confronts him. As Neil Tucker the player must defeat the leader of Iron Hand in a duel.
Mission Objectives:
- Defeat Alexi Dukov
Mission Failure Parameters:
- Loss to Alexi Dukov
Cut Scene 14: Neil kills Alexi
03/17/2005 (6:56 am)
Briefing 22: The kids next decide to get into the giant battle scene. Jin and Iricho arrive and tell the Guardians how to bring down the ship. Toshi is tasked with destroying the Stabilizer station and ships shield stations. Enter Mission 26: The rebels must mount a full-scale assault to fight the vessel before it destroys what remains of the rebel base. Toshi is tasked with destroying ship's shield and stabilizer relay stations.
Mission Objectives:
- Destroy the shield station
- Destroy the ship's stabilizer station
Mission Failure Parameters:
- Destruction of hero units
- Destruction of command center
:
Briefing 23: Jin and the others get inside Alexi Dukov's ship. They must find and destroy the Ships main power station to bring it down.
Enter Mission 27: As Jin and the rest of the Guardians, the player must fight their way to the ship's core and destroy it. The ship's mazelike structure and auto defenses impede their path.
Mission Objectives:
- Reach the ship's core
Mission Failure Parameters:
- Loss of any Hero units
Enter Mission 28: After navigating the maze, the player reaches the ship's inner core where Alexi Dukov confronts him. As Neil Tucker the player must defeat the leader of Iron Hand in a duel.
Mission Objectives:
- Defeat Alexi Dukov
Mission Failure Parameters:
- Loss to Alexi Dukov
Cut Scene 14: Neil kills Alexi
#27
Enter Mission 28: The player must destroy the Extinction beam's power source and the beam itself.
Mission Objectives:
- Destroy the Extinction beam
- Destroy the two power supplies
Mission Failure Parameters:
- Loss of Iricho or Aiko Units
Briefing 25: Alexi's ship continues on a collision course toward the ASN. Iricho must use a special beam cannon to take the ship out. Before he can do so, Kahn shows up and tries to stop him. He is surprisingly joined by Nedulas. The new Albanon leader wants to incite hatred of humans by letting the two vessels collide.
Enter Mission 29: Iricho must defeat Kahn in one final duel, but he must also destroy Alexi's ship before it can crash into the ASN. Nedulas also tries to stop him.
Mission Objectives:
- Destroy the Ship before it crashes into the ASN
- Defeat Kahn in final duel
- Defeat Nedulas
Mission Failure Parameters:
- Allowing the ship to crash into the ASN
- Loss of Iricho Unit
Cut Scene 15: Iricho kills Nedulas. Kahn tries to kill Iricho with a self-destruct device. Iricho wakes up in the hospital. Ming Mei and Iricho have a conversation about how much they love each other.
03/17/2005 (6:57 am)
Briefing 24: Nedulas fires his cannon at Alexis's approaching ship. Iricho and Aiko set out to shut the Cannon Down before it can be fired again. Iricho and Aiko must destroy the cannon before it can be fired again.Enter Mission 28: The player must destroy the Extinction beam's power source and the beam itself.
Mission Objectives:
- Destroy the Extinction beam
- Destroy the two power supplies
Mission Failure Parameters:
- Loss of Iricho or Aiko Units
Briefing 25: Alexi's ship continues on a collision course toward the ASN. Iricho must use a special beam cannon to take the ship out. Before he can do so, Kahn shows up and tries to stop him. He is surprisingly joined by Nedulas. The new Albanon leader wants to incite hatred of humans by letting the two vessels collide.
Enter Mission 29: Iricho must defeat Kahn in one final duel, but he must also destroy Alexi's ship before it can crash into the ASN. Nedulas also tries to stop him.
Mission Objectives:
- Destroy the Ship before it crashes into the ASN
- Defeat Kahn in final duel
- Defeat Nedulas
Mission Failure Parameters:
- Allowing the ship to crash into the ASN
- Loss of Iricho Unit
Cut Scene 15: Iricho kills Nedulas. Kahn tries to kill Iricho with a self-destruct device. Iricho wakes up in the hospital. Ming Mei and Iricho have a conversation about how much they love each other.
Torque Owner Marvin Hawkins
Briefing 11: Toshi and Hitomi further explore the character of Alexi Dukov. The Eutorian Leader returns to his office after the confrontation of the Guardians. He begins a conversation with a shadowy figure that is already waiting for him. The cut scene reveals that he is a mercenary in the employ of Iron Hand. The scene reveals that Iron Hand exists and is alive and well. Alexi sends Jin Kwan one of Iron Hand's best mercenaries to destroy that senator's capitol city using Albanon Armors.
Enter Mission 11: In this mission the player assumes the role of Jin Kwan of the Iron Hand Mercenaries. Using Albanon Armors, the player is tasked with making the alien group look responsible for the rival capitol's destruction.
Mission Objectives:
- Destroy the enemy capitol Building
Mission Failure Parameters:
- The loss of Jin Hero unit
- Discovery of true identity (?)
Briefing 12: The two kids next draw the UDN committee in feverish talks over the 'Albanon' attack. Alexi calls for a military response to the provoked attacks. The rest of the UDN members want a further investigation into the actions. Alexi decides not to wait around for their response and makes the Guardians his next target. He sends another of his top Iron Hand agents, Alarice Anibal to set up a decoy and trap the Guardian forces.
Enter Mission 12: Alexi Dukov sends his lieutenant, Alarice to set up a decoy to split the Guardian forces in two before his planned attack on the Paris Albanon Settlement. By defending the supply train and its station, Alarice will have successfully allowed for Paris to be invaded.
Mission Objectives:
- Defend the train for 30 Minutes.
Mission failure parameters:
- Loss of the train before time expires
- Destruction of Hero units
Briefing 13: Hitomi next draws the scene of the Iron Hand attack on Paris. Alexi sends both Jin and Kahn in on the mission. Their objectives are to destroy all Albanon Settlement as well as the Guardian Command Center and the legendary Spade force.
Enter Mission 13: As part 2 of his plan, Dukov sends the brunt of his forces to Paris, a major source of Albanon settlement. With most of the Guardians pre occupied, Alexi sends Jin and Kahn in to demolish the Albanon settlement.