Anyone interested in creating an absurd beat'em up/platforming, hero/anti hero game?

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Falcondynamite

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Apr 22, 2010
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Well since all of a sudden the job board got taken down, I decided to put this up here considering it is technically gaming related. Now on to what I really wanted to talk about.

It's a 2D/sidescrolling/beat'em up/platformer! with Minigame implements similar to smash T.V and the other being a retro style platformer!
Start it available on PC (Xbox 360 controller recommended), possible other platforms: Xbox 360, Ps3 (No hand held). Digital download. I can't guarantee time on a project unless I know who I have working, it won't be super long process, in fact if I have devoted enough team it's possible to do in under 3-4 years, possibly less. The game needs to be nearly complete before we think about a scheduled release date and has to be tested as we go along through it.

I've been learning through the basics of C++ for a little while now and I know I have a lot more to learn before I could even begin to create my own engine, hence I wanted to ask if anyone (enough but not too much) would be interested in coding? For at the moment that's mainly what I'm searching for currently. In other words I'm trying to slowly build a team.

I can't promise pay over the work process, no. I can promise pay when I see both valid results and tremendous skill. I also wish I wasn't, well, sort of poor. The thing is I don't want people just doing for the sole purpose of making money, but to do it because they love doing it. Doing it because they want to contribute something strange to the industry. I want anyone who wishes to get involved to know that I believe the player should be able to buy something they can afford and remember for years to come. Basically what I'm saying is, that are you OK with making a game that will be sold cheap, and that your income among it will be based solely on if it caught on in popularity, but that even if you don't make massive amounts of money, you'll be fine knowing that you could contribute with a team that had similar interest (I'm not going to steal your hard earned work, I believe that you should get what you worked for). Essentially, I will say that I believe that the game should sell between 10-15 dollars. If you're not OK with this, then don't bother reading the rest, because I'll do you another favor and not waste your time (Even if you read the past few paragraphs).

Alright, I'll explain what the game is like. The game has to run as a smooth beat'em up/platformer. The engine needs to be capable of running smooth 2D style combat, being tough as nails, fast paced combat(similar to the game shank, but done more well), being able to quickly maneuver between dodging and ending a combo, "flashy", and be able to work with story told by comic book panels (cutscenes are comic panels with voice acting). The biggest difference in gameplay will be with bosses, drastic sudden environment changes and that the bosses work significantly more drastic than regular enemies (Also some of the bosses are huge(A lot bigger than Zangief from street fighter), but there's only one being the size of a few buildings). That's basically it.

The mini games are short little non-canon (yet referential) games that exist for the sole purpose of being both accomplished when you beat them and extra fun, new levels will be unlocked as you progress during the game. Every time sections of the game are completed you will have break periods where you can basically fool around in a small apartment room, the room will change as you progress further and so will the mini games (new levels). The mini games are basically arcade style games, one being a platformer, the other being kind of like smash T.V.

I'll say what I need now
Note: I want to let all of you know that you have to be very OPEN about just about everything if you're interested. This is incredibly graphic, screwed up, gory, weird, kinky and a ton of other things, if you can't handle it, then I apologize. Also take into consideration that this game will be infernally hard.
note again: Also the hero is a masked, short vigilante (no shit right? ).
programers:
People who can work code and believe they can work together on an engine and work on other necessity's. (Less than five, however if you can do really well, I consider more) HOWEVER, if they're familiar with a type of engine and can work with an engine that fills out what is necessary, then work be saved for you.

Artist:
I need someone who can work out dark gloomy atmospheres that surround colorfully terrifying characters, but I will also say a lot of the other backgrounds will also be colorful too, variety is a beautiful thing, I hope you can offer it (Multiple artist may work if they can blend and work together well). Basically city structures and what not. Characters on the other hand of being sort of terrifying in their personality while not so much on they're physical appearance (sort of). The art style has to be a western comic bookish style with a balanced touch of an anime type style as well. Cutscenes will be in panels (like comic books or manga).

Composers of the musics and stuffles:
Yeah that was awful, I'm not sure why I typed the above, not professional at all, but then again I want everyone to know that you can be fine on what you want to throw in, I'm not a stiff brick that won't listen to you. Anyway I clearly said music composers.
I need people who can produce dance, techno, and rock into this (Doesn't necessarily have to be one group doing this it can be multiple groups, but expect split profits, if you're group can do all those previously mentioned, well you must be very happy).

Testers(Far future):
Don't hold your breath, that will be awhile.

An editor:
I'm writing everything, the script, story, insanity. What I lack is an editor, because I make mistakes, but at least I'm bilingual dammit!

Voice Actors:
Put your freaking effort into it people! Put your heart and soul into it! You are going to have to get ready for all the seriously messed up things that you're going to read!

The main character(is 4.5ft tall): A strong male voice, you'll have to produce certain traits of both sarcasm and stupidity at times, and subtle compassion with a touch of stupidity and sarcasm. He must have a strong charismatic voice! (major role: no shit).

Goons: From male to female (gruff small insignificant little people that will get the shit beaten out of them). (Low role: If you didn't know that, I don't know what to say.)

A man very proud of the size of his right arm: 'ahem' yeah.

A monster like man(Super impossibly huge man(s)): You're voice has to be loud, strong, and threatening at the same time. (Low role)

A sarcastic middle aged evil man: Title says it all, his voice should sound subtle but the faint sense of an ominous nature should be used as well. (Low role)

Japanese and Italian goons: yup, weird ass combination I know, but can you pull it off? (Low role)

Annoying hyperactive young man: Don't make the voice hellish (Like Tidus) make it believably annoying. (Low role)

Smooth voiced sexy man: Are you a sexy voiced man, I sure hope you are, because you're going to be wearing a blood stained apron while carrying a Katana and two revolvers! (low role

Bondage goons: If you've ever wanted to make strange sexual sounds into a microphone, well... need I say more? (low role)

Two seductive women: Their voices need to sound distinctly different. One is violent and could pass for being a dominatrix (total implication) If you can get past "I'll tear your uterus inside out" as a line, congrats. The other one is alluring, open and "calling". By the way they're identical twins and kind of "like" each other, so you can have fun daunting on that! (low role)

Zombie goons: Yup, zombies... with jet-packs.

A sexy female secretary: who has the voice of a grisly man.

A male doctor who feels rather good: If you catch onto motley Crue. I personally wish to do this guys voice, but if you can do a better job at being sarcastically psychotic/narcissistic/spiteful/spiteful than me, I'd like that too!

Professional and slick mercenary goons: Yeah, they're freaking slick, so beware!

A calm gentle man: Who's completely filled with spite and hate and wants to make anyone who gets in the way of his goal to die by his hand or killed brutally, but be subtle about it.

A creepy robotic child like voice: You will talk like that and your voice will come from a massive machine the size of a few buildings put together.

A feminine voice: For a girly looking male character.

The better man: Imagine the main character, but being better in every way.

The great one: If you're a guy with a powerful godlike voice, you're perfect for this.

That's the full necessary list, I don't expect this to get filled out immediately, so I'll give it time. Put what you want to be on this thread, or message me. Show me a little bit of what you're capable of and I'll see to it you'll get what you're interested in. Again I will be as clear as I can, that this whole idea is incredible graphic and really different, if you're ok with this, then good, if you're not, then either grow used to it, or lean away.

I look forward to looking working with you all!
PS. I wont give full details about the game until I can officially have you as part as the team.
PSS. Also when you're finally recruited and I can tell you everything with trust, I assure you I wasn't on the influence of any drug while coming up with it all.

Also if this post needs edit or is confusing in someway, let me know and I'll fix it for better understanding. If you wish for a specs sheet let me know.
 

Falcondynamite

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Apr 22, 2010
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Also I forgot to mention it's a 2D/sidescrolling/beat'em up/platformer! with Minigame implements similar to smash T.V and the other being a retro style platformer!
 

DoPo

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Jan 30, 2012
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That's certainly ambitious. And I don't want to touch it with a ten foot pole. But why create a whole new engine, instead of using something that's out there already? And it's good that you don't want to give details about the game, but nothing? Is it an FPS, a side scroller? It wouldn't be enough to steal your idea but it would be enough to give people a better initial grasp. Also, it may help people help you. Is it an FPS? Why not use the Unreal Engine which is free? Or the CUBE engine which is free and open source with a more retro look? That sort of thing.

EDIT: Yes, you posted the genre a minute before me. Java 2D can handle a side scroller with not a lot of effort, I believe. There are probably lots of other libraries that can be used.
 

Falcondynamite

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Apr 22, 2010
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DoPo said:
That's certainly ambitious. And I don't want to touch it with a ten foot pole. But why create a whole new engine, instead of using something that's out there already? And it's good that you don't want to give details about the game, but nothing? Is it an FPS, a side scroller? It wouldn't be enough to steal your idea but it would be enough to give people a better initial grasp. Also, it may help people help you. Is it an FPS? Why not use the Unreal Engine which is free? Or the CUBE engine which is free and open source with a more retro look? That sort of thing.
Sorry I just added that part, I got to wrapped up in the details to remember the core concept. This is true, It's incredibly ambitious, I hope enough people can grasp the grotesque imagination I have. It also depends if any engine runs similar to the way I'm trying to get it. It wont be 3D design, it should be flat. (Like Shank flat, not in gameplay).

alright then, if they're familiar with Java 2D or can stretch with it then I'm fine with that.
 

DoPo

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Jan 30, 2012
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x F x said:
Sorry I just added that part, I got to wrapped up in the details to remember the core concept. This is true, It's incredibly ambitious. It also depends if any engine runs similar to the way I'm trying to get it. It wont be 3D design, it should be flat. (Like Shank flat, not in gameplay).

alright then, if they're familiar with Java 2D or can stretch with it then I'm fine with that.
Yeah, got it - it's 2D. Do a bit of research and see if there isn't an engine/library already available. There probably is.

Try to introduce fewer points of failure and to save up on work. You're asking complete strangers to collaborate over the Internet on what is a significantly large project out of nothing but good will. Be prepared for disappointments. People may drop out, others may lag behind, there could be internal conflicts. Unless you're an amazing project leader (I mean no offence but I don't think you are) problems will creep up.

I'm not saying it can't work, I'm saying it would be hard. Do your homework, be prepared, plan the best course of action in advance. This would help you throughout the project. Brainstorm - get a buddy or two with you, buy them each a beer and talk over your plans - there's a cheap brainstorming session for you, also potential idea pool and trouble spotters. identify potential failures and plan around them: coding a whole engine is a whole load of work even before the game is started - it takes time and it would take even more time if (or rather when) problems occur. Remove that phase and you remove the problems and the time lag.
 

Fiz_The_Toaster

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Hmmm.....I wanna bite, but I've been burnt numerous times before with these things. I just wanna know how serious are you and if you are willing to work really hard despite problems that will come ahead, and there will be problems, especially with how ambitious your game is slated to be.

I'm not here to offend you, but I've been apart of a couple projects that just fall through and I just wanna make sure how committed you are before I show any serious interest.
 

Falcondynamite

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Apr 22, 2010
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Fiz_The_Toaster said:
Hmmm.....I wanna bite, but I've been burnt numerous times before with these things. I just wanna know how serious are you and if you are willing to work really hard despite problems that will come ahead, and there will be problems, especially with how ambitious your game is slated to be.

I'm not here to offend you, but I've been apart of a couple projects that just fall through and I just wanna make sure how committed you are before I show any serious interest.
I understand about being burnt because I've tried going into other groups believing to accomplish something, but in the end came out disappointing. I honestly understand your view on it. I know for a fact that problems are going to arise due to it's ambition and the fact that no one has gone in this direction before (from what I've seen). Yes, I'm committed, I am willing to face the challenges that will show up in the future, I am well aware that I will be attacked on the stuff that I will put on, but I'm not afraid to face them, and I'm not afraid to stick up for both myself and the team. I will put in my share for just about anything, as long as I have a team of people who want to put their souls into as well.

I wont let it be like that, if someone isn't working on it doesn't mean I won't work on it. Letting it die or go is like if I stabbed my own heart and the hearts of others by shooting down the hard work put into a goal that was originally a dream. I as the creator of this whole idea find it not a dream, but a goal. It will get done and it will be done well as a team. I'm willing. If I wasn't I wouldn't write a thing, I'd stay quite and question my own motives. I'm confident in what I believe, and I will strive in my search to find anyone willing to work on this project. Do it for the love of loving it! I could throw in a Gurren Laggan reference but I don't think that's necessary. I'm just going to add that I'm devoted, I will always be devoted, but the team has to be just as devoted too!

So, what say you?
 

Arakasi

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If you need an editor, I'm quite good at point out flaws in things.
I really don't care about any sort of money, so feel free to let me know if you need me.

My code knowledge, sadly, is all in Visual Basic, otherwise I'd help with that.
But yeah, I'll gladly edit.
 

Philip Collin

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Sep 11, 2011
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What kind of engine are you looking for, what does it need to be able to do? I know you dont want to reveal story but without any idea about what kind of things you are going to need to be written not many people are going to be interested in helping.

SO without revealing any story information what do you want the game to do? You mentioned platforming and beat'em up, so like terraria? And whats this minigame thing you mentioned? I quite experienced with writing games in Java and i'm looking for a project to work on, so any more information about what you expect the programmers to do would be useful.
 

Falcondynamite

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Apr 22, 2010
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Yeah, got it - it's 2D. Do a bit of research and see if there isn't an engine/library already available. There probably is.

Try to introduce fewer points of failure and to save up on work. You're asking complete strangers to collaborate over the Internet on what is a significantly large project out of nothing but good will. Be prepared for disappointments. People may drop out, others may lag behind, there could be internal conflicts. Unless you're an amazing project leader (I mean no offence but I don't think you are) problems will creep up.

I'm not saying it can't work, I'm saying it would be hard. Do your homework, be prepared, plan the best course of action in advance. This would help you throughout the project. Brainstorm - get a buddy or two with you, buy them each a beer and talk over your plans - there's a cheap brainstorming session for you, also potential idea pool and trouble spotters. identify potential failures and plan around them: coding a whole engine is a whole load of work even before the game is started - it takes time and it would take even more time if (or rather when) problems occur. Remove that phase and you remove the problems and the time lag.[/quote]

I'm well aware of this. I know that it's all risky and going to be difficult. It won't be easy, I know it won't. I'm ready to face what will come in the future. Well, I can understand that you think that, for the fact that I'm both young and made little mistakes like that without realization. It's kind of like a slap to the face in a way.

I believe in a lot of what you say to be true, and I appreciate your honesty, it's stuff like that make me not only look ahead but motivate me to do more and act better. Of course I'm not a great project leader, this is the first one I'm doing and I still have a lot to learn. About the dropout though there was a reason why I was going to accept more then the required, just in case, or keep in contact with the other few.

Believe me, I've brainstormed on this for a couple of years now, and I'm open to anything that can improve, I have talked to friends about it (they're only interested in gaming, not making). On finding out problems though, I really do require more than just a few friends, something has to be thought about then just two minds, if a majority see a problem, then it should be fixed. Handle it as a team. Alright, I appreciate your words of advice and if you have more to share I'd be happy to listen more. I want to understand every bit as I go and I want to improve from that and beyond.
 

The_Blue_Rider

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x F x said:
Ever considered starting with something small, then working your way up to this game?

Start small, make simple platformers, stuff that you can accomplish by yourself, then as you get more proficient, find a partner, see what the two of you can do together. Work your way up to having a team and making your dream game, instead of just haphazardly jumping into it.

Ive seen a lot of ideas crash and burn simply because of over ambition.
 

Falcondynamite

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Apr 22, 2010
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something like double dragons or Final Fight?

plus the posibility to go inside and play mini games like in River City Ransom?
[/quote]

More strictly moving left and right no 3 Dimensional aspects.
Well they're a ton of games with added mini games, but yes I suppose like River city Ransom.

The mini games by the way will have a very retro look, like older beat'em ups (Like Final fight and so on).
 

Falcondynamite

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Philip Collin said:
What kind of engine are you looking for, what does it need to be able to do? I know you dont want to reveal story but without any idea about what kind of things you are going to need to be written not many people are going to be interested in helping.

SO without revealing any story information what do you want the game to do? You mentioned platforming and beat'em up, so like terraria? And whats this minigame thing you mentioned? I quite experienced with writing games in Java and i'm looking for a project to work on, so any more information about what you expect the programmers to do would be useful.
Alright, I'll explain. The game has to run as a smooth beat'em up/platformer. The engine needs to be capable of running smooth 2D style combat, being tough as nails, fast paced combat(similar to the game shank, but done more well), being able to quickly maneuver between dodging and ending a combo, "flashy", and be able to work with story told by comic panels (cutscenes are comic panels with voice acting). The biggest difference in gameplay will be with bosses, drastic sudden environment changes and that the bosses work significantly more drastic than regular enemies (Also some of the bosses are huge(A lot bigger than Zangief from street fighter), but there's only one being the size of a few buildings). That's basically it.

The mini games are short little non-canon (yet referential) games that exist for the sole purpose of being both accomplished when you beat them and extra fun, new levels will be unlocked as you progress during the game. Every time sections of the game are completed you will have break periods where you can basically fool around in a small apartment room, the room will change as you progress further. The mini games are basically arcade style games, one being a platformer, the other being kind of like smash T.V.

I apologize for not being more clear and I'll edit that shortly.
 

thespyisdead

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i too am learning to program, but i only learnt C so far...


as for the voice... i will be more than happy to provide anything spoken in russian as i think i have decent russian skills, but if you want a thick russian accent in english, look elsewhere, cos i cant do it
 

Falcondynamite

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Apr 22, 2010
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The_Blue_Rider said:
x F x said:
Ever considered starting with something small, then working your way up to this game?

Start small, make simple platformers, stuff that you can accomplish by yourself, then as you get more proficient, find a partner, see what the two of you can do together. Work your way up to having a team and making your dream game, instead of just haphazardly jumping into it.

Ive seen a lot of ideas crash and burn simply because of over ambition.
In a way your right, building it like a child and then working slowly upwards. The thing is that this isn't entirely as complicated as it sounds. It's mostly ambitious for what I'm going for, while the actual development will be a lot less more complicated. It's really hard for me to explain what I'm going for without explaining to much of the plot. All I can tell you most the toughest part in it's creation is its actual gameplay, if the story is unfolded by people reading whats on a comic panel then that saves hardwork on cutscenes. The hard part is dealing with the fact that the whole "idea" is ambitious, the actual game will be something else entirely. What I'm saying is that it's definite it will take awhile, but it's more simple than it sounds, I wish I could explain it a better way. It's not like I'm making God of War, or something else like that. I'm also well aware of the fact that because no one will know of us and the game "could" be looked over. It's something all new developers are aware of.
 

Esotera

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It sounds like the specification of the game is massively lacking, have you actually nailed down the details of exactly what you want done? Feature creep seems like it will be a big issue here.

edit: if anyone wants to do a Unity/other pre-made engine game I'd be interested in helping out with that.
 

Falcondynamite

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Apr 22, 2010
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thespyisdead said:
i too am learning to program, but i only learnt C so far...


as for the voice... i will be more than happy to provide anything spoken in russian as i think i have decent russian skills, but if you want a thick russian accent in english, look elsewhere, cos i cant do it
Ain't it fun? It took me awhile but after enough self taught lessons, I'm getting the hang of it.

I'll be honest I'm not really looking for Russian, I'm sorry.
 

Falcondynamite

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Apr 22, 2010
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Esotera said:
It sounds like the specification of the game is massively lacking, have you actually nailed down the details of exactly what you want done? Feature creep seems like it will be a big issue here.
Yes I have the details on what I want done, yet I can't give them out, until I'm legitimately working with a person and or people. I also explained it specifications on paragraph 4&5. It's similar to the game "Shank".
 

MetalMagpie

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I work as a software developer (Java, javascript and other web stuff) and would be interested in doing some work for this project as an excuse to learn Java 2D (or some other Java or Python based tech). But I can't dedicate oceans of time and I can't drive the development (you'll probably need a tech lead for that).

But that's assuming you end up using something either Java or Python based (as they're the languages I like ;) ).