A Dirty White [Ancient Rome] [Steampunk] [Whateverelsepunk]

Ideas and games that are not yet publicly in production. This forum also contains the pre-2012 archives of the Works in Progress forum.
Post Reply
Message
Author
Manga
Regular
Posts: 58
Joined: Sun Jul 29, 2012 6:48 pm
Contact:

A Dirty White [Ancient Rome] [Steampunk] [Whateverelsepunk]

#1 Post by Manga » Wed Oct 24, 2012 7:19 pm

I figure I can handle two pretty small games at once, and given that this appeals to me in a very different way than Bremen does, let me present:
Image

Still in sketch form thus far, but will be heavily stylised nonetheless. This is basically an excuse for me to go around doodling stuff. Still getting the details on the "look" right now; but the colour scheme's basically grey/black, white and dark gold for now.

I was sort of thinking of Reaver from Fable in the back of my mind as I started drawing that. Hopefully it turned out okay. Probably should finish it soon.

Synopsis:
This game is less focused on a plot, as other games would be. Probably kinetic, so the game is not choosey. Nor are characters the focus here, as should be seen. But rather, the world's in focus, a world of has-been.

Sorry, sometimes I just get it in my head to start rhyming. I can't not do it once it happens.

Play as one as several characters, each with their own perspective and rank in society. Explore the world of Fumus*, a semi-dystopian world smothered with smoke and piled with pillars. Slaves and senators fester in the forums, ol' industrial technology sped up but culture halted to a stop.

A world that, quite frankly, is fucking screwed if you start thinking long-term.

Playable characters:
I have some ideas here, but I'd like to update this section in a bulk. It's going to be awkward as hell if the characters section only has one guy, and then a list of random names.

So, er, this section coming soon, I guess. Fret not.

Note:
There's a definite reason this one is in the "Ideas" forum. This, for now, is still a concept, and so all of this should be taken with a grain of salt. I feel a world forming in my head, however, and providing I don't forget about this, soon enough I can give you more details and some more concrete info. But I'm not going to come up with my own Elven language or anything. That's for Tolkien.

Of course, I can't give away too much details. Since the game is all about exploring this world, if I actually tell you most about it I'll rob you of all the fun.

*Work-in-progress name.

gekiganwing
Lemma-Class Veteran
Posts: 2472
Joined: Wed Sep 29, 2004 1:38 pm
Contact:

Re: A Dirty White [Ancient Rome] [Steampunk] [Whateverelsepu

#2 Post by gekiganwing » Thu Oct 25, 2012 6:21 am

It sounds like you're not especially focused on plot or characters, but rather exploring the fictional world. Also, you mentioned that you might shape this idea into a kinetic novel.

So... how might your story work? Will we follow one character or more than one? Will there be a continuous narrative, or a series of sketches? Do you have a point of view in mind?

Also, let us know how long you expect your story will be, and if you are striving for a specific tone or theme.

Manga
Regular
Posts: 58
Joined: Sun Jul 29, 2012 6:48 pm
Contact:

Re: A Dirty White [Ancient Rome] [Steampunk] [Whateverelsepu

#3 Post by Manga » Thu Oct 25, 2012 6:46 am

It sounds like you're not especially focused on plot or characters, but rather exploring the fictional world. Also, you mentioned that you might shape this idea into a kinetic novel.
*nodnods* Don't get me wrong, there will be plots, and the characters aren't just going to be 2D one-noters. But it's more about going through the world.

Although, if I do go kinetic, I might add in one "big" choice at the end. First example that comes into my mind is Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, where you could kill Vader at the end and become a big bad Sith Lord. Not the best example, though.
So... how might your story work? Will we follow one character or more than one?
"Play as one as several characters, each with their own perspective and rank in society."

^ There are several different storylines. You pick one on a character select screen, and go through their storyline. It's sort of like having several different mini-VNs in one.

Debating on whether there might be any unlockable characters, but for now I think I'll leave them all open. Don't want to bias anyone in favour of one.
Will there be a continuous narrative, or a series of sketches?
A series of continuous narratives. One for each character.
Do you have a point of view in mind?
Several.
Also, let us know how long you expect your story will be, and if you are striving for a specific tone or theme.
Hard to judge length right now. So, to save embarassment later on, I'm not going to go and guess any word counts. Shorter than a big commercial VN, at least.

Specific tone or theme: Things are rather dark and grimy. World's pretty shitty. There's oppression, whatnot, dystopia, everyone's dead Jim, the plight of the lower classes!, good and evil, Clockwork Orange, what should I have for lunch? Freedom, cost of freedom, prices of freedom. Nature of humanity. Those sort of questions and themes.
I have this idea where, at the end, you choose between letting the place continue running at great moral cost (like fueling it on souls or whanot), or stop it and cause the city and everyone in it to crumble and die.
Black comedy will be involved, if only because it just sort of happens as I write whether I want it or not.

----

Image

Did some more doodling. He may look more like this later on. Or he may not.

User avatar
Veniae
Veteran
Posts: 461
Joined: Sun Mar 06, 2011 9:01 am
Contact:

Re: A Dirty White [Ancient Rome] [Steampunk] [Whateverelsepu

#4 Post by Veniae » Fri Nov 23, 2012 7:25 pm

Just going to say that based on the OP, I really think you have a great writing style.

Good luck with your games, I'll be keeping an eye on them!

Manga
Regular
Posts: 58
Joined: Sun Jul 29, 2012 6:48 pm
Contact:

Re: A Dirty White [Ancient Rome] [Steampunk] [Whateverelsepu

#5 Post by Manga » Mon Nov 26, 2012 7:54 pm

Ah, thanks for the compliment. Always nice to hear someone cheer you on.

Fear not, I shall try not to let you down.

User avatar
Omnificent
Veteran
Posts: 397
Joined: Sun May 22, 2011 8:23 pm
Projects: FA:NG, ???
Contact:

Re: A Dirty White [Ancient Rome] [Steampunk] [Whateverelsepu

#6 Post by Omnificent » Tue Nov 27, 2012 2:34 pm

I like me some ancient history and don't think enough fiction/fantasy has been focused on it, so this idea has some potential. I'm guessing it's short enough that there wouldn't be a demo, so looking forward to release.
Forever Alone: Nerds the Gathering - A brotome game. (Nerdy Valentine's Day Card and small status update 2/14/14)
Night at the Hospital - Maiden voyage of Team Snugglebunny
Skylessia: Tale of the Boon - Epic fantasy whatsit, currently on hiatus.
Viking Pipsqueak Productions Blog (under construction)

I occasionally frequently draw other people's characters. Now offering delinquentization, medievalization, and cyborgification. Hit me up in PM if you want sprites for your KN or non-ren'ai VN.

EVEN IF THE TENDONS OF MY THUMBS TEAR INTO NOTHINGNESS, EVEN IF I GO NEARSIGHTED FROM STARING TOO HARD AT THE SCREEN, EVEN IF MY BODY IS CLOSE TO COLLAPSE FROM THE 72 HOURS I HAVE GONE WITHOUT FOOD! I WILL DEFEAT YOU!

Manga
Regular
Posts: 58
Joined: Sun Jul 29, 2012 6:48 pm
Contact:

Re: A Dirty White [Ancient Rome] [Steampunk] [Whateverelsepu

#7 Post by Manga » Tue Dec 04, 2012 8:38 pm

By the way, for both this and Bremen, there's probably going to be a lack of updates until sometime during January. Right now I have some exams and then... you know, it's Christmas. I do Christmassy things. Play games. Watch The Muppets' Christmas Carol.

It's all very busy.

Sorry for the relative lack of updates I've given thusfar as well. Busy life.

User avatar
AshenhartKrie
Veteran
Posts: 482
Joined: Thu Jul 12, 2012 10:02 pm
Tumblr: ashenhartkrie
Location: Buttsville
Contact:

Re: A Dirty White [Ancient Rome] [Steampunk] [Whateverelsepu

#8 Post by AshenhartKrie » Tue Dec 04, 2012 8:49 pm

I'm scared of the Muppets. O______O
*hides*
Have a good Chrissy!

tired. grumpy. queer
*uses he/him pronouns*

Manga
Regular
Posts: 58
Joined: Sun Jul 29, 2012 6:48 pm
Contact:

Re: A Dirty White [Ancient Rome] [Steampunk] [Whateverelsepu

#9 Post by Manga » Tue Dec 04, 2012 9:19 pm

Who is more scarier than Kermit the Frog? His limbs move about like a scarylimbymovything! The stuff of nightmares.

Also, same to you. *tips hat, whatnot*

Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users