SundownKid wrote:I probably would like a game that had alien dates more than a sci-fi game with just human ones, then again, I am a sci-fi writer so I'm not exactly the average audience. But, I consider part of the fun of a space opera type game that you can interact with alien beings that can be super different than your typical all human cast.
Ah I see. I'm already designing the alien races and having a blast! I appreciate your feedback, and I believe I will be including weird aliens. ;D
On/off novel writer/creator with uncertainty on completion.
Dylan_Bain wrote:From what you have said so far, I would tackle it this way...
You could be the leader of the human race (or representative) and depending on your relationship with the alien forms (love, friend, hate) they decide to battle you or not.
Yes it sounds like an idea. Although I wonder if it would be too complicated for me personally to execute, as I know very little about politics. >___< Though I should think about it. Very worthy idea.
On/off novel writer/creator with uncertainty on completion.
I find that it helps ease people into the whole, I'm gonna date this alien, if you have a species who has human like features. Mass effect was used as an example before, and in that case the Asari would be the transitionary species for players. They're very human-esqe in their features other than being blue and having tentacles. Other than that the models are visually the same facial wise to the human models in the game.
That being said I was one of the players of Mass effect who wanted to date all the aliens ever, especially the Hanar, those cool jelly fish guys.
I'd say have alien species since it adds to notoriety, but keep at least one of them visually similar to the human face, just in case someone wants to be daring and date an alien, but not an alien that is too alien.
I think what Thirteen suggested is a good idea, at least then those people not used to the sci-fi genre could be led into it gently with a more human-like alien.
Personally, I say go for it, adding a really unique looking race could be just as good as a human-like one! Using Mass Effect as an example again, Garrus has got to be one of the most popular romances and he's not human-like at all But I am a fan of sci-fi, so that might just be me!
Completed: Diving in Deep/The Lady's Choice/The Crossroads
Current WIP: The Curse of Creek Edge (NaNo2020)
In my opinion, I felt that the Asari were maybe too human to be called aliens. The Turians were humanoid while being different enough to believably be an alien, but the Asari stretched that... a lot. If I ever did such a thing in my writing, I would rather that beings on the "Star Trek alien' style would be genetically modified humans. Or, an alien race seeded their evolution and ours via panspermia. Just don't call them aliens because it breaks suspension of disbelief in a work with a ton of supposedly "realistic" lore about how all the technology works.
Completed: Metropolitan Blues, The Loyal Kinsman, Daemonophilia, The Dreaming, The Thirteenth Year, Adrift, Bionic Heart 2, Secrets of the Wolf, The Photographer
Projects: The Pilgrim's Path, Elspeth's Garden, Secret Adventure Game!
If your sci-fi has humanoid aliens, yeah, they should be dateable. If your sci-fi has NON-humanoid aliens and they are datable, then that (and the implications) should better be the point of your entire game.
Sci-fi as a genre is perfectly suited to explore the relationship of man and society. Use that if you can.
SundownKid wrote:In my opinion, I felt that the Asari were maybe too human to be called aliens. The Turians were humanoid while being different enough to believably be an alien, but the Asari stretched that... a lot. If I ever did such a thing in my writing, I would rather that beings on the "Star Trek alien' style would be genetically modified humans. Or, an alien race seeded their evolution and ours via panspermia. Just don't call them aliens because it breaks suspension of disbelief in a work with a ton of supposedly "realistic" lore about how all the technology works.
Actually, according to cannon, the Asari appear according to the likeness of who is viewing them. In ME2 I believe on the Citadel you can hear a group of guys having a confused conversation about what an Asari looks like that implies that they look different to each species (The human was commenting on the belly button and the others were basically wtf man, they don't have belly buttons). Considering that an Asari can breed with any other species, and they prefer this because of the diversity benefits that brings since they actually discriminate against full blooded Asari, it makes a fair bit of sense in that regard. There a bunch of mind tripping going on there.
However I am fully aware that this probably had very little to do with their initial design since I don't think it's a coincidence that all the female alien romance options barely stray from human physiques, I still find it quite an interesting thing a writer slipped into an overheard conversation. It amused me.
I definitely vote for dating the aliens Also as you wrote that you consider if they will be the enemies or not, I would love the idea that MC could "change" the enemy alien to the "friendly" alien by dating. Like in the other VNs, by dating some grumpy guy, you discovered his better side.
About combat scenes and battles... I don´t like it and I admit I don´t play VN with combat modes even if the game looks interesting. It´s quite boring for me so I would prefer the option to skip it.
Auro-Cyanide wrote:Actually, according to canon, the Asari appear according to the likeness of who is viewing them.
How do you arrive at this conclusion? I may be recalling this scene incorrectly, but the salarian asks what a belly button is because he doesn't understand what belly buttons are, not because he doesn't see the asari's. He calls it "the divot in her abdomen."
Anyway, I support the inclusion of aliens that are less humanoid.
I'm an aspiring writer and voice talent with a passion for literature and an unhealthy attachment to video games. I am also a seasoned typo-sniper. Inquiries are encouraged. Friendly chats are welcome.
"Always do what is right. It will gratify half of mankind and astound the other."
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But yes, aliens please, and make them extra alieny too. One of my pet peeves with sci-fi books is that their aliens are basically humans dip in mauve paint, with a completely human physiology.
I'm okay with combat scenes, but they generally aren't very convincing in VN format. Maybe as part of the story, but not as THE point of the story.
Completed: Metropolitan Blues, The Loyal Kinsman, Daemonophilia, The Dreaming, The Thirteenth Year, Adrift, Bionic Heart 2, Secrets of the Wolf, The Photographer
Projects: The Pilgrim's Path, Elspeth's Garden, Secret Adventure Game!
Zylinder wrote:But yes, aliens please, and make them extra alieny too. One of my pet peeves with sci-fi books is that their aliens are basically humans dip in mauve paint, with a completely human physiology.
Good example of aliens done right: Mobile Frame Zero ("giant robot tabletop battles with robots built from Lego"). Their alien race of choice is the Ijad, hand-sized alien leeches whose culture revolves around establishing neural links to other species - their enemies would say they are parasites controlling other beings, they would say they create unions between themselves and others. There are humans who bond with them, and to those humans, it's the same emotional envolvement as being in a steady, loving relationship with another human.
Zylinder wrote:But yes, aliens please, and make them extra alieny too. One of my pet peeves with sci-fi books is that their aliens are basically humans dip in mauve paint, with a completely human physiology.
Good example of aliens done right: Mobile Frame Zero ("giant robot tabletop battles with robots built from Lego"). Their alien race of choice is the Ijad, hand-sized alien leeches whose culture revolves around establishing neural links to other species - their enemies would say they are parasites controlling other beings, they would say they create unions between themselves and others. There are humans who bond with them, and to those humans, it's the same emotional envolvement as being in a steady, loving relationship with another human.
That also reminds me a lot of the Yeerks from Animorphs. As well as the Goa'uld from Stargate. Similar idea - most of them are hostile alien parasites, though there are a few who establish a symbiotic relationship.
I appreciate your feedback, and I believe I will be including weird aliens. ;D
