As for a PAWD [(Post-Apocalyptic) Western and Demonic]- Setting I think there should be no questions: This one needs to be dark.Originally Posted by GameGuru2018 Go to original post
A "normal" Western setting could be dark - depends on how much ... I call it "artificial realism"* - or creativity you want. And that apsect needs to fit to the main story - whatever it would be.
[*Artificial Realism is for me an hisotrical setting, that still fits into a story of a video game - the Assassin's Creed games are a good example concerning their historical maps and storylines.]
A setting with dinosaurs, same as a fantasy- or a sci-fi- setting ... well it is open without having an more exact setting-idea yet. (A very dark fantasy-setting is nearly automatically an horror-setting: vampires, evil ghosts, undead small maids(?) ... not zombies in general --> they are mostly in a bit different - but still horror (less fantasy) setting at home.)
Well: If a Dinosaur-Setting would be a cooperation with Jurassic World(/Park) as a franchise; in this case the emotional 'darkness'/'color-level' should be as similar as in the Jurassic World(/Park)-Movies.
~ ~ ~ (Don't have to much time at the moment, but here two more ideas) ~ ~ ~
1. Concerning the PAWD-Scenario with an female antagonist:
As said (and described above), it definitly should be dark (emotional and regarding the used colors).
If we have an female antagonist (the devil (?)) who also has an big Tempter-Aspect; ...
... some vision-based missions (triggered by an halluzinogenic-arrow that was shot on the protagonist by her in a cutscene [, or similar]) could create an contrast and use warm colors and maybe even storylines -> this would be the world, if you follow her. Of course, it won't be like that - at least not for the protagonist
But it could be used to underline the Tempter-Aspect.
In a game in which the player can make decisions, the player must be convinced by the (evil) tempter, not the protagonist per se.
Also ... vision-based missions are still a big part of the Far Cry Series.
But altogether, these "colorful" vision-based missions should not be more than the Shangri-La Missions in Far Cry 4 (maybe even less, but as main missions).
Or the main atmosphere - the dark one - could be in danger.
~
2. Concerning a Jurassic Park; or more generall: Dinosaur-Setting:
Maybe if we have an island (or map) with dinosaurs - okay, then: it would make sence, to spilt the arsenal of weapons. One weapon type to fight against hostile soldiers/humans and one - heavy-calibered - to hunt or defend yourself from dinosaurs.
A bit similar to the idea if an protagonists needs to fight against supernatural creatures in fantasy- or horror-settings (including the PAWD-Setting).
In the game series "the Witcher" [CD-Project Red; 2007 - now] the protagonist/player uses two type of swords: one against humans one against supernatural creatures ("monsters").
Both weapons have one active weapon-slot (one for each type). Plus: The protagonist/player can carry a lot different ones in the inventory (of each type).
==> In the Far Cry Series in general (3-)4 weapon slots (without melee and throwing weapons) are used. This should stay of course and would have the nice effect, that the player would need to decide: Take I more weapons against soldiers? Or against supernatural creatures ... vampires ... ghost-riders ... ... or in this case: dinosaurs.
In Far Cry 4 we have already the - I think it was .600 (or .700) Nitro Express - and it worked well. Also it is a good example for the just mentioned aspect: Great against big animals (and heavy armed soldiers) but bad in a more classic combat-situation.
I imagine a SpinOff in which these Big Game Hunter-Weapons play a more important role. Sure, we have dinosraus in there(And in emergency-situations they can still be used against soldiers ... and make them fly a bigger distance through the air ... at least if the player hits.)
Here could be used hunting weapons who use:
[Following 30 examples]
[for hunting rifles]
- .375 Ruger
- .375 H&H Magnum
- .378 Weatherby Magnum
- .400 H&H Magnum
- .400 Jeffery Nitro Express
- .416 Weatherby Magnum
- .416 Rigby
- .458 Lott
- .458 Winchester Magnum
- .460 Weatherby Magnum
- .470 Capstick
- .475 A&M Magnum
- .500 Nitro Express
- .500 Jeffery
- .505 Gibbs
- .577/450 Martini–Henry
- .577 Tyrannosaur
- .585 Nyati
- .600 Nitro Express
- .600 Overkill
- .700 Nitro Express
- .950 JDJ
[for rifle with custom rounds (like the "4 bore") and also shotguns. Shotguns are more weapons to defend yourself from attacking dinosaurs; means also: not necessarily killing; but also to make them hitting the flight. Could also be loaded with different ammo types.]
- 12-gauge
- 10-gauge (3,5″)
- 8-gauge
- 6.278-gauge (23mm)
- 4 bore [/~gauge] [not to mix up with the smaller .410 bore]
- 2 bore [/~gauge]
- 1.5-gauge
- B½ bore [/~gauge] (330 grams, cal. 1.5)
Not counting weapons that can't be fired from a weapon that is not fixed while shoting (because of the recoil and/or weight (like: 1.33 pounds (0.75-gauge) or: A½ bore [/~gauge] (2600grams, cal. 3.0)).
Also strong handguns (like: .500 S&W Magnum) could be in the game.
Also not counting (more) military used rounds like the .50 BMG.
This doesn't mean these rounds should not be in the game; but not specific for "Anti-Dinosaur-Weapons".
I imagine a bit with a: "(very) Big Game Hunting"-Atmosphere.
(Yes, I count to these strange people, who still are disappointed that 'Roland Tembo' didn't got his T-Rex-Trophy in The Lost World: Jurassic Park [Jurassic Park II], 1997])
What did the last Assassin's Creed do?
They've made Valhalla as something like The Witcher + Skyrim.
In other words they have said - "The Witcher 3 fans (Netflix series fans as well), fans of Skyrim, all fans of similar games, fans of vikings series! Don't wait for The Witcher 4! Don't wait for the next Skyrim!
We have it for you! Now!"
"Chick-chick!" Come and get it!
They gathered fanbase of other games, in addition to their own.
(Commercially, they did everything right.
"Nothing personal only business.")
So....with western.
Why not to gather western fans?
RDR2 left a lot of western fans behind. "Thanks, Rockstar! We'll look after them!'
RDR3 definitely won't be soon. If it will be at all!
No need to make a game such big and detailed in time such RDR2.
No need to make it so slow.
It can be without "Gypsy Camp simulation"!
It can be faster, more humorous, or more dark.
RDR2 minuses can be developed as Far Cry pluses.
2) As for Jurassic Park and Far Cry....
I'm not a fan of it.
Game industry is overloaded with "Jurassic Parks".
And to have Far Cry as another Jurassic Park is a bit banal.
But Jurassic World is another thing.
Where Jurassic World can be found?
First - Shift in time. In the past of our planet.
Second - On another earth-like planet. Jurassic period.
More or less realistic is the second version.
I think good Sci-Fi Far Cry is must have for the franchise.
3) As for female-villain and "she must be powerful".....
Villains are different.
Some villains can be powerful, some can be just "bad persons" (or not so bad as it may seem)
Every villain is not Pagan or Anton.
Vaas wasn't so powerful.
But some power or influence villain should have.
In our case, she can be just behind a man. (or some powerful man)
4)As for silver swords.....
In our case - silver bullets, whispered guns against different kinds of devilry.
![]()
Snowy settings also good.
Snow - will be a problem.
I haven't seen a good immersive snow in the games so far.
Peoples of the Far North use up to 180 words of different type of snow.
Will Far Cry be able to express the beauty of the North? (I'm for the South Pole)
I think it would be better to do it in the big Far Cry game!
The main question concerning DLC should be - would it be better to have DLC connected with Far Cry 6 ot it should be Standalone?
2) Returning to Jurassic.....
It will be better not to use that word at all.
The word Jurassic is like cliche today!
Something like "You had bears, tigers and deers running all around, now children you'll have dinosaurs!"
For me expression "Jurassic Park" is like porn.(in bad sense of the world)
Something banal and vulgar.
There is nothing bad in the word Jurassic..... but entertainment industry spoiled it.
If there is Far Cry with dinosaurs it should avoid the word - Jurassic!
Because it reminds of "Porn".
Instead of Jurassic it would be better to use the word - Cretaceous.
Moreover it's the best dinosaurs' period. Their heyday.
For Far Cry and its colors this period is closer.
It's more beautiful.
First primates appeared.
Atmosphere of Cretaceous period is more friendly than it was in Jurassic.
I think Cretaceous suits Far Cry much more.
Finding ourselves in that period on another, young, earth-like planet, for instance, make us possible to survive, live and fight there.
In general, Far Cry is a very open franchise, that is why I like it.Originally Posted by GameGuru2018 Go to original post
If there won't be a licensed Jourassic World/Park SpinOff. -> There are possiblities to go both ways: Time shift or an other planet (would be similar to the latest "Turok"-Games). In the last case, we could have different "monster"-like enemies or mix different time periods of dinosaurs. (I guess ... it would be difficult not to mention their artificial creation (similiar to Jourassic Wold/Park Themes).
Exactly. I think a game with two different damage types or at least weapon types, could be a good idea.Originally Posted by GameGuru2018 Go to original post
This doesn't mean silver bullets (or similar) are only to fight demonic (or similar) foes; but they are meant as the player's primary choice to fight these enemy-types.
Silver bullets are a very common choice, so why not use it? (In the movie "Constantine [USA 2005]" they used gold rounds; so similar things could be used aswell.)
[btw: Nice design for a "special"-bullet shared.]
In games with dinosaurs (or similar big enemies) the "other"/"special" weapon type could be (as mentioned in an older post) big game calibers (similar to the "Nitro (Express)" in Far Cry 4.
Altough the "border" between normal and special-weapons wouldn't be that hard like with silver rounds. ... well, it depens on how much damage they would make to normal enemies and vice versa.
~
Additional to the two/three themes we discussed here:
1. PAWD- / (2.) Western-
3. Dinosaur-Theme
... I think it would be a good addition to talk a bit over Sci-Fi Settings.
We have had the well working DLC "Lost on Mars" in Far Cry 5 ... it was a humorous designed (which was alright for the DLC). For a SpinOff I think it shouldn't be that over humorous designed.
The mix with dinousaurs - by using dinosaur planets - could be a aspect of a Sci-Fi Setting. Also it would give the possibility to put the focus on other monsters and/or mixed time periods. But it would be a problem to use big game hunting rifles/calibers. If the sci-fi aspect is strong, why use "modern" and "histrocal" big game hunting caliber weapons?
The balance between Sci-Fi and Big Game Hunting/"Dinosaur Hunting" needs to be found: Both settings exclude each other.
(But both could work: 1. A SpinOff with a Dinosaur Planet (... bigger focus on Big Game Hunting) // 2. A real Sci-Fi Setting (... maybe with dinosaurs as a side aspect).)
Another aspect that brought me to the Sci-Fi Setting now were a few thoughts about (extreme) weather an similar things in open world games.
Started a small list [which isn't done yet] with the most promising things. The first thing I noticed was, that weather and environments are much closer connected than one normaly things. Heat, wind, avalanches, precipitation (rain, snow), tidal amplitude, ... even volcanism and other events need or create special environments.
The next thought was of course: Different planets would be the playgorund for any kind of environment-effects/ (extreme) weathers.
The next question was: If we have a Sci-Fi Setting, how should we connect the possible different worlds/planets:
- The best working way would be: Using different (surface) maps and give the player some kind of space vessel to travel to the different worlds. The player hasn't to stear the vessel actively. ('"Mass Effect"-Style' ["Mass Effect", BioWare, 2007]).
- The much cooler way would be to simulate an 3D open world ("meta"-map in space) with a space vessel that can be (more or less) free controlled by the player. (Means there are different maps, too. Including explanations why the player can't land everywhere on a planet. But also the possibility for the player to "realy fly" the space vessel from one map - through the space(-map) to the second.
... also fly very close to the sun or similar other "exotic places" in the 3D- "meta"-map (= space map) could be a cool thing.
-> This idea could also been reduced: Flying from one world to the other would work automatically (with a cool effects and so on), but stearing the vessel would only be possible over the surface maps. So it would be something like a plane. Including the possibility for the player to land it or to jump out of it.
- A similar way could be: The just mentioned idea, but make the planets downscaled, so the surface maps won't become to big, but also the player could land everywhere on the planet. The surface map is the whole planet. This sound cool, but there is a big risk of ... it just won't feel good. (We have in Assassin's Creed downscaled cities and even countries - but with planets ... hard to say how it would feel.)
[I prefer the 2nd idea, also with the possibility to explore the space (a bit).
I will send a small list of possible interesting worlds/planets - including some possibilities for enviromnent effects/ (extreme) weather. [As I said, it is under construction ... and hell - I needed to work over Chistmas.]
But: Wihtout a main scenario/ main setting for the possible game, it would hard to describe the real influence of events/ weather situations on the player. (Depends on the equipment that the protagonist/player uses ... which is connected to the main setting.
And of course the question: Which Sci-Fi Settign is used?)
I personally need to say here: I miss games that address and play (in a positive way) with scientific results/facts and hypotheses: Including things like: How do other planets mostly (might) look in real? How could life look on other worlds? How could exotic asepcts been used (like: Wind on a not fast rotating planet; a very insatbile sun (a blue giant or similar) as the main sun for a planet; or what happens if you stand on an asteroid that comes close to a magnetar ...
Looks like "Mass Effect" as a franchise is stonedead and - similar to the "Halo"-Franchise in general - has forgotten these aspects of Sci-Fi Games.
Indeed, Sci-Fi Settings need the "Sci-" ( = Science).It is a critical aspect in a Sci-Fi Setting (beside the creativity and the fiction).
password1234, I think it should be one planet. One earth-like planet, but millions of years younger.
Young earth-like planet with the similar flora and fauna of the Cretaceous period.
Without weird alien flora and fauna!
No need to reinvent the wheel.
We know approximately how it looked like. There is much information about it.
Developers just have to recreate our planet of the late Cretaceous.
Some unrealistic alien flora or fauna will spoil everything.
So, I think it should be one planet - our destination.
We shouldn't jump from planet to planet.
(Some may be on the way, but lifeless, like nothing to do there)
The question is - with whom will be fight there!
I think everything, our problems, should already start on the starship.
Large number of people, sicentists, settlers, pioneers, the whole society....some kind of mini-country.
Mini-country, separated from the world, for a long period of time.
Problems should start there.
Villain and his partners may demonstrate their faces there.
(attempt to seize power)
Starship itself can be rather big.
Even with its parts of Earth nature, for people to feel like at home.
With artificial sky and sun.
With the zoo, trees,lakes, sunbathing....
Such starship will fit Far Cry.
During the mess and fight all those animals may pour out to other parts of the ship.
Monkeys, lions, white bears....will roam the ship.
Animals from the African zoo. (South)
Animals from the Northern zoo. (North)
All starship won't look like Park, there will be parts looking more like starships we're used to see in the games.
With villains' ouposts.
All that mess may cause malfanctions and emergency landing.
The war will go on the planet full of dinosaurs.
I think local people also should be in the game.
Not weird looking aliens!
They should be like us, but bigger.
Everything was big in that time people should be bigger as well.
Legend can be the next:
The fall of an asteroid caused the extinction of dinosaurs on our planet.
But on this earth-like planet there was no asteroid falling.
Humans start evolving when dinosaurs were flourishing.
They start evolving parallel to the dinosaurs.
They should be bigger than us.
Let's imagine that this man is very tall.
Such height is rather acceptable for them. (not very big)
So, we can fight against the villain, using sci-fi technologies and among local tribes.
"Primal", dinosaurs + sci-fi.
The Past and The Future will be enterwined in this game.
Message of the story can be, for example, developing of technologies doesn't mean that now you're more human.
Millions years ago aborigines can be more human than you.
You can always degrade.
Civilization can degrade.
Even with the most latest technologies.
We're moving forward or we're moving back.
We can't stay still.
Energy can't stay still. Energy is always moving.
The question is - in what direction.
By the way, in the end of the game or after subtitles, there can be such scene....
......asteroid in the distance.
Originally Posted by kimvang Go to original post
Your link doesn't open for me. You mean, foremost, something like Fate of Atlantis location?
I think Far Cry Sci-Fi should be Science Fiction. Not a fantasy!
We have to figure out - what science fiction and what fantasy are....
On the other hand, something that seems impossible today tomorrow may be possible.
But in this case the possibility of something that seemed impossible before should be explained somehow.
Space travelling, interplanet, interstellar travelling - is it science fiction or fantasy?
Science Fiction.
Time travelling - is it science fiction or fantasy?
?????
For me it is closer to fantasy. (for today)
The most wide spread argument - if I go back in time and kill my father before he meets my mother I won't be born.
If I'm not born how could I go back in time?
The answer can be - time doesn't work that way.
It works like .....saving in the game.
During the walkthrough of the game we save our game many times.
Later we can return to the old saving, before killing somebody, we can return and not to kill that person.
We changed our mind, for instance, killing him led to bad consequences later. So we can return to the saving, before the killing, and not to do that.
But in this case it will be another branch of the game. Alternative line. Parallel thread.
So, in this case "killing my father before my mother meeting" won't affect me in this life thread.
But it will start another line, another parallel.
It opens and begins Parallel Universe.
Every time travel will create parallel universe.
Because you will leave traces there.
Whether you want it or not, no matter how you will try.
But does time work that way????
We don't know.
So, I think time travelling is closer to fantasy.
The same with Atlantis.
There is such thing as historical layers.
Nothing serious was found.
Prehistoric highly developed civilization......beautiful legend.
For today - it's a fantasy.
For Assassin's Creed: time travelling, Atlantis, legends, fantasy.....is O.K.
As for For Far Cry .......I think it should be good Sci-Fi Far Cry - Science Fiction game. Not fantasy.
Originally Posted by GameGuru2018 Go to original post
The idea: A giant (Noah's ark -like) spaceship crash-lands on a planet (young earth version) in which humans evolved parallel to dinosaurs. (No asteroid that eliminated all the dinosaurs.) Now the survivors need to fight with the local tribes against their foes ... and maybe one or the other dinosaur.
Sounds very interesting, especially because of the "motto"/message of the setting.
A mix of fitting stone-age weapons and futuristic but maybe not fitted* sci-fi weapons (*means: maybe they are not the right choice against an dinosaur) would be something new, ... which could work.
Also the fact, that starships are involved give the whole setting a new dimension, if needed.
I think we should keep the setting idea as an own setting and add it to the list:
- PAWD- / -Western-Setting
- Modern Dinosaur-Setting (... the big game hunting / Jourassic Park/World Dinosaur-Setting)
- PD-Sci-Fi-Setting (as mentioned by GameGuru2018: Primal-Dinosaur-SciFi-Setting)
gj
+1 on that,Originally Posted by kimvang Go to original post
I personally realy like the Shangri-La Missions in Far Cry 4.
But an real open world map in this "creative"-environment-field would be even better.
~ ~ ~
ps
Tomorrow or in around 2 days [UPDATE 1.Jan '21: 3 days] I have done my idea list of environment ideas; = Planet/Worlds // for another sci-fi setting //; including environment events (like extreme weather or similar).
It is pretty big, like 15 worlds at the moment; each one contains at least one new environment or general setting aspect resp. idea. (... the ideas are of course directly mentioned in the texts, too).
These idea aspects could - needless to say - also be used in other settings.
[... originally this list was only planed as "extreme weather"/"environment event"-list.]
It is like 40% done yet. Just finished the text for the 6th world of 15.
Need to write texts of my keywords ... and also translate.
... not much to do during new year (mixed with the virus thing). So, it will be done soon.![]()
Originally Posted by password1234xxx Go to original post
Noah's ark - means some catastrophy happened on the Earth.
I think story can be without Earth's catastrophy.
Just a space ship.
A large number of people are going to another earth-like planet.
(May be it will need generations to reach the planet.)
It's definitely - One Way Ticket.
They know it.
That's why many of them are going with families and relatives.
The whole mini-state. With its administration, police....
They know it very well - they will never come back.
It will be autonomous life support system.
Little island of life lost in the vastness of the universe.
To support its functionality and its people such system should have similarity to the Earth.
At least to maintain mental health in people.
Such system will have to immitate its native planet.
(at least in some parts)
That's why there should be earth-like zones.
With trees, grass....animals.
With artificial blue sky above the head, with shining artificial sun.
May be even with different climate zones.
Without it people will just get depressed.
Such space ship will fit Far Cry more than any other of the video games.
The conflict should start there!
Degradation should start there.
Otherwise, who we will fight on the planet???
Only with dinosaurs? With natives?
I don't think its a good idea.
With aliens?
Bad idea at all.
We should fight against ourselves first of all.
Better to say against our degradation.
Expressed in certain people.
After starship crash or emergancy landing, just left with nothing ( the majority of technologies and power should be in villains hands) .....after all that spaceship mess we will start new life on that planet.
We will fight, build new forts, and craft a lot.....protection,vehicles, weapons.
Otherwise I don't see how to explain Dinosaurs in Far Cry!
Time travel - poor decision. It will be more like fantasy.
Jurassic Park - rather banal. Hardly possible. Also fantasy way.
The most realistic and possible way, the most Sci-Fi way - is another earth-like planet.
So, our main goal - Dinosaurs.
We choose a goal and then building steps that will lead us to that goal.
There should be no logical gaps!
Possible story should be gathered like puzzle pieces.
Pieces gathered into one logical and trustworthy story.
In Ubisoft's open world maps (especially in the newer ones) I like the transition of different landscapes, including different seasons in a forest (like in Assassin's Creed Valhalla or esp. Assassin's Creed Odyssey).
But on the other side they make the maps bigger (exept if we talk about very creative maps).
Following 15 ideas for new worlds. Each one is based on at least one idea that can be used in other scenarios, too. I used a Sci-Fi "Planet Hopping" or better: "World Hopping"-Scenario as a main setting. The player has a ship and can visit these worlds. Maybe equipment needs to be unlocked or bought first. (Story-)Missions could be in different worlds of course.
This idea finding process is made without a story idea. The main focus were put on environment effects (like extreme weather events or similar). Also human influences are not in the main focus (means: no cities, industries, bases ... and so on mentioned. Or just very rare.)
~
If someone says: Wow, good idea: I will take this one one-to-one. Cool! I post them for free of course
But the main aspect to post them here is: Inspiration, pushing the creativity for more ideas. Take an aspect or part of an idea and evolve it.
~ ~ ~
Of course, a Sci-Fi-Setting could be filled with a lot of "boring" planets or (nearly complete) generated maps. These things are not on my list![]()
Also known planets or ideas from other games were not in the central focus.
[[
I wrote the descriptions a little bit, as in a tourism brochure. Of course, everyone can imagine the details differently if they want:
The texts are made with this main structure:
1. ficitional name of the world/planet
2. Sci-Fi base facts to the world
3. description of the environment
4. description of environment events (like extreme weather); including special equipment someone needs to visit this world
5. ideas behind the world, inspiration for the world; p.r.n. ideas that could be used in other scenarios/settings/context]
Plus:
Danger Factor - legend:
[not calculated any foes, rated only the dangers concerning the environment and environment events. Should only be a help to imagine the world.
1/5 – the chances that you will die here are given // normal or little raised risks: +0% - +0,25%
compared to being on a modern (passenger or cargo) ship in the middle of the atlantic
[why here? - because it is a well documented control group]
--> means: of 200 people ~0-1 get killed.
2/5 – there are higher chances that you might die here // +0,25% - +5%
--> means: of 200 people ~1-10 get killed.
3/5 – there are very high chances that you will die here // +5 - +35%
--> means: of 200 people ~10-70 get killed.
4/5 – the chances of surviving here are very small // +35% - +65%
--> means: of 200 people ~70-130 get killed.
5/5 – the chances of surviving here go to zero // +65% - +99,9%
--> means: of 200 people ~130-199.
a/5 – the chances that you survive here are zero // +100% [the "a" stands for "above (the scale)"]
--> means: of 200 people ~200 get killed.
]]
~ ~ ~
1. World: Gelu [lat. "ice/coldness"]
Gelu is a little bit smaller than the earth and circles one A* sun [*the big letter is the type compared to the 'main sequence' of suns/stars] in a very far and stabile orbit. It has a cooled off core and an atmosphere that allows breathing.
It has nearly as much as water as earth. The temperatures are cold to very cold and the world is covered with ice and snow. It has some high mountains that towers through its glaciers. Imagine it like a mix of the ice age, the regions/summits on very high mountains and Antarctica – just without volcanos.
In this world, only winter exists; day and night cycle similar to earth. Its sky is blue to white. Its sun is very far away and doesn't heat it up very well ... on the other side it gives it enaugh light to become snowblind. (Also the UV content in the light is very high.) Better wear big sunglasses.
Icy caves, snowy summits and white ice fields await you. Also snowstorms, avalanches and extreme temperature drops caused through cold wind.
If you want to survive, you need very good winter and mountaineering equipment.
Anmimals on Geru are very rare, but the bigger ones are mostly predators ... and they are always hungry.
Danger factor: 3/5
Idea: Ice/Snow worlds are classic, especially because we have these environments on earth, too. And these are very (also literally) cool.
Snow as a weather, including snow storms are in the most games only visible in events. How cool would it be, if snow (including its thickness), the visibility in snow storms and even avalanches (which might be 1-hit-deadly, if the player is pinned under the snow after it stops) would be there ... without any story based triggered event. Avalaches - just as part of the weather- / environment-system. The thickness of the snow could effect the get ahead (by foot, by quad or by a snow mobile: "Better take the quad or the snow mobile now?!")
{Keywords: Snowlayer, Avalanches}
- - -
2. World: Vulcanius [lat. "volcanic"]
This moon circles around an gas giant in an elliptical orbit. The gravitation of the gas giant causes a very strong volcanism.
The moon rotates around its own axis and get's reflected (mostly orange to yellow) light from the gas giant. It has a thin but toxic atmosphere, but the gravity is similar to the on earth (a bit weaker).
If you like volcanos, you will love this world. Lava, earth quakes, eruptions and even falling lava bombs ... of course without any bigger pre-warning.
The surface consists mostly of rocks, basalt or (sharp) obsidian. You need oxigens, a protection suit that doesn't rip very fast and of course a lot of courage ... or madness to visit this world.
Danger factor: 4/5
Idea: Volcanic environments are in many games part of the main environment – often used in not very realsitic ways. A good volcanic environment is dangerous and should have its own life. Of course bigger changes in the environment are not designated. But imagine a few craters, which start eruptions (including pyroclastical flows and impacting lava boms in defined but different areas on the map). Also lava streams that start or die down could create interesting changes. Of course these events should be very dangerous.
But: Visiting a lava lake in a crater should be something thrilling ... sadly in the most games you can walk around an active volcano like around a duck pond.
Limited oxygens (similar to the summits in Far Cry 4 (including DLC)) could be used aswell to make the thrill bigger.
In other (not sci-fi) settings, there are still enaugh toxic gases that create this "need oxygen" effect (if wanted).
Suddenly changing visibility, appearing lava streams and eruptions with a deadly zone ... everything timed and – more or less – randomised. Make volcanic environments a bit more realistic ... including 1-hit- deadly
These environments are very impressive; but mostly used unrealistic in games and ... much to harmless. (Sry @Super Mario)
{Keywords: Volcanism, Lava Streams, Eruptions}
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3. World: Aqualis [lat. "related to water"]
Aqualis is in its size and properties very similar to earth. Exept the fact, that it has much more water than earth. It circles a G2 star (similar to the sun of earth) on a stabile orbit. It is a bit warmer and can be compared with tropical environments on earth. It doesn't have real or good visible seasons; only a very weak cycle of drought and a rainy period.
It has a moon, that is very close to it; the tidal range of the ocean is very big.
This world consists of tropical islands with rainforsts and divine beachsides. The islands are in truth only the summits of the mountains. During the high tide, the islands are much smaller as on low tide. The tide range is about 30 – 40 meters.
Which means: Each island has two different beachsides; plus: during the high tide a large part of the islands are under water.
A paradise for divers. Also the parts, that are permanent under water. The ocean is full of life.
Danger Factor 1/5
Idea: The tides are in many situations (military operations, scientific expeditions, ...) a big factor. I never saw this cycle in a game. Why not?
If not as exaggerated as described in this world, why not use them in smaller scale? Caves on the coast can fill with water or fall dry.
Another idea is: Diving. Could be also work very well in a Main Far Cry Title. If the protagonist can remove the parachute or jump on a hangglider in a few seconds ... why not add some diving equipment. Exploring a rich world under water ... why not?!
{Keywords: Tides, Diving}
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4. World: Nubes [lat. "cloud"]
Nubes is a smaller gas giant that circles a F sun in a medium distance. Nubes is an anomaly, because in its gas, simple forms of life developed. These life forms had "stitched" together and now form a pretty satbile floating structure. This floating bio-structure is big enaugh to walk on ... or to contain plant life. It has gas chambers like balloons, which hold it in its altitude.
The most plants have thorns and sometimes connect the different "islands" of floating structures.
If you fall down into the planet: the good news: the impact is not the problem – there won't be an impact. The bad news a slow and painful death awaits you ... the pressure is rising and rising ... so, better: not fall down.
The visibility is – for a gas giant – pretty good. In "cloud gaps" it is nearly as good as on earth. Then: Cloud formations and even thunderstorms are visible in the distance.
The wind can reach high speeds, but many structures will fly with the wind, so the windspeed is in the most cases not noticeable.
Danger Factor: 3/5
Idea: The idea for this world is a mix of many things. First: Many planets are gas giants in reality. Is there a way to use gas giants as a map that is visitable without a plane, glider ... or any technical construct? The idea: floating bio-structures.
Second: Imagine, you are on a world which only consists of "sky" without a ground. It can be very positive, but very frightening, too.
Thrid: This world could be a paradise for the climbing hook, the wingsuite ... and any aircraft, too.
The biggest problem for aircrafts in games is often: space on the maps ... mostly 3D-space. On Nubes, not much terrain brakes out the grafic and enaugh space would be there. For example: between the different floating plattforms. Also the thrill, that you can't land everywhere is given.
Plus ... cloud formation and even thunderstorms would be much much more intense, if you find yourself in the clouds; and /or these clouds are above, beside and even under yourself
Adding thorny plants ... why? [a minor aspect] -> First: It would be necessary to connect the floatung platforms to a structure. For logical reasons (or each one would have different speads and angles); but also for orientation. Thorns avoid the fact that the player just climbs around - or tries it.
The second reason is an appeal to fairy tales – not only "Jack and the Beanstalk" [; also the ones where the protagonist is trapped in a floating castle wrapped with throny plants.
If not needed for a Sci-Fi-Setting, this idea could also been used for fantasy or creative environments ... if space for air vehicles (or similar) is needed.
{Keywords: Using Gas Giants, Fictional Places for Air Vehicles/Combats}
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5. World: Bilinguis [lat. "two-faced", don't mix it up with "bilingual"]
Bilinguis is an paradisaical looking planet (at least at a first glance). It circles a bigger K sun in a very stabile orbit. It is a bit smaller than earth and consists mostly of bright and shiny colors – not much green or blue here than on earth.
If you stand on one of its "islands" you will see the bright (white, beige and yellow) sky with a few clouds, nearly white grass like plants and shiny trees, white and calm water which seem to move very slow – everything looks like made of noble materials. You might feel like in a bright jewellery box.
But, don't try to swim in the stuff which looks like a very calm sea. It is not water!, it is a thick gas cloud with dangerous chemicals like sulfur dioxide or carbon monoxide inside.
If you manage to get under this stabile floating gas cloud, - this is possible with special vehicles or through deep caves -, you will find nearly the opposite of the sight, you found above: An dark landscape, lava seas, dead wood and bones (from the life forms from above) and toxic rain (... a bit like on Venus). The sunlight looks toxic, dark and blurred. The toxic gas cloud is only around 1-2 km thick, but changes everything.
The "islands" from above continue in this hellish environment until they reach the lave sea. Without protection, it is not possible to survive here outside any caves or structures longer than a few hours ... maximally.
Danger Factor [upper part of the world]: 2/5
Danger Factor [lower part of the world]: 5/5
Idea: Who don't know stories about heaven and hell. And also connected worlds: The protagonist arrives in a heavenly world ... but founds its counterpart – a hellish world –, that is critical needed for its existence, too. (Even the Film Metropoli [1927] used similar aspects.)
This scenario is more than a a socio-political phenomenon from the beginning 20th century. It is a deep part of stories in many cases: The silver town is only so shiny, because of the acid in the lake around it; or: don't sleep to long in the mushroom-circle, or the paradise you found in your dream will transform into a hell ... and so on.
I came to this idea if I mixed a gas giant with a rock planet with high mountains. I didn't focussed on human influences by creating these ideas ... but for this world it is very alluring to say: The rich people live on the upper side. The other ones under the toxic gas cloud ... and need to keep things running. Imagine dangerous mines, hard work and a short life expectancy. Of course, the accesses to the upper part of the world are heavily guarded. Visitors from other worlds don't know about the 2nd face of this world ... and ... why show them? "It doesn't matter."
Exept the structure of this planet, no environment effects here. But I like the combination of a heaven-like and a literally hell-like environment – which also could work together with social aspects in a setting. Also I love hellish environments (like the real one on Venus) ... a good place to add it here.
{Keywords: Heaven/Hell-Contrast, Social Disparity shown in exterme Forms}
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6. World: Aurora [lat. "morning light"; also: "northern light" [aurora borealis]
The planet Aurora circled an big B sun. "Circled", because the sun already exploded into a supernova. Aurora survived the red giant phase of its sun, and the following supernova. Just its orbit changed a bit. Now it circles a pulsar and is the only planet in this (ex-)solar-system, that survived ... and can still be step on, - with a very good protection equipment.
Aurora looks like a destroyed world full of strange rock formations and ashes (including "ash-pools"). But it is not 100% dead.
It get's its light from strong aurora-lights above its atmosphere. These lights fade away in a regular cycle. Then the planet get's hit by the output of the pulsar and the aurora-lights start to glow in their full strengh again.
Aurora has only a very thin atmosphere, which means you need oxigens and pressure suits. Also it is cold ... exept shortly after the output of the pulsar hits it.
Aurora has a lot of caves which give protection from an hit by the pulsars output. But the electromagnetic effect will ruin nearly every technical equipment you have with you.
The strangest thing is: Aurora contains life. It looks like a few organisms survived the apocalyptic events and the super nova. Insects and very tough looking plants, and a few smaller animals who are living underground.
Imagine a gleaming sky without a visible sun – only aurora-lights. If the sky becomes dark and you see the stars ... and the insects hide, and the plants close. And you think: Oh, is this the pulsar there in the sky? Well ... ; You better seek cover, too. And hope the guys who want to pick you up, will come without you call them. Say good bye to your technical equipment.
Danger Factor 4/5
Idea: This is a pure sci-fi idea. That planets can survive even the death of their suns (red giant phase) is reality. Supernova ... maybe (sitll) a bit exaggerated/fictional. Especially that life could survive these events. But ... why not use this ficitional idea?
Also the fact, that light comes from aruora-lights that is regular "charged up" again by a hit of the pulsars output is something I didn't saw anywhere. Of course this gives the whole "day/night-cycle" a whole new feeling. First: the "day" comes in seconds again. Second: take cover, if the "day" comes ... or you become grilled. Third: If you have emp-proof equipment with you ... it will take a while until it works again after the pulsars output hits the planet.
If enemies have an outpost on Aurora, maybe the "night" isn't only a good idea to attack (darkness is a classic) ... but imagine: The bad guys have problems in restarting their equipment, too.
If you use weapons without much technology ... you have a second option to attack. ;D
{Keywords: Natural EMP-Effect, Planet with Life without a Sun - insdeat it orbits a Pulsar}
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7. World: Antrum [lat. "grotto/cave"]
Antrum is a big moon that cicles an cold gas giant which again circles a bigger G sun in a very far orbit. Its orbit to the gas giant is also very far which means there are no tectonic forces which cause volcanism. The sun of the system is very far away and it looks only like a bigger star in the sky.
Still Antrum isn't cold. It has an breathable (but a little bit sticky) atmosphere. Its temperature creates this moon with burning gases (oxidants are in its atmosphere, reductants are in its core).
Barely under its surface, the gases (methane, ehtane and similar) burn in a "millenial-fire" and act like a bit underfloor heating.
Plants which create new oxigen can grow, using the energy and minerals of the fire. The plants create oxygen with microorganisms, not with photosynthesis.
The surface is rugged and a lot of caves and holes exist. It is realy hard to say if you are outside or not, because the sky is almost dark; only a few starts, the pretty dark gas giant are visible.
Light comes mainly from the fires, that came through a lot of rifts and natural pillars. Sometimes they have slightly different colors caused by the chemical materials in the rocks.
The fire rifts have a cycle but some ignite suddenly.
This sounds worse than it is, because the fire places are easy to recognize.
After all this moon feels a bit like you are in a giant "wonder cave". But each place looks a bit different. Also there are lakes with columns of steam who also are the engine for the weather on Antrum. (Yes, the fire burn also under water, too).
Visiting the deeper caves might be dangerous because of the natural flames in there. Nearly all plants are fireproof, so ... may be the best or worst place to play with your flamethrower.
Danger Factor 1/5
Danger Factor [in some deeper caves with active fire cycles] 4/5
Idea: A lot of people know what someone means with wonder cave: a darker cave with interesting lights and scenery. A mystic but not scary place. Also someone know the romantic* [*applied to the overall situation, not only to sit around with a partner] atmosphere on a beach in the night with fire and/or troches.
There are a lot of orbs in space with combustible materials (like e. g. the moon Io). So, what if it would also have oxidants in the atmosphere? A long burning fire could be caused ... sure, as long as its "fuel" or its oxidant isn't empty. But, it could have this balance for a long time.
This is a full sci-fi idea, but could cross the felt border to fantasy if you walk over this surface or inside the caves.
Also the idea: Why not create an environment in which fire weapons, like the flamethrower has a totally different – more controlable – feeling? Plants don't burn here, they might just phosphoresce; animals are fire proof, too. Ignite plants to create light, also to substract enemies (or similar).
And I guess, in the more dangerous caves some realy rare ressources can be found
In Far Cry New Dawn we had the mission in which you need to ignite the Bliss for the New Eden Survivors. A realy cool mission, but I thought it would be more with: run away of the flames ... a bit like in Aladdins Wonder Cave (just without the lava and the collapse of the cave). This mission also influenced this idea for the caves in this world. Imagine a romantic, mystic landscape with fires and lakes. And in a cave, there is some realy important and rare collecatble/ressource. But you need to hurry, because it has a fire cycle ... means to slow = one hit.
{Keywords: Mystic Eternal Fire World, Fire Caves, New Effects for Fire Weapons}
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[continuing next post]