I figure it is time enough to divulge a project I am working on; as I actually have an entire crew with me now to take on a project that has been in conceptual design for several years now.
First off, back story:
2 and a half years ago I finally sat down and started scrapping out ideas for a project I've dreamt of since childhood. My very own videogame. On my own though there was very little I could do. I am a meager programmer with no computer art skills to be found anywhere in me.
Over 1 and a half years I developed a Sonic the Hedgehog clone I wanted to make (after scrapping the idea of an RPG as they are a LOT harder then one would expect to develope). I finally found a capable artist, but he hated the idea of doing a Sonic clone. And I came to the conclusion we may want to take this further then a hobby (which copyright laws wouldn't allow us if it were a Sonic game).
So we reshaped the idea of the game... but alas my brother and parents died and I turned rather reclusive.
Thankfully the year I disappeared for allowed my 3D artist to finish up school (gets out at the end of this month) and for me to scrape up tons of cash to produce our project and put a roof over the heads of some of our staff who are dedicating mass amounts of time to the game.
Since we have totally fleshed out the game mechanics and conceptual design of the entire game. We have also located several other talented people to join in on the project.
Adny our lead 3D artist
Edd a great level design and background artist
and another basic 3D artist for mass MOB creation
we've also got 2 sound developers
another, a friend of my ex-girlfriends, Rene who owns a comic book company and is willing to put together an indepth story line for the title
And myself... the ONLY programmer. A bit of a problem I would say as I wouldn't call my self a great programmer by any stretch. It is a bit of a learning experience for me.
Though I am also the creative Director and Producer supplying all licenses and costs for this game (i.e. price of engine and publishing licenses when the time comes)
Yes that is right, we WANT to publish this game... I'm not saying it WILL happen, but we want to do what ever is in our power to get atleast a PC version of the game out. If not an XBOX360 arcade title (for the marketplace).
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Basic game play:
The game will be a 2.5D side scrolling adventure game redered completely in 3D but played retro style (think Contra Shattered Soldier, or the new remake of Castlevania Rondo of Blood) The main character (as seen below in the drawing) wields a sword and all combat is melee style. The idea is that the hooks on the end of the sword are a way to hold onto enemies and walls. Allowing you to cling to objects and throw enemies like projectiles. Enemies will be of 3 weight classes: light, medium, and heavy and interact differently when grabbed (light enemies can be carried and thrown easily where as heavy enemies can not be carried, but in turn drag your character around).
We have hopes to fill the screen with as many enemies as the game engine will allow. And to develope greatly on a multiplayer side of the game that utilizes a monster collecting scheme in the main game. Where you can pit monsters against each other online in several different style matches: FPS capture the flag, FPS kill frenzy, fighter slip off (i.e. the slip off matches in Soul Calibur), flight racing... amongst others.
That should be enought to peek any interest. If anyone is willing a may divulge more.
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SO:
I am looking for a programmer who knows C++ or better knows the torque engine by garagegames.com to assist in making this game. The game is going to be done in the 'Torque Game Engine Advanced' with an XNA license to port it too the XBOX360 as the gameplay is based around a dual analog stick controller with 4 analog triggers.
Forwarning, working on this title does not guarantee any payment. That all depends on if we even get the game published in the long run. We hope to have the title in Beta by after Christmas season and a releaseable title by summer next year. The main team members (Adny, Ed and myself) will be jobless from here on out and dedicating all our free time to the creation of this title. If publishing occurs we want to incorporate ourselves and continue releasing low budget retro style video games on platforms such as the XBOX360 marketplace. Future developements will keep all members of initial project in mind and may result in actual employment.