Prime Forces is an experimental role playing game. It is designed to be a test run in 2 areas. First, the combat engine is being designed from scratch. It is meant to be defense oriented. Hopefully, the system should be a "reactive" system, meaning that both the player character, and the computer character are capable of reacting to each other without player intervention. Prime Forces is set on the planet Kordalan, home to the host of this site, one Matthew Kendora. One of the little quirks is that there are 8 scenarios to play, and each one requires the use of a character who has different skills, goals, and methods of play. You will have to deal with combat, politics, trade, character issues, and so forth. Some characters will have very little serious combat in their scenarios, while others will have it as the staple.
Well, I'm not sure. A lot rests on the combat engine, which is ~15% done. However, the main concern will be the storyline. I can't give an estimate on that. The large sclae is nearing an official 12% completion, though the figure is probably low, as various fragments come together...
Ouch! That's a little big. Basically, I use a custom stat system, some constants, and random numbers, and come up with a few different numbers. In more detail? Read the docs! I seriously can't summarize it well, but I did write it up.
The Elemental Crest is both the symbol of Prime Forces, and a part of the eventual path of Kordalan's future. Kordalan is the Battleground between the Golden Light of Hope, and the Eternal Night of Despair, represented by the crossed swords. The shield shape is symbolic of protection from the swords. It is made from each of the 6 forces of nature. These forces are neutral. The forces are (clockwise from the top): Air, Lightning, Ice, Earth, Water, Fire. Around the edge is a ring of silver. This is derived from the anchient Soluytian tradition of wearing silver during periods of mourning, to represent those souls who died in battle. The crest is my concept, with a lot of creative freedom given to the artist, PJ (thanks, PJ!)
Matthew Kendora's alter-ego Midnight, who is in turn an alias for the brains of the operation.
I'm not certain at this point. Since I can't do it, I'm at the mercy of ARTISTS! (yes, be terrified!)
It takes too much time to explain, but the initial inspiration came from some D&D players I knew. From there, I just expanded the initial distinctive class into an entire world that defies D&D rules. Matthew Kendora is one fixture of this world. The whole scenario has grown with each book I read, or epic anime series I watch.
Basically, because I want to do something different. D&D is hardly that. Anything existing isn't really that new. Also, because using D&D rules leads to complaints that sub-rule 704b is implemented wrong. I personally don't care to deal with it, so I'll start from scratch.Besides, I devised a system that requires more detail than D&D rules can supply.
Because I can't write one. Time may change that, but don't bet on it.
Not a chance. If it was, you'd be dead before you knew what hit you in most battles. This isn't Diablo hack and slash combat. This is "I hope he doesn't kill me" combat. That means the primary thing you do is defend. Not exactly conducive to real-time games, because you'll die if your timing is off on defense. Why penalize a good player because he simply can't move his shield into a new position fast enough, but the character is more than capable of it?
Because that game isn't what I want Prime Forces to be.
Technology isn't the sole measure of a game. Prime Forces should focus first on the new mechanics, then worry about other things, if there is time.
Sure. Here is the current design doc, and the plan for the Reactive Battle Engine. I also recommend reading the in-progress Guide to Kordalan, though it is set after Prime Forces
That depends. If you think doing X or Y is cooler than what I chose to do, NO! If you would like to propose elements that aren't in the game, NO! If you would like to suggest that I resolve a discrepency, YES, PLEASE! If you want to propose changes do the graphics/sound engines, I'm a little understaffed to do them. If you think it is very important, get the skill and manpower together before proposing it. Anything else, email me at: midnight@umich.edu, or talk to me on either the DC message boards, or the Discussion Chamber.
Art, sound, programming in DirectX, UI design, making a better web page, playtesting (once coding begins), and asking questions about the design.
Email me at midnight@umich.edu, or stop by the Discussion Chamber.