Struture Defence

[8-Ball]

This idea came to me while I was watching a talk matthew did in march.
What you have to do is build a bunker, tank or something that can withstand a attack from AI guns or missiles. The aim could be to protect a person or object.
My vision is like a armadillo run/bridge builder like build system, lets use a bunker in this example, it starts with a box in the middle of the screen on the floor and you have to build a structure around it to protect it from a car that's going to ram it or overhead missiles or some guys with guns.

What I want to know is;
Would you guys play it?
Why would/wouldn't you play it?
What would you expect?

And suggestions are welcome as well.

Name ideas: Self-defensive, line of defense, counterblow, fortress
I got these by typing 'site:www.thefreedictionary.com defence' in google

[Maltor124]

This idea came to me while I was watching a talk matthew did in march.
What you have to do is build a bunker, tank or something that can withstand a attack from AI guns or missiles. The aim could be to protect a person or object.
My vision is like a armadillo run/bridge builder like build system, lets use a bunker in this example, it starts with a box in the middle of the screen on the floor and you have to build a structure around it to protect it from a car that's going to ram it or overhead missiles or some guys with guns.

What I want to know is;
Would you guys play it?
Why would/wouldn't you play it?
What would you expect?

And suggestions are welcome as well.

Alas, the awesomeness of DMM would have to play a major role in it for it to be realized properly.

I would definitely play it if it was done properly.

I would play it because it would involve heavy use of FDE (Fully Destructible Environments), which is my favorite part of physics in video games. Additionally, it would show the power of these forces well. (Imagine a Nazi WWI Concrete bunker being tested to be shell proof. In a preview you could watch it being shelled and if it wasn't strong enough the inside would collectively collapse in on itself, killing the inhabitants. I'd like watching them fly everywhere... </demented alter ego>)

I, as already stated, would expect it to use DMM or some equivalent FDE or material simulation. I would also expect a fair amount of scenery to be able to be destroyed in and outside said buildings, along with inhabitants in buildings that can house people. If it had all of that, I would play this game until I died of some random not-moving-induced disease. :D

So what, are you making this, or are you just throwing the idea out to random people so we can wallow in the fact that we don't have this game? :p

[Cyranix]

I'll bite -- I'm curious to know where you'd head with this. Here's my two big prompts for you:

1) Describe the risk factor. This is just from a "how games work" point of view. If there's going to be an element of choice or strategy in how you play, or even something as simple as the potential to lose, you need to describe where the challenge manifests itself. Do you have limited resources with which to protect yourself? What limits them? Is there an advantage to using the minimal amount of defense (i.e. taking a risk on how much protection you need)? The overview of how to win can't stop at "Protect the bunker" -- you have to have an idea of what makes you partially unable to meet that objective.

2) Describe what you're defending against. This is more in the physics realm. Are you playing in a 2D or 3D space? If it's 2D, will the player be able to win indefinitely by making a simple ring around his bunker? How can you use angles in the XY plane to vary the game? If it's 3D, how and when will the Z-axis come into play? How will the interface accommodate navigating in 3D? How will the player determine where to create defenses in 3D space? The nature of the challenge (especially as relates to enemy physics) will guide possible winning strategies for the player.

Think through the game as you see yourself playing it. (Also, do you have programming experience or game-making tools? Don't stop at talking about it -- build it!)

[8-Ball]

Alas, the awesomeness of DMM would have to play a major role in it for it to be realized properly.
I would definitely play it if it was done properly.
I would play it because it would .....So what, are you making this, or are you just throwing the idea out to random people so we can wallow in the fact that we don't have this game? :p
Thanks for your input.
I'm thinking that if I can get a solid image in my head and most people like the idea then I'll start developing it.

I'll bite -- I'm curious to know where you'd head with this. Here's my two big prompts for you:
1) [B]Describe the risk facto...(Also, do you have programming experience or game-making tools? Don't stop at talking about it -- build it!)
Thanks also for your input;
Keep in mind this is just a on the spot idea, also some of your challenges can be answered from what I said about it being 'armadillo run/bridge builder like build system'
So it would be 2d, it would have materials that you have to buy from a budget so you can't go mad and just surround it with a ton of steal stuff.
And it would be about how the player builds the structure with the limited materials.
The game making I have done has always been off some kind of template, like half-life 2 I was building mods for the game. But I think I can get by.

Also, just a addition to the idea;
I'm also thinking now that you could build a moving tank to move through a battlefield and you can repair it at checkpoints.

[Muntu]

Hell yeah I would play it IF it was kinda like Armadillo run --> 3D graphics, but 2D physics. Do you have any plans to actually make it? I sure hope so :D

[8-Ball]

Hell yeah I would play it IF it was kinda like Armadillo run --> 3D graphics, but 2D physics. Do you have any plans to actually make it? I sure hope so :D
It looks like I'm going to make it, yer

[Muddegutt]

It looks like I'm going to make it, yer

I wish you the best luck :D Sounds like an awesome idea ^^

[Muntu]

Have you yet started the actual programming?

[8-Ball]

Have you yet started the actual programming?
nope, for two main reasons:

I'm still working out the bits and bobs
I'm not too sure were to start, I might just base this game off a ready made engine

[Maltor124]

If only Armadillo Run was open source, your job would be MUCH easier.

You might be able to buy the code off the makers and use it for development, if you're lucky.

I can't wait for this, now, though!

When you have a fan base 1 day after announcing it, you know it's a good idea.

[Xerxes]

Suggestion: There should be a mode where you attack an enemy structure, maybe a two-player thing? One person could build the tower and the other could send soldiers and stuff to destroy it, still with the budget.

Statement: Once, a long time ago, one of my friends and I were bored, so we did this in real life. We used Kepla blocks for the bunkers and threw marbles at them to see if we could make bunkers capable of protecting a bunch of little rubber animals I had lying around. </HK-47 voice>

[8-Ball]

right well, I'm really going to go along with this. I'm going to make a webby and all.
Step 1, the name.
once that's done I can go straight into step 2, that's building the game as fast as possible.

So, any ideas on the name?

edit: by the way, all that helps will get credited
Suggestion: There should be a mode where you attack an enemy structure, maybe a two-player thing? One person could build the tower and the other could send soldiers and stuff to destroy it, still with the budget.
Like it, that's going in the game. Thanks Xerxes :)

[Muddegutt]

Okay, I'm bored, so I'm just going to throw out a lot of random names, that could fit your description.

Tank defender
Tank Defence
Driving behind enemy lines
bunker madness
Justice-bomber
Build-a-tank-o-defendo
Tank-dismount
Bunkerfest

Bah, I went dry after five seconds. :P

EDIT: also, changing it, so you have to bomb a car that gets more and more armoured, would be fun too, I guess. :) Buying different bombs and stuff, and customisable levels, as in building your own cars and bomb them before they cross the finish line, or something.

[8-Ball]

Tank defender
Tank Defence
Driving behind enemy lines
bunker madness
Justice-bomber
Build-a-tank-o-defendo
Tank-dismount
Bunkerfest
not what i'm looking for, seems too.....cheesy.
so you have to bomb a car that gets more and more armoured, would be fun too, I guess. :) Buying different bombs and stuff, and customisable levels, as in building your own cars and bomb them before they cross the finish line, or something.
mmhh, yer I'll add that.
Edit: I'll start posting all good name ideas in the first post

[Maltor124]

Only one name comes to mind, but I don't think it would be good...

A Constructive Defense, maybe?

That's all I got. :D

Also, Suggestion:

I think you should also try to incorporate building things to survive NATURAL disasters, as well. I would love to build a ship/building to protect citizens during a flood, and have a small leak....'appear' and eventually drown some people while you are trying to block of areas and stuff. Building against a tornado or something would be cool, too, but much harder to simulate properly.

[8-Ball]

I think you should also try to incorporate building things to survive NATURAL disasters, as well. I would love to build a ship/building to protect citizens during a flood, and have a small leak....'appear' and eventually drown some people while you are trying to block of areas and stuff. Building against a tornado or something would be cool, too, but much harder to simulate properly.
haha, that's awesome. I gotta at least try that.
btw, lets not worry about how I'm going to do this right now. forget coding restrictions etc, that's for later.

[Maltor124]

Also, defense from other destruction could be cool too, aka a skyscraper in danger of collapsing in a city, so you now have to adequately beef up the surrounding buildings so they don't collapse, too.

And another bad name: Digibunker? Bleh, even I hate that too much.

[Muddegutt]

Haha, how about putting together some words that you find cool? :P
Destructive Mayhem!

[Maltor124]

Kinetic Protection? Master chief guns? Lazer explosion? Fun stuffz?

Those are my only favorite words. XD

[Muntu]

Ultra bunkerdefenser maximillian feat. zodiac X
What a great name :D
Do you know yet will it be more slow paced or ultra chaotic mayhem (that'd be good name too :P)?
If it's more slow paced, names like bunker defenser are good.
If it's more of that chaotic mayhem -style, those names like "chaotic mayhem" fit perfectly :D

[8-Ball]

It's not going to be all about bunkers, I just used that as a example.
They have to build some kind of structure that can withstand a attack.

[SataMaxx]

First, the name : I think Structure Defense is a really good name. I thought you already firgured that out and posted under the name of your project. BTW the name of the thread appealed to me directly !
Secondly, the project : don't spread that much on ideas of moving things, dynamic construction, special modes, scenariis...You must first clearly define the basis of your game, how you will play a basic level. Program this, make a short demo, or a sandbox, and don't forget to let room in your code to be able to add more things.

IMO, I'd see this game as static, in two phases : construction and destruction. The thing to defend would be a bunker (I use it here as a generic word : it can be moving or not), and the threat would be anything constructed with your 'engine'. With the appopriate materials defined in your game, you would still be able to make moving levels or moving threats, special levels where after a certain amount of time you could make another turn of construction to fix your bunker...

Last but not least : I'd really enjoy to play your game !!

[ChazFox]

SataMaxx is right on two points, firstly, the name Structure Defence would be awesome ^^ secondly, I like the idea of the Construction/Destruction levels (reminds me of Unreal Tournament's Assault mode, where players take it in turns to assault and defend some base ^^), and a Sandbox mode would just drive it up to awesome (construction and destruction brought together, build your structure and see how it stands up to an attack. It'd also be handy for learning what structures would work on tricky levels ^^ also because I'm a sandbox reveller and prefer messing around with physics games rather than working towards a goal in them x3)

[fluFF]

The fact that your biggest worry is the name kinda tells me that this project ain't going anywhere. Have you at least started to make yourself familiar with what ever engine you're gonna use etc.?
It's not all fun and...Well, it is a game. But it's not all fun. Remember, you're actually gonna have to code an entire game, be it big or small.

You're getting everybody's hopes up. Like that assassination game that just died after a week or so (It's on this forum)

I just don't hope that will be the case with this game, cause this looks awesome.

[8-Ball]

First, the name : I think Structure Defense is a really good name. I thought you already firgured that out and posted under the name of your project. BTW the name of the thread appealed to me directly !
Secondly, the project : don't spread that much on ideas of moving things, dynamic construction, special modes, scenariis...You must first clearly define the basis of your game, how you will play a basic level. Program this, make a short demo, or a sandbox, and don't forget to let room in your code to be able to add more things.

IMO, I'd see this game as static, in two phases : construction and destruction. The thing to defend would be a bunker (I use it here as a generic word : it can be moving or not), and the threat would be anything constructed with your 'engine'. With the appopriate materials defined in your game, you would still be able to make moving levels or moving threats, special levels where after a certain amount of time you could make another turn of construction to fix your bunker...

Last but not least : I'd really enjoy to play your game !!
Some very good info, thank you.

SataMaxx is right on two points, firstly, the name Structure Defence would be awesome ^^ secondly, I like the idea of the Construction/Destruction levels (reminds me of Unreal Tournament's Assault mode, where players take it in turns to assault and defend some base ^^), and a Sandbox mode would just drive it up to awesome (construction and destruction brought together, build your structure and see how it stands up to an attack. It'd also be handy for learning what structures would work on tricky levels ^^ also because I'm a sandbox reveller and prefer messing around with physics games rather than working towards a goal in them x3)
I think I'm going to go with Structure Defence.
Plus I was only thinking of just seeing how a building you built would stand under attack, but a phase were you get to destroy a building would be fantastic. Thanks SataMaxx and ChazFox

The fact that your biggest worry is the name kinda tells me that this project ain't going anywhere. Have you at least started to make yourself familiar with what ever engine you're gonna use etc.?
It's not all fun and...Well, it is a game. But it's not all fun. Remember, you're actually gonna have to code an entire game, be it big or small.

You're getting everybody's hopes up. Like that assassination game that just died after a week or so (It's on this forum)

I just don't hope that will be the case with this game, cause this looks awesome.
I wondered when someone would say this kind of thing...
I have made games before and I know whats involved, I don't think anyone should worry at all because there is no reason for me to leave this idea.
Although I have been thinking about the name I have also been looking for a engine at the same time, I'm just looking for a way for you guys to get involved as well.

[fluFF]

Well, they say I know how to make a good sketch, so I guess if you need some concepts thrown about just let me know.

[pengirules]

Thank You God.
This is exactly the kind of game that i have been looking for on this forum. (ever since Rolling Assault)
One question: will you release it as freeware or shareware or even commercial???

Thanks Again!

[8-Ball]

Well, they say I know how to make a good sketch, so I guess if you need some concepts thrown about just let me know.
I'll keep that in mind, thank you.

Thank You God.
This is exactly the kind of game that i have been looking for on this forum. (ever since Rolling Assault)
One question: will you release it as freeware or shareware or even commercial???
Thanks Again!
Freeware :D I don't need the money, and even if I do I'll resort to donations.
And I'm glad you like the idea of the game.

[Croix]

Would you guys play it?:Me, Yes

Why would/wouldn't you play it?: I would not play it if it was too complicated to build in it.

What would you expect?: A good game?

[8-Ball]

Would you guys play it?:Me, Yes

Why would/wouldn't you play it?: I would not play it if it was too complicated to build in it.

What would you expect?: A good game?
Good stuff, thank you.

[pengirules]

Thanks! That will make it even better. Hope it all goes all right for you!
If I could help you, I would... *wishes for some programming, math or art skills*

[Jaztee]

Would you guys play it?: Hell yeah if it's not a crappy piece of shit :)

Why would/wouldn't you play it?: I like building and destroying stuff
What would you expect?: Decent physics.

[8-Ball]

Would you guys play it?: Hell yeah if it's not a crappy piece of shit :)

Why would/wouldn't you play it?: I like building and destroying stuff
What would you expect?: Decent physics.
Good, thank you.

[Ravin]

Would you guys play it?: Definitely, if you actually finish it or at least get a beta out

Why would/wouldn't you play it?: Sounds like a decent stres reliever if you add sandbox mode
What would you expect?: physics, of course, hopefully pretty good

[Casey]

heh, when I was little I played this game with building blocks

[NightCrawler]

I think the game should have the name Operation: Defence

[R0ck4x3]

What this game needs is to have simple modablity mabye even mapmaking however the only game engine with the specifications from others and me is latest version of the Unreal Engine or the UT2004 version instead of the most likely UT2007 version.

[OkumTheLostNinja]

Sorry for the bump but Is this project dead?

[psygo]

me think so :(:( :confused:

[muffinmonkey]

I am sad about that
I'd've liked to play that

[HARDHEAD11]

Let's keep it alive! Does anyone know of or own a program to be able to create this? Come on, don't give up hope!

[Muddegutt]

I would really love to know if this is still alive?
Would be sad to see such an idea go to waste :(

[inuyasha2264]

8-ball have you discontinued work from this? Come on, don't let your fans down!

[futuramaguy42]

8-ball have you discontinued work from this? Come on, don't let your fans down!

8-Ball hasn't been here for a few months. :(

[Maltor124]

8-Ball hasn't been here for a few months. :(

I miss him. He was nice. :(

Anyone want to continue this project? I might, one day. But not right now, I'm too busy, and wouldn't really know how to go about making it.

[inuyasha2264]

Damn! Well I have NO game making or programming experience at all... Uh... I need to take some kinda tut. for programming sometime. :(

@Maltor: You should continue work on it, it'd be great if you did.

[Drakkuz]

Damn, hes not been here for ages i hope he comes back i really like the idea. Maybe someone could carry it on like Maltor said? Plox?....Pretty Plox?

[muffinmonkey]

Damn, he's not been here for ages I hope he comes back I really like the idea. Maybe someone could carry it on like Maltor said? Plox?....Pretty Plox?

most of the people who can make games are working on various things at the moment

you have no idea how excited I was when I saw this had a new post

now I am mildly saddened

[digitalmanifestation]

Let's keep it alive! Does anyone know of or own a program to be able to create this? Come on, don't give up hope!

Sounds like the kinda thing you could make in G-Mod 9/10 quite easily, if you have done mods before, or know how to script in .lua, make a couple of large but relatively simple maps, have a target zone in each. Script a count down timer and a intuitive build menu/system that lets you create bunkers quite easily and quickly.

[Maltor124]

Sounds like the kinda thing you could make in G-Mod 9/10 quite easily, if you have done mods before, or know how to script in .lua, make a couple of large but relatively simple maps, have a target zone in each. Script a count down timer and a intuitive build menu/system that lets you create bunkers quite easily and quickly.


That's not very intuitive, 8-Ball was talking about something like Armadillo Run. 3D graphics with 2D or 3D physics. You then use the same kind of builder like in Armadillo Run (only with pre-made pieces and such, for things like the bunker ideas a couple pages back) that would then be assaulted by various things, like a flood or tornado or hurricane, or maybe an army. Including advanced liquid dynamics to flood areas that collapse is such a scenario, very good pressure calculation, and almost DMM-like destruction of environments.

That's the idea he was shooting at, and it's certainly a hard goal to achieve, certainly not one you could do, at least to its fullest, in GMod.

And of course, I'm going to use the thread to plea for 8-Ball's return. COME BACK 8-BALL! D:

[digitalmanifestation]

That's not very intuitive, 8-Ball was talking about something like Armadillo Run. 3D graphics with 2D or 3D physics. You then use the same kind of builder like in Armadillo Run (only with pre-made pieces and such, for things like the bunker ideas a couple pages back) that would then be assaulted by various things, like a flood or tornado or hurricane, or maybe an army. Including advanced liquid dynamics to flood areas that collapse is such a scenario, very good pressure calculation, and almost DMM-like destruction of environments.

That's the idea he was shooting at, and it's certainly a hard goal to achieve, certainly not one you could do, at least to its fullest, in GMod.

And of course, I'm going to use the thread to plea for 8-Ball's return. COME BACK 8-BALL! D:

Since no one in this thread has the coding skill i was offering you the next best thing. The idea is very intuitive since it use the maximum potential which next to nothing anyway.

[Maltor124]

Since no one in this thread has the coding skill i was offering you the next best thing. The idea is very intuitive since it use the maximum potential which next to nothing anyway.

Sorry, I worded it wrong. I didn't mean the idea was unintuitive, I meant that the gameplay would be unintuitive. 8-Ball had a more simplified game in mind than what would be needed to be done to play in GMod.

I agree, though. Something is better than nothing, that's for sure.