An idea for something unique (DLC): a personalized squadmate
Apr 16, 2017 22:17:18 GMT
timebean likes this
Post by Fogg on Apr 16, 2017 22:17:18 GMT
I have an idea. After completing the game I spend quite some time pondering on it, waiting for a few patches before I do a second playthrough. What does this game need to have an extra spark. And I've come up with a suggestion, that perhaps could make it really awesome.
A customized squadmate.
Since – for logical reasons – the protagonist is a more defined character, how about adding a squadmate that can be customized in a way we used to customize our own character in more classic RPG's?
Perhaps it's time for an experiment. An innovation. Something to add to the old BioWare formula. Thinking about how attached I could get to non speaking XCOM squadmembers without a personality, this might be very interesting.
Basically, the idea is that you design a pioneer that joined the Andromeda Initiative. With a 10 or 15 dollar price tag for the DLC, this should be technically doable.
To make it all possible, BioWare should probably stick to one specie. Asari would be easy, voice acting wise. But human might be a good start.
Voice acting wise, it's easiest if the squadmate gets a preset name. Perhaps even a unisex one. Alex, Morgan, Robin, etcetera.
The player can design the look of the squadmate of course, but also the outfit (casual and armor) and class. Choose the gender the squadmate identifies with.
Then there's the option of his/her background. For example: choose between a pirate/outlaw/smuggler type, a scientist/diplomat type, a mercenary/veteran type or a business/fortune seeker type. Have three or four in general.
Choose his/her personality. Casual/jester, professional/posh, hot headed/passionate. Also have three or four of those.
Choose voice, probably between a male and female one, but why not have two for both genders?
Choose sexual preference (because it's also a love interest of course) and tada, you're good to go.
Basically you can now have a gentleman pirate or funny scientist or stiff veteran on your team. Squad banter (on the Tempest and in the Nomad) can be based upon the chosen personality (very doable, record three lines instead of one) and in personal conversations the background choices will come to light more. These scenes will be the most work for the developers.
Create a loyalty mission for each background and one or two shorter one-on-one scenes based upon personality or a cumulative of your choices. Put enough time and effort in it (again, it's very doable when you do it smart) and you'll have to do at least nine, perhaps sixteen playthroughs to experience all the variables of this squadmate.
I believe personalized NPC's will become a 'thing' in the future, especially in virtual reality RPG's when they'll start to exist. If BioWare is the first to introduce one in this way, it could breath a lot of life in the game. Add something unique and special. Again, I believe when you design it smart, the work you'll have to put into creating this can be covered by the DLC price tag.
A customized squadmate.
Since – for logical reasons – the protagonist is a more defined character, how about adding a squadmate that can be customized in a way we used to customize our own character in more classic RPG's?
Perhaps it's time for an experiment. An innovation. Something to add to the old BioWare formula. Thinking about how attached I could get to non speaking XCOM squadmembers without a personality, this might be very interesting.
Basically, the idea is that you design a pioneer that joined the Andromeda Initiative. With a 10 or 15 dollar price tag for the DLC, this should be technically doable.
To make it all possible, BioWare should probably stick to one specie. Asari would be easy, voice acting wise. But human might be a good start.
Voice acting wise, it's easiest if the squadmate gets a preset name. Perhaps even a unisex one. Alex, Morgan, Robin, etcetera.
The player can design the look of the squadmate of course, but also the outfit (casual and armor) and class. Choose the gender the squadmate identifies with.
Then there's the option of his/her background. For example: choose between a pirate/outlaw/smuggler type, a scientist/diplomat type, a mercenary/veteran type or a business/fortune seeker type. Have three or four in general.
Choose his/her personality. Casual/jester, professional/posh, hot headed/passionate. Also have three or four of those.
Choose voice, probably between a male and female one, but why not have two for both genders?
Choose sexual preference (because it's also a love interest of course) and tada, you're good to go.
Basically you can now have a gentleman pirate or funny scientist or stiff veteran on your team. Squad banter (on the Tempest and in the Nomad) can be based upon the chosen personality (very doable, record three lines instead of one) and in personal conversations the background choices will come to light more. These scenes will be the most work for the developers.
Create a loyalty mission for each background and one or two shorter one-on-one scenes based upon personality or a cumulative of your choices. Put enough time and effort in it (again, it's very doable when you do it smart) and you'll have to do at least nine, perhaps sixteen playthroughs to experience all the variables of this squadmate.
I believe personalized NPC's will become a 'thing' in the future, especially in virtual reality RPG's when they'll start to exist. If BioWare is the first to introduce one in this way, it could breath a lot of life in the game. Add something unique and special. Again, I believe when you design it smart, the work you'll have to put into creating this can be covered by the DLC price tag.
