Archive: 7 posts

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I've had some time to think while taking a break from SackMech. While attempting to port the concept over to LBP PSP, I found out that making the bipedal Mechs would be too prohibitive, so I started thinking of a new concept, which would be top-down. Unfortunately, because of LBP PSP's limited layers, that concept also wouldn't translate well. However, LBP on PS3 doesn't have such limitations, so the concept could work pretty well. This leads me to the major issue of the current SackMech mechs. Put simply, LBP bipeds aren't working for me (shock!). The controls are not responsive enough, and even if they were, all you can really do is trudge forward, shoot at another mech for a while until it blows up, rinse and repeat. This causes all sorts of limitations when making level designs, and also because the mechs take up all of the playable layers, that drastically cuts down on the environments that can be put in. The concept I'm currently thinking of would allow me to add a more interesting 2-dimensional gameplay (being top-down) than the current 1-dimensional affair. It would also free up more room to make meaningful environments that won't hinder the player's field of vision. I may even be able to add actual multiplayer! So now I have a choice. Since I'm more than halfway done with SackMech, I could continue to work on it and finish it, but I won't be totally satisfied with the result in the end (I still enjoyed the challenge of making bipeds and it was a learning experience). Or I could scrap/give away all of the work I've done so far and drastically rework SackMech into something which I might be more satisfied with in the end (I haven't experimented with my new concept yet, but I expect to be able to achieve the results I want). What do you guys think? Am I just being lazy in not finishing what I started? Or am I making the right choice if the end result is that the series will be more fun for the players and more satisfying for myself? Also, if you haven't checked it out already, you can see what SackMech looks like so far by following the SackMech beta link in my sig.

2010-03-16 15:59:00 Author: Gilgamesh Posts: 2536

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I think its good to try new things i don't mean scrap it, But just put it to the side for the moment...

2010-03-16 16:51:00 Author: Kern Posts: 5078

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Scrap it... but back it up beforehand. =P I've been in the same position you have been many, many times... especially with mecha development, or at least mecha emulating action-sidescrolling. If you think you have a better idea, shoot for that. It's tough putting aside something you've invested a ton of hours into, but sometimes its for the better as you even know that you can do even more with a new project. In my personal opinion, if you can up the gameplay aspects and ease of control for a player versus being crazy intricate with the design of a machine/vehicle/etc., I think that will in the end make for a better overall experience. So I say go for it and start anew! =)

2010-03-16 17:09:00 Author: gevurah22 Posts: 1476

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I think you should give it a shot. you could you use your existing content for cut scenes or an intro (or both). Don't let it go to waste.

2010-03-16 18:11:00 Author: IStwisted Posts: 428

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What's a SackMech? . Haven't been on this board for too long...

2010-03-16 18:56:00 Author: Arradi Posts: 183

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Thanks for all the replies. The more I mull it over and let my mind work out the concept, the more I think I can create a natural control scheme that hasn't been seen in LBP yet (afaik), combined with some pretty complex top-down mech motions (which will require no button input from the player, nor rely on an imprecise control box!). What's a SackMech? . Haven't been on this board for too long...SackMech is a project I've been working on at irregular intervals for over a year. It's meant to be an homage to Mechwarrior/Battletech in LBP, since there hasn't been a Mechwarrior game in ages.

2010-03-16 20:07:00 Author: Gilgamesh Posts: 2536

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I'd say put it aside/scrap it. A top down version would probably simplify things quite a bit, and not be near as fragile. The mechs you have made are rather cool though, so I definitely wouldn't toss the whole thing.

2010-03-16 21:55:00 Author: Burnvictim42 Posts: 3322

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