Seeking:
Artist (2D or 3D, all is well.)
Composer (Sound effects desired, music is priority.)

Info:
3D 3rd Person, or 2d-isometric. (Depending on the artist.)
Action Adventure, story-heavy. There are essentially two civilizations about to go to war, and the main character is trying to make sure it happens and manipulate the outcome. The character uses his knowledge of sciences, math, psychology, etc. as well as "psionic" powers to accomplish his goals. That allows us to have him doing all kinds of cool stuff: making explosives, poisons, and herbal remedies, messing with a guard's perception, using somebody's phobia against them, picking up enemies and tossing them around via telekinesis, etc.
I'm sure the game sounds shallow, but like I said, I just don't want to flood the screen with story text.

When writing the story, and this short description, I left the setting and time period completely relative and rather ambiguous. Its still up in the air. Fortunately, by the nature of the plot, the location and time matters little. (But you can already tell there will be plenty of SNOW!)

Tech:
C++
Very likelyCrystalSpace if we go 3D. If 2D, we'll be going with SDL. CrystalSpace CEL is a nice engine with plenty of features. (Physics via ODE, etc.)
*GIMP &/OR PhotoShop, your choosing.
*3D Modeling package of your choosing.
*Sound editing package of your choosing.

A final note:
This is not a "Christian" game. It has nothing to do with the Bible, God, etc. In fact, it is a very dark game and you play a rather villainous character. The reason I bother requesting here: the story of this game takes a very good look at the effects of godlessness, arrogance, self-love, and fear. Its not exactly allegorical, but it does stand as a metaphor for the human condition overall. While the main character is a shady character that dabbles in things you wouldn't do in a "Christian game", it puts the player in the best position to see the message of the game. (And it should be quite a bit of fun to play.)

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[This message has been edited by crazyishone (edited August 16, 2007).]

Title: Snow

Setting the Stage:

{{Snowy environment, of course.}}
There are two civilizations , too different to coexist happily.

One is viewed as "barbaric," though they are truly noble and wise. They are great explorers, and have an understanding of the scope of their world. These war-like and nomadic people have ventured to the farthest reaches of their world. As a whole, the people cling to their old gods, the only purpose in life being a glorious death. Unfortunately, this has produced an underlying sense of nihilism. Rather than try to advance themselves, they feel that they have seen all that there is to see. As individuals, they are unsure of everything. Life holds little meaning, their religious beliefs are hollow. Religion holds them back, primal urges are all that is left to compel them. They are confused, lost, and lashing out violently. Returning to an old temporary settlement, they stumble upon the newcomers.

The other civilization has just been discovered by the [[group mentioned above]]. Exiled from their homeland for delving into forbidden studies, this group is proud and stubborn. They have quickly developed in their new home, building up a grand city. Their arrogance has led them to the belief that they are omnipotent. Their intelligence and technological prowess is clear, but ultimately superficial. Their city is a spectacle of self-love and debauchery. Hedonism describes more than just their lifestyle: it is reflected in their admittedly beautiful architecture and brilliant advancements that seem to revolve around pleasure and convenience. They have great knowledge, but a dangerous lack of understanding.
Roughly 10 years after establishing their civilization, research outposts start dropping out of contact. Scouts sent to investigate these events never return. Residents of the outskirts begin flocking to the city. Tales surface of phantoms, undying fire, and horrific beasts. These horror stories are told in hushed whispers. There is an atmosphere of tension; the people don't know what to believe.

The [[first group]] is outraged by the [[second group's]] intrusion on what they consider to be their land. [[second group]] is terrified and paranoid. As is expected of those who love themselves more than anything else, they are on the brink of destroying everything that might potentially harm them, friend or foe.

The [[first group]] will either relinquish the land and set sail, or allow their anger to compel them to fight.
If they turn away, the [[second group]] will eventually self-destruct, the result of mass hysteria and paranoia. If the [[first group]] attacks, the [[second group]] will have a tangible enemy to focus on, producing a sense of unity and optimism. Unfortunately, they are not experienced in warfare, have a limited population, and only one city to defend themselves in. No matter what happens, blood will be shed.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::THE CHARACTER::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
He left the homeland of [[group two]] decades before, seeking "enlightenment" and greater knowledge. He was a brilliant man, well educated... but he seemed to have learned all that he could learn. He had become disenchanted with the life laid out before him, despising the idea of living only for possessions and dissatisfied with his peers. Above all, he became disgusted with the complacent ignorance of the people around him. Setting out on a journey with no destination, he eventually ended up staying at a tavern in a small village, working for the owner. Angry at himself for essentially getting nowhere, he struggled to care about anything at all. But, working at the Tavern afforded him interesting opportunities. He dealt with people all the time, and soon learned how to make people trust him and tell him their secrets. He felt powerful, for the first time in his life. He quickly developed a skill for manipulating people, figuring out many methods of dominance and suggestion.
One busy night, he decided to try something he'd been pondering for a few weeks. He found a suitable target and talked to him for a few minutes. Following this conversation, the man got up, smashed his bottle, and began wildly slashing at a nearby patron. Within seconds, he had been tackled and dragged out into the square. All the while, he was screaming "TRAITOR!!" at the very top of his lungs. Our main character felt a surge of adrenaline: he had caused quite the stir...
{Decades Later}
He had left the tavern the next morning. For years, he traveled around the world, amassing unrivaled knowledge. Everything from the latest in medicine, to the most ancient and darkest secrets of the occult. He had moved far beyond the mental tricks he learned in the tavern.
Eventually, he could only see people as pawns in his twisted games. How could he love? How could he feel compassion? He could not. Irritated by everyone around him, viewing them as inferiors, he set off for the most remote place he could find.
This took him to the setting of the game, living in a small complex.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::PLOT:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The character knows of the imminent conflict. He sees it as a great opportunity to employ all of his knowledge, test everything he has been developing, and the greatest challenge he will ever face. He will get the civilizations to destroy each other.

EDIT: Typos.
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[This message has been edited by crazyishone (edited August 18, 2007).]

quote:

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Originally posted by crazyishone:
A final note:
This is not a "Christian" game. It has nothing to do with the Bible, God, etc. In fact, it is a very dark game and you play a rather villainous character. The reason I bother requesting here: the story of this game takes a very good look at the effects of godlessness, arrogance, self-love, and fear. Its not exactly allegorical, but it does stand as a metaphor for the human condition overall. While the main character is a shady character that dabbles in things you wouldn't do in a "Christian game", it puts the player in the best position to see the message of the game. (And it should be quite a bit of fun to play.)

[/B]

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IMO that makes it a Christian game in a true sense, instead of trying to plaster 'Christian' phrases all over everything like it is a lunch box or something your story is aiming to allow people to explore negative choices and the inevitable outcomes that come along with them--that to me is powerful, intellegent storytelling and I wish ya the best of luck man!!! ROCK IT!!!

EDIT: Holy crap bro, I just read the overview of the story---has a TON of potential man!! Take everything you have on it so far, print it off and mail it to yourself and DO NOT open the letter---that is called poor-man copyrighting and is legal proof in the US that you had these ideas before such and such date (due to the USPS postmark)----man you got a good story there I see a lot of parallels to today's world---that could end up being epic! Especially if you add in sandbox elements!

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[This message has been edited by zookey (edited August 18, 2007).]

too late, I already mailed it too myself.
haha. jk.
fascinating copyright technique.
I'd bet it'd hold up in a court of law. nice.

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"The generation of random numbers is too important to leave to chance."
Soterion Studios

quote:

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Originally posted by ArchAngel:
nice setting!
I really hope this one doesn't fall through the cracks.

too late, I already mailed it too myself.
haha. jk.
fascinating copyright technique.
I'd bet it'd hold up in a court of law. nice.

---

Yep it would hehe---since a government entity (the postal service) is stamping it, as long as it isn't opened it is hard-core proof---then, if anything happens, have a Judge open it in the court of law and it is totally admissable---altho I should add that I am not a lawyer so, the more you get going, it is good to eventually talk with one but still, when starting up, this helps!

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Arch, its not going to fall through the cracks. It might evolve a bit, but I've already had versions of this idea in mind for almost 2 years. If I end up not being able to complete it now, it will undoubtedly resurface again.

Looks like I'll be doing the art on my own anyway :P Though I havn't posted on GameDev yet. That might return some results, I just wanted to hit the more tight-knit and trusted community first.

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quote:

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Originally posted by crazyishone:
Thanks for the feedback and suggestion zookey. I really appreciate.

Arch, its not going to fall through the cracks. It might evolve a bit, but I've already had versions of this idea in mind for almost 2 years. If I end up not being able to complete it now, it will undoubtedly resurface again.

Looks like I'll be doing the art on my own anyway :P Though I havn't posted on GameDev yet. That might return some results, I just wanted to hit the more tight-knit and trusted community first.

---

No prob dude! The more it evolves, the better hehe! Some elements of Shattered Soul have evolved from a game I thought up when I was a kid, altho it is so different than what it was when I was a kid because it has a lot more depth now and the characters aren't clones of characters I liked in other games hehe! I used to have a 'Ryu' character and a character inspired by the Ninjas from Mortal Kombat--yeah so evolving a story always makes it better, especially if you run it by other people and get their input--don't always take other's input but take what you like--in other words keep some control but encourage your future and current team members to take ownership and contribute to the mythos---doing so has allowed Shattered Soul to grow in a way that made it even more exciting for me to be a part of it----and you have a REALLY good base there so the only way to go is up!

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quote:

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Originally posted by crazyishone:
Arch, its not going to fall through the cracks. It might evolve a bit, but I've already had versions of this idea in mind for almost 2 years. If I end up not being able to complete it now, it will undoubtedly resurface again.

---

I'll hold you to that

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"The generation of random numbers is too important to leave to chance."
Soterion Studios

I have some synthetic-symphonic music on there. Nobuo Uematsu (Final Fantasy) and Yasunori Mitsuda (Chrono Trigger, Xenogears) are two of my most appreciated composers, and I would love to create more music like theirs. Their work has influenced my symphonic songs on there. If you're looking to go in a symphonic direction, let me know if you think you may want my services.

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Portal with information on my programming projects and links to my other work

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Now if only I could get this guy to work on songs more...

I might be able to provide some songs if you want 'em. I'm currently unable to do any original work, though, because of a serious sound problem on my computer. Check it out:

www.soundclick.com/radioactivewatermelon

There's also an older project of mine that I don't produce songs under anymore.

www.soundclick.com/psychodelic

If you want to use any songs on the psychodelic profile, you can just download the song you want and use it for anything. You can remix, modify, use in a commercial or non-commercial project, all without needing my consent and not needing to put any kind of credit on it. I've done some experimental stuff on there.

I wish epsons could work on music (dratted hardware issues... should get a Mac for music stuff), so we could offer a combined effort if that would appeal to you (a techno-symphonic soundtrack would seem fitting for your idea). Alas, that isn't the case right now.

I don't know when I'll be on AIM, but hit me up with bindingatonement.

I might be able to hop on the IRC. Show my pretty face and all.

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Portal with information on my programming projects and links to my other work

Now if only I could get one without Vista...

The development of this game is going to be at a very relaxed pace, so theres no hurry. I anticipate working with both of you over the next few months.

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[This message has been edited by crazyishone (edited August 19, 2007).]

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"The generation of random numbers is too important to leave to chance."
Soterion Studios

quote:

---

Originally posted by crazyishone:
Yeah, you're right about that. A techno-symphonic ambient style is what I'm looking for.
Xian_Lee: I liked Fall of Elven Snow overall, though like most of your songs it seemed very upbeat. Looking for something dark.
Epsons: Of the tracks I've listened to so far, Shadows Fall on a Forgotten Realm and the beginning of What Lies Beyond These Unseen Walls (normal version), and Perchance to a Dream (ambient mix) seem very close to the style I'm looking for.

The development of this game is going to be at a very relaxed pace, so theres no hurry. I anticipate working with both of you over the next few months.

---

So, you're looking for something dark? I have some songs not before released... from Film Noir... In particular, a synthetic vocal track. And an old, old track...Probably one of the first ones I did under the RW name... It's called "Matrix." They could be what you're looking for. I'll see what I can do.

Crazyishone, I'll be on IRC for a little bit right now, but I'll be back sometime later today if you don't catch me now.

As for the music, most of it is upbeat. I'm wanting to get into a more somber sound as it is, and I'd love to work on more electronica sounds being fused in. We can discuss what you want when I catch you on IRC or AIM.

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Portal with information on my programming projects and links to my other work

quote:

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Originally posted by zookey:
Get a Mac and dual-boot Windows XP onto it using Boot-Camp (free software from Apple) or VMware Fusion----trust me man you will be way happier---and Macs come with Garage Band which, from what I hear, is awesome for music creation.

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Hmm, I'll consider it... However, my current financial situation doesn't really allow a purchase such as a laptop right now.
GarageBand is what Xian uses, I believe. I hear it's pretty good, but as far as I'm concerned, Ableton Live is the best DAW you can get. I swear by that program.

Oh, and Xian... Try making songs past the point of midnight. It usually turns out pretty dark and sombre for me. e.g. ambient mix of Perchance to Dream and Spirit, Lost...

[This message has been edited by epsons (edited August 19, 2007).]

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Eric Pankoke
http://www.polsoftware.com

leet hacker

p.s. plz look at my xbox help wanted thread because my 'box is broken and i really need a reply.

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"Oh! Gravity. Why can't we seem to keep it together? Sons of my enemies, why can't we seem to keep it together?" - switchfoot

[This message has been edited by leet hacker (edited August 20, 2007).]

[This message has been edited by leet hacker (edited August 21, 2007).]

All I can offer is morale support. It looks like you don't need a programmer so I'll stand on the sidelines cheering you on!

I'll begin the design soon, but I'm doing it in a strange way. I plan to collect the assets first, flesh out the design, etc. Along the way, I'll be doing small tech demos with my library/engine of choice. The actual "programming of the game" is likely a couple months off.

I intend to have a very relaxed development cycle for myself and all of those involved. Slow and steady ... people have lives, so I'm really thinking roughly 8-10 hours a week, tops.

EDIT: concerning the general gameplay, its in the 1st post under info.
I want it to make the player think. They will use the best skill or strategy to get the job done: assassinate a leader and frame the other group, something like that. This is the kind of thing that will be very linear, because I simply can't program AI that acts of its own accord well enough to implement "kill a guy and start a war" style features. So yeah, written in. :P The "open endedness" of the gameplay will hopfully come from the options available to the player in accomplishing the objectives.

Unfortunately, I really really love the idea of it being a "sandbox". One giant landscape with the city, the angry viking-style guys, and everything in between. I'm torn between this idea with a loose storyline, or a very strict and linear one. Its just a question of what I think can be pulled off, and perhaps taking on another programmer or "scripter". What do you guys think? My experience is so-so, but I only intend this as a long-term casual project. Given enough time, we can generally accomplish almost anything.

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[This message has been edited by crazyishone (edited August 20, 2007).]

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