Well, we've discussed with my friends some crucial points we should concentrate on. I present these ideas in some order.
Please comment and add your ideas.
1. First we should decide on the engine we'll use.
Maybe it's a bit too early to develop the graphical aspect, but must bear in mind the fact that the existence of fo2mapper makes our work a great deal easie, because the most difficult question is technical part of the game. Who would dare to build a whole new bug-free engine for free? None, I suppose. So, having fo2mapper in our hands we will save a lot of effort and time, while preserving the classic Fallout touch.
On the other hand, we have also freeware FIFE, but there is much more work to be done. So, are there any coders who could make something with that engine in short period of time?
The same thing goes with additional art - we have to decide whether we will use it or not. I suggest we do. Any 2d artists out there?
2. Most probably, it is reasonable to introduce some new equipment (definitely Geiger counter), and particlarly, new weapons. If we do, then we will have to edit the new system for the weapons: parameters like stats, damage, weight, availabilty AND to balance it. I don't actually think we'll have to re-write the whole system, but some review would be necessary.
The same thing goes with new vehicles, since I suggest we add something more than just a car, perhaps bikes, or something else.
3. Less important things for the time being are: the soundtrack and the video cutscenes. I'm sure there is a lot of specialists in the field among us, for example I myself could make a few tracks for the project. And perhaps somebody could render a nice video. But currently, this is not a priority, but we should bear that in mind.
4. Now that we have decided what the engine would be, it is time to actually start working.
First, we should define the background: where the game will take place (Florida, Texas, California, Europe or else), at what period of time comparing to FO1 and FO2 storyline.
Draw a map.
Pinpoint cities and major locations, other places of interest (for example, Cafe of Broken Dreams, or anything else).
Design cities, first on a sheet of paper with a pencil.
Describe the common inhabitants/places.
After we have more or less clear understanding as for what the world would be, it's time we come up with the main plot. Main plot, as we understand it, is one of the most tricky yet rewarding things. We will have to discuss pretty much here, but anyway I suppose each of the writers should present their own complete plot. Then their plots will undertake critics and thence edited accordingly. Finally, we should choose one of them, or a combination of them. (Here I must note, however, that compromise is a very good thing, and is very much sought after, but some authors might get disappointed, when their works are rejected. But there is no other way, so let's have it clear in advance.)
As for the plot, generally speaking, I suggest it should be flexible, with different endings according to the PCs actions and have subplots, maybe even some false leads.
Additionally, we will have to design a lot of unrelated quests, which, however, should not be as stupid as in Icewind Dale.
At this stage we will have to give birth and introduce the NPCs, and dialogues with them. NPCs will have to be stylish, "Falloutish", maybe there's reason to import some NPCs from FO1/2. Dialogues must be deep, multi-levelled and depend on the stats of the PC. And there should be the way to finish the game without a single shot (in reasonable way, of course).
After we've set up the general view of the world, created the first version of the main plot, introduced the army of the NPCs (no less) we could now add necessary new locations/NPCs to the general view of the world.
So at this stage we should have:
- the world with background;
- detailed locations;
- main plotline;
- other quests;
- NPCs;
- dialogues.
This is the major part of our work.
Now, I would like to share some of my very approximate contemplations regarding the human resources and the time needed.
Creating background, story - 2 weeks (I think it's enough for one person to come up with something feasible within this term, and bring it to discussion).
Writing dialogues - 1 month (provided no less than 5 people are working).
Adding new art - 1 month (I think 2 to 3 artists should be enough).
Meddling with the engine - depends on what engine we shall use and quantity of coders available (if we use fo2mapper, this period would be 2 weeks at maximum, otherwise it might take up to a year or more).
Creating NPCs - 1 month (along with the dialogues).
Choosing and compiling optional (unrelated) quests: during the whole process. I think we'll gather these ideas from all people, willing to contribute. However, this compilation might take a month.
All in all, adding delays, unexpected problems, lets multiply the terms by 2. So, we'll get something like 12 months to finish the game, with 25+ people involved.
Please note this is very approximate, and we need to discuss it. Perhaps, even, I've omitted something important
Another idea: in order to accumulate some sporadic yet valuable ideas concerning the project, we should establish some kind of updateable archive, where we will store the ideas gathered from all around, and use them later. I think I can brush the forum and collect these ideas in one place.
That's it, guys. And of course, we are to work under deadline, please note it. Otherwise it's most likely bound to fail.
Regarding the fanmadefallout.com and vbrevival.blogspot.com they are good. However,we, FO fans should unite and create one game for the rest of of us to enjoy. I suggest we contact those guys, and try to join our forces, and to streamline their effort, too? More than that, fanmadefallout.com set the release date for 2010. This is unacceptable in any reasonable way!
So, my first sporadic idea: why don't we use East Coast, Florida? There's a lot of there: New Orleans (we could make certain allusions concerning the flood), Disneyland
, Daytona Beach, Miami and much else. Maybe we should also add some islands.
Your ideas, gentlemen.
Of course, the goal description is essential in this case.
