So, I started a new FPSC project to go side by side with Parasite Q. No, this does not mean I'm stalling/stopping the development of PQ, it's still progressing slowly but surely. This is something I've wanted to do for quite a while now, and the headshot scripts of 1.08 made it finally possible.
The hardcore zombie project (no, that's not the final name)
It's a zombie game, duh. But why hardcore?
Well, I've been playing a ton of zombie games lately, and there are several things that just keep bugging me about them. I'm a big fan of George A. Romero's zombie movies, and the way I see it, the zombie mythology he created is the only valid mythology there is. And it has two important rules: 1: Zombies only die from a headshot, and 2: One zombie bite and you're done.
And that's what makes it hardcore. I'm taking survival horror to the max; only headshots kill, you have no health bar/indicator, one bite and you die. No extra lives either. Or ammo counter. Hardcore, baby.
I know it sounds nasty and all, but it also makes the zombies scary and dangerous. Every dark corner is a threat here. And I can tell you, there are a lot of dark corners in my games
Technically, I'm trying to stay more minimalistic than in Decay and PQ. Whereas in those games one level had about 700-1100 objects, here I'll keep it under 400, to keep the frame rate steady and load times short. It of course won't look as good as those games, but so far I think I've been able to get a nice, old-school grungy look that at least won't make your eyes bleed of terror.
In the same fashion, I'm keeping the production small. So there won't probably be any FMV in the game, and the story is progressed through diary/journal entries. This will also be considerably shorter than PQ, with probably less than 10 levels.
The story of the game? I've yet to write detailed story scenes, but the basic idea is that zombie apocalypse has swept over the planet, and you've gone all survivalist, hiding in your own basement with a field generator and supplies. After months of hiding, the supplies have diminished and you're forced to surface to the post-apocalyptic world, filled with decay and inhabited by the walking dead...
And after the sales speech, some pics from the first level (working on level2 now)
EDIT:
Demo version is online now.
http://trproductions.net/ehetyz/HCZepisode1.rar
It's built with shaders on and has a lot of detail, so it requires a decent system. I'd say the equivalent of my comp is the absolute minimum. So, at least 1,8ghz, 256mb GPU and at least 1-2gb ram.
When playing, keep in mind;
-HCZ has an adventure game-styled point and click mechanic. You can activate various objects such as closets, dead bodies, books etc by pressing enter near them. I suggest taking advantage of this, as it gives you gameplay tips, deepens the storyline, and you can occasionally find ammo clips etc. from closets and boxes.
-The game is pretty dark, I'd suggest playing in a darkened room... In daylight it might be a bit difficult to see what's going on.
-Always aim for the head, shooting elsewhere is useless
-The axe is wildly inaccurate, use it as your last resort
Oh, and The game contains some strong language, disturbing images, adult themes, and strong violence and gore. It's not recommended for children or for the faint of the heart. If in doubt, do not download
(And don't come whining to me if it makes you lose your appetite )
