I need help developing a story.

Renodox · Sat 31/12/2011 02:51:41

I had a dream a couple nights ago and I think that it would make a GREAT plot for a game.

"I found myself on the set for the movie The Lion King, but what was weird about it was that Nala was just as big as me. When I looked at the size of the set I realized that something was wrong and discovered that I was Simba! Anyway, I noticed that I was wearing a strange badge on my chest.

Moving on... I later met up with Timon who ALSO had a badge. He mentioned that he was not the real Timon the Meerkat and had been human too. However, neither one of us knew how this happened. We decided to try and remove each other's badges as neither one of us could do so ourselves. Together we succeeded but the badges connected to the new host bodies and we switched bodies!"

Anyway, I came up with this game plot: You start out in an animal body. However, you know that you are not an animal and are: in fact, human. You notice that you are wearing a badge but you are a quadruped and the badge is in a spot you cannot reach it with your mouth. So, you start the game trying to find a way to remove the badge. When you finally get another to remove the badge for you, you switch bodies. This means you play as a different animal for a while. As the game progresses, you learn how to remove the badge yourself (if you can do so in that body) but you cannot remain outside of a body. Therefore, you attach the badge to other animals to take that form. Each form comes with new capabilities but also opens you to new dangers.

During the game, you discover that there are other people who are also trapped in animal bodies due to these badges and none of them know the full story about how or why it happened. You mission: find your true body, discover how to deactivate all the badges to save everyone, and discover who's doing this and for what purpose.

Anyway, I think this can make a pretty elaborate game plot but I'm having difficulty coming up with an engaging story. If someone is willing to help me out with a storyline I'd be appreciative of it. Thanks.

poc301 · Sat 31/12/2011 02:57:00

Never saw the movie, so I don't know much about it, but I do know it is copyrighted material (Lion King). And seeing as how Disney just released a 3D version of it, and I think it is, or was, on broadway, they might not want you doing anything with their intellectual property. If it was some old and abandoned property from 20-30+ years ago, maybe, but I'd be leery of them sending a cease and desist.

-Bill

Renodox · Sat 31/12/2011 03:30:48

No, no, you misunderstand. I'm NOT suggesting that we do a movie about The Lion King. That was just the litteral, subconscious thoughts when you're asleep, dream I had that spurred this idea.

The IDEA is that we make a game about switching bodies with animals trying to solve a mystery and recover your true form.

Icey · Sat 31/12/2011 03:33:48

I like the sound of that

Grim · Sat 31/12/2011 04:30:25

Interesting... I think, for me it would only work if characters were presented as humans wearing some kind of really lame animal costumes with badges on them, instead of real-looking animals. That would add a great layer of abstract weirdness to it.

Oh, and I'd place it in a zoo.

The main character, stuck behind bars, one day realizes that he is in fact a human and therefore shouldn't be held captive in form of an exhibition. But nobody believes him. The only thing that keeps him from insanity and reassures him that he needs to break free is that badge, that has a very normal name on it, a name you wouldn't give to an animal. Something like Brian, or Steve.
When he eventually manages to communicate with a gorilla in a neighboring cage, it turns out his name is Bob, and he has known about all this for a while now... But maybe if they work together, there is some way they can convince everyone there's been a mistake and they don't belong in a zoo?

Animals can get mental illnesses just like humans. This would be an interesting premise to explore that. Especially in a place like zoo, where they are surrounded by people, they can sometimes (perhaps) start thinking they are actually humans. Home pets do that, I'm sure. In fact, since it's really against nature to keep animals at home, most pets suffer from some bizzare dellusions...

Renodox · Sat 31/12/2011 05:32:03

That's not really what I was looking for. While I do want some rather exotic animals to be in it, this is a game that spans several areas. Even different reigons of the world.

The badge is sort of what holds the person's mind/soul. That is why when the badge is so important. When the badge is put on a new body, it transfers you into that body.

I want this to be a fresh new idea kind of game. Unfortunately, escape from captivity is kind of a common theme.

Thank you for the feedback though.

Ghost · Sat 31/12/2011 06:08:59

The idea is pretty cool, and there's popular african/native american myths revolving around that concept: People being able to turn into animals. Discworld uses it frequently too.

Swapping bodies as you describe it- to gain abilities that allow you to solve puzzles- has been done frequently, so I suggest you concentrate on the story: Where does the badge come from? How does the player see this ability: Blessing, curse? Does turning into an animal affect the players mind maybe, so that at a certain point he won't be able to change back? Is there one big goal to reach?

You got a concept that allows you a lot of freedom, and it would be fun to explore a few rooms in different animal bodies, I think.

Renodox · Sat 31/12/2011 07:31:36

Yes, there is a major goal to complete. The thing is that you're not caught up in a truly isolated incident. There are SEVERAL people who are in this trouble. Thing is: nobody know just WHY. SO while it is a goal to return to your normal self, you need to learn why is this happening and maybe even find a way to stop it.

What I'm looking for is a person who's good at writing stories for games to help me write one. No I don't intend for him or her to do all it alone, but I can't do it myself either.

Anian · Sat 31/12/2011 14:52:37

So wait...how does the world function? I mean is everybody turned into animals and is this like antropomorphic animals, what about the world outside the movie set?

Quote from: Grim on Sat 31/12/2011 04:30:25
Interesting... I think, for me it would only work if characters were presented as humans wearing some kind of really lame animal costumes with badges on them, instead of real-looking animals. That would add a great layer of abstract weirdness to it.

Oh, and I'd place it in a zoo.

The main character, stuck behind bars, one day realizes that he is in fact a human and therefore shouldn't be held captive in form of an exhibition. But nobody believes him. The only thing that keeps him from insanity and reassures him that he needs to break free is that badge, that has a very normal name on it, a name you wouldn't give to an animal. Something like Brian, or Steve.
When he eventually manages to communicate with a gorilla in a neighboring cage, it turns out his name is Bob, and he has known about all this for a while now... But maybe if they work together, there is some way they can convince everyone there's been a mistake and they don't belong in a zoo?

Animals can get mental illnesses just like humans. This would be an interesting premise to explore that. Especially in a place like zoo, where they are surrounded by people, they can sometimes (perhaps) start thinking they are actually humans. Home pets do that, I'm sure. In fact, since it's really against nature to keep animals at home, most pets suffer from some bizzare dellusions...

I like this, animal costumes, and other people visit them in the zoo, then there's some people who actually like to be animals and maybe start to forget they ever were humans (they start acting like animals, scratching, swinging from trees).
Then the plot could be either animals that think they're human or evil zookeeper who actually abducted them...they could even be children who got abducted and are slowly turned into animals - you have to save them before it's too late.
Or or or make even weirder and maybe slightly less original - kids don't get turned into animals but into cirkus freaks for a carnival and the evil ring master is doing it...there, now I've gone totally unoriginal and it wasn't even my intention.

Cyrus · Sat 31/12/2011 17:48:31

Quote from: Grim on Sat 31/12/2011 04:30:25
Interesting... I think, for me it would only work if characters were presented as humans wearing some kind of really lame animal costumes with badges on them, instead of real-looking animals. That would add a great layer of abstract weirdness to it.

I love that idea! But I agree with Renodox that there could be more to the plot than escaping from captivity. I also think this game can have really strange and absurdistic graphic style, maybe some combination of cartoony and realistic.

Icey · Sat 31/12/2011 18:13:02

How about make it were there is a lab were they test animal genes on human to see the end results. Then there is a break out in another part of the lab and when you notice that they didn't strap you in fully that's when you get up to try to see what's going on. It seems like one of the big muscled guy that they was experimenting on with a lion gene has became enraged and has started attacking the scientist. Some how you have been noticed and every now thinks you about to team up with the lion dude. It's up to you to escape this place and at times you may run into the lion dude who you may need to help cause her sick daughter is there somewhere in the research facility.

RickJ · Sat 31/12/2011 21:17:29

I think the people are all in some sort of comma. There is some sort of medical device strapped to their chests. It monitors their physical condition and provides physiological stimulus. The badges on their animal bodies is a metaphor for the medical device strapped to their human chest.

Their animal forms exist in a shared dreamscape. Apparently all the medical devices are interconnected making the shared dreamscape possible. It's not clear at this point if this is by design or by accident.

Removal of a badge symbolizes disconnection of the medical device. Although the device remains connected symbolically disconnecting it blocks it's physiological affects.

The animal forms are symbolic of the different personality traits of each individual (as in classic Greek philosophy, lions are brave, foxes are clever, chickens are chicken, etc). Without the physiological stimulation from the medical device there is distress, confusion, anxiety, etc. In this state different aspects of personality are able to emerge, personified by different animal forms.

So why are these people in a coma and connected to mysterious medical devices? I suppose you'll have to play the game to find out!

Icey · Sun 01/01/2012 00:29:03

So the people would be in a dream world were they become animals? if that's the case then have it were they are all hooked up to the same computer but are in different location depending on the animal type.

Also do I sense another swarm game in the works? nah, but it would be a cool idea.

Renodox · Sun 01/01/2012 04:47:29

PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE POSTING

I don't want it to be humans in animal costumes, it's not a transformation that reflects your heart and mind, it is not a dream, and it's not anthromorphic animals.

If you want any of these ideas for your own game then feel free to use it. I won't mind nor complain.

However, for my story the basis is: Someone has found a way to put a person's essence into a badge and has been placing them on different animals from around the world. When a badge containing someone's essence is placed on an animal that person's mind takes over the animal's body. Who ends up in what body seems to be random. The people are fully aware of what has happened to them: they know they were human and now they are trapped in an animal body. You are one of these people. However, due to a malfunction in your badge you are able to remove the badge and you can place it onto a different animal body and take on that form. You cannot change into any animal you want at will: some animals won't allow you to place the badge on them, and you can only turn into an animal that's in the immediate area.

While changing bodies is necessary in the game, there are several ways to complete a task depending on which body you inhabit.

Sometimes, it will be necessary to inhabit the body of an animal you may not want to be because of the "inconveniences" they face. I.E. If you must inhabit the body of a cow you must endure how it feels to be milked.

True sex will not occur in the game. You may have to deal with other animals being attracted to you but you never want to be with them.

The animal bodies will remain the same as any real animal in the world. This way, the badge cannot just be plucked off the body if he animal doesn't have hands.

You will have some urges that the real animal has which may be trouble for you and you have to fight it.

For the most part, your character sees the change as a curse, and starts to get used to it and learn the advantages of being able to take on other bodies in time. The ultimate goal to return to true form remains, however.

Until the game finally ends you cannot return to your true form.

Please stick to these criteria.

LetterAfterZ · Sat 14/01/2012 13:47:48

This concept reminds me a bit of the blue crystal (iirc) from Zac McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders.

It was an object you could use on any animal to essentially posess it.

For example you needed to become a bird in peru to fly into this ancient ruin, you could become a yak (in which your only command was chew cud), you could become your gold fish (swim left, swim right), I think a racoon or something as well.. can't remember what else.

Such a cool game...

But yeah, I think this concept sounds great ... what would happen if you stuck the badge on another human?

Tabata · Sat 14/01/2012 17:14:13

Sounds to me like there could be someone behind the scenes, who is reaching for power.
He found and hired a mad scientist, who is now testing his newest development.
Soldiers with this badges are very useful:
They can be set as a spy or weapon, whatever is needed to infiltrate and also to conquer (depends on the animal chosen).
There weren't voluntary for such a test and so they catched some people - like you/the player, who awakes in a body of an animal and has to find a way to escape.

Dualnames · Sat 14/01/2012 17:28:15

Hey Renodox!! Glad to see you around, again!!

LRH · Sat 14/01/2012 18:06:16

Neat idea, but I'd like to add something as the guy who has made many games about/based on/ featuring dreams. Many times your dream will seem very surreal and exciting in your memory, but when you put it into the form of a game, it can be very difficult to achieve the same emotions and surroundings found in your dream. I say plan all you can first.

Eggie · Sun 15/01/2012 05:29:05

It IS a neat idea. But yeah, as Domithan said, the main thing now is to plan out how exactly all the nuts and bolts of this idea fit together in a game.
An intuitive way of switching badges seems important, but don't be too explicit. The idea of figuring out on my own that I can possess these various animals and figure out how to use their abilities on my own is very appealing.

Renodox · Tue 17/01/2012 05:49:31

QuoteNeat idea, but I'd like to add something as the guy who has made many games about/based on/ featuring dreams. Many times your dream will seem very surreal and exciting in your memory, but when you put it into the form of a game, it can be very difficult to achieve the same emotions and surroundings found in your dream. I say plan all you can first.

That's why I'm looking for help. I tried to make a game myself a long ways back and I discovered that it's a heck of a lot harder to do than I had hoped. I eventually scrapped the idea on the basis that I would've been too ashamed to ever show my face on the net again if I put that up. I've done some research on the matter, learned a few things, and I concluded that before I do anything I need to make a story. A story that can have several paths (like a choose-your-own-adventure story) and is open enough to put some mechanics in it. As for the mood being the same as the dream, I know THAT'S not going to happen. I can't even use the exact same idea as the dream had (I would like to use a certain line from it but you'll have to ask about it before I say what it is). But, you've done some games: would you please help me out? Or do you know someone else who might?

Quote... what would happen if you stuck the badge on another human?

I haven't really thought of that. Right now, I would say that the badge could be transported by the other human but it would not take effect on the human. The concept of the badges being used on animals is like an episode of The New Batman Adventures: "Animal Act." The Mad Hatter figures out how to mind control animals from a distance (it seems like miles) but he claims that with humans it still requires proximity.

Essencially, it's the concept that human will and intelligence is more powerful than animals. So, since you are a human (in mind) your will is no stronger than that of a human's and therefore not strong enough to overcome a human's ego. Although, I could see a sequel where the tech is "perfected" and you can also switch with humans. I can even see the concept of such a thing being introduced in this game. It's a work in progress.

Renodox · Sat 04/02/2012 23:16:13

Okay, I've decided to start writing on my own. Here's the deal: I've gotten it to where you've been captured and are on a plane transporting you elsewhere along with a lot of other illegally captured animals. However, you find you are able to remove your badge. Thing is this: the animals are going to different continents of the world. Thinking about how a game can practically be made would you recommend that you can pick and choose which animal you switch with and go that that continent and play through the entire game there and what game you play depends on which animal you choose? Or would it be better that it's like a "Mega Man" game where you have to go to each continent to win but can decide what order you want? Or would it be better to not allow a choice of which continent you go to and just have the game have a primarily single solid story line?

Furthermore, I was wondering: would it be better to have a single unified game spanning all the lands you visit or would it be better to have a series of games focusing on each different land you visit?

Grim · Sat 04/02/2012 23:21:32

Just remembered what this idea reminded me of!

There's a song by Nine Inch Nails that goes like this ( and similar to my interpretation of your story... which you didn't like;) No mention of badges here but it sure strikes a familiar note) :

See the animal in his cage that you built?
Are you sure what side you're on?
Better not look him too closely in the eye...
Are you sure what side of the glass you're on?

See the safety of the life you have built?
Everything where it belongs...
Feel the hollowness inside of your heart
And it's all right where it belongs...

What if everything around you isn't quite what it seems?
What if all the world you think you know is an elaborate dream?
And if you look at your reflection, is that all you want to be?
What if you could look right through the cracks?
Would you find yourself... find yourself afraid to see?

LetterAfterZ · Sat 04/02/2012 23:33:37

I think that you will want to make all the continents playable, or else you're either going to end up with a really short game or A LOT of work to do.

Perhaps the character plays as every animal in whatever order before the finale?

Back on the badges on humans thing, I can see this as a really great final battle where the main character's human will and personality are battling against another human.

This could be either putting the badge on the villain to defeat him, or defending yourself from the villain wherein you actually slay/disable him when you win. (maybe his 'will' gets forced out, but has nowhere to go so it escapes - thus setting up the epilogue/sequel idea where he ends up in some other animal WITHOUT a badge. (either something brutally powerful or really pathetic, but either way something you encountered in your playthrough of the game so the player knows how brutal/pathetic it is).

As an example - the battle of wills thing could be won with a dialogue choice with several trees - the character could uncover certain emotional weaknesses about said villain as he plays through the game. Perhaps this a fight that can be initiated from early on, but only won if you've been to every continent to get the appropriate information.

Just a bit of brainstorming anyway...

LetterAfterZ · Sat 04/02/2012 23:40:12

EDIT:: Double post.

Pyke · Sun 05/02/2012 06:42:50

I think the ideas are a little too abstract to really make a convincing game. You would need a hell of a lot of exposition to explain the 'rules' of the world.

I would greatly simplify the idea, and turn what you currently have around. You play as the soul of a deceased man. You can inhabit the body of any creature you see by 'soul jumping' into it's body. The badges can come intomthe story in that Soul Jumping is a common occurrence in the world-the badges PREVENT a creatures body from being hijacked.

Your puzzles could involve things like tricking people to remove their badges and open themselves up. Hijack a security guards dry cleaner and sabotage his spare badge, allowing you to jump into him when he changes clothes. Follow a man home and jump his body when he takes a shower. Guard dogs would have badges on them, until you lure one into a swimming pool (inside the body of a wild cat) and short out the badge.

I need help developing a story.

Ghost