diff --git a/design/design-document.svg b/design/design-document.svg index 91f41fa..ea79e93 100644 --- a/design/design-document.svg +++ b/design/design-document.svg @@ -24,10 +24,11 @@ inkscape:deskcolor="#d1d1d1" inkscape:document-units="mm" inkscape:zoom="0.845329" - inkscape:cx="7581.6634" - inkscape:cy="458.99289" + inkscape:cx="5903.0271" + inkscape:cy="437.6994" inkscape:current-layer="layer1" - showgrid="false"> + showgrid="false" + inkscape:export-bgcolor="#ffffffff"> + bleed="0" + inkscape:export-filename="../../../../Downloads/design-document.pdf" + inkscape:export-xdpi="96" + inkscape:export-ydpi="96" /> Modern civilisation has been wiped out. Most methods of long-distance communication have been destroyed or become unavailable. Factories have Modern civilisation has been wiped out. Most methods of long-distance communication have been destroyed or become unavailable. Factories have stopped running, and there is no government to take the lead. Those that remain have formed communes and towns in the ruins. + id="tspan4">stopped running, and there is no government to take the lead. Those that remain have formed communes and towns in the ruins. + id="tspan6"> In this particular city, people survived by sheltering in the underground subways. Now, several years after the end, they've become braver, and In this particular city, people survived by sheltering in the underground subways. Now, several years after the end, they've become braver, and started rebuilding. Their first order of business: reconnect the stations. By enabling the flow of resources and people between the various groups, started rebuilding. Their first order of business: reconnect the stations. By enabling the flow of resources and people between the various groups, they hope to improve the chances survivors have of making it through the end. + id="tspan24">they hope to improve the chances survivors have of making it through the end. + id="tspan26"> Player:Player: + id="tspan29"> A "combat railway engineer" who can maintain, drive, and repair trains and railway materiel. Because of the dangers lurking in the underground, A "combat railway engineer" who can maintain, drive, and repair trains and railway materiel. Because of the dangers lurking in the underground, these engineers are supported and trained as and by military personell. + id="tspan38">these engineers are supported and trained as and by military personell. + id="tspan40"> Objectives:Objectives: + id="tspan43"> The re-opening of the underground has various obstacles. The combat railway engineers are tasked with solving these. No matter what kind. The re-opening of the underground has various obstacles. The combat railway engineers are tasked with solving these. No matter what kind. Obstacles include: monsters in the tunnels, trains broken down, no trains available on a given line, broken rails, broken signals, and many more. Obstacles include: monsters in the tunnels, trains broken down, no trains available on a given line, broken rails, broken signals, and many more. Solving these problems will always require some combination of on-site problem solving and combat against the creatures that have spilled in from Solving these problems will always require some combination of on-site problem solving and combat against the creatures that have spilled in from the city surface. + id="tspan51">the city surface. + id="tspan53"> Resources:Resources: + id="tspan56"> Railway engineers and soldiers need extensive training, when one goes KIA that means one less person to fight in the next operation. Since the Railway engineers and soldiers need extensive training, when one goes KIA that means one less person to fight in the next operation. Since the apocalypse, weapons and spare parts are in short supply, the player will have to decide where to use what. + id="tspan60">apocalypse, weapons and spare parts are in short supply, the player will have to decide where to use what. + id="tspan62"> Mechanics:Mechanics: + id="tspan65"> Engineers are sent into the tunnels in squads, they'll have to communicate well and manage risks. The player and squad-members will each be Engineers are sent into the tunnels in squads, they'll have to communicate well and manage risks. The player and squad-members will each be carrying different tools, parts, and weapons. The player can shoot, and interact with things themselves, or order AI teammates to do those things carrying different tools, parts, and weapons. The player can shoot, and interact with things themselves, or order AI teammates to do those things instead, as long as the teammate has the right tools. + id="tspan71">instead, as long as the teammate has the right tools. + id="tspan73"> Dynamics:Dynamics: + id="tspan76"> During missions, the player will have to manage their time and resources well. You don't want to run out of ammunition while in the tunnels. This During missions, the player will have to manage their time and resources well. You don't want to run out of ammunition while in the tunnels. This means that the player will have to decide which teammember is the best fit for any given task. Whether to it themselves or to order someone else. means that the player will have to decide which teammember is the best fit for any given task. Whether to it themselves or to order someone else. Who can be missed, who has the right tools. Who has the right skills. + id="tspan82">Who can be missed, who has the right tools. Who has the right skills. + id="tspan84"> Conflict: + id="tspan86">Conflict: In the tunnels, there are many obstacles for the trains to start or continue running. There may be monsters, broken trains, broken rails, signals, or In the tunnels, there are many obstacles for the trains to start or continue running. There may be monsters, broken trains, broken rails, signals, or perhaps there are people who pull heists that need to be stopped. + id="tspan90">perhaps there are people who pull heists that need to be stopped. + id="tspan92"> Boundaries: + id="tspan94">Boundaries: The player is limited in their ability to explore the tunnels by resources and damage output. Deeper into the network the danger increases. And any The player is limited in their ability to explore the tunnels by resources and damage output. Deeper into the network the danger increases. And any lost team members are lost forever. + id="tspan98">lost team members are lost forever. + id="tspan100"> Outcome: + id="tspan102">Outcome: The player's team will be able to open up new routes, expanding the reach of the railway, as well as being able to find new recruits at newly The player's team will be able to open up new routes, expanding the reach of the railway, as well as being able to find new recruits at newly connected settlements. If the player dies in a tunnel, they will wake up at the nearest station, having been rescued. The tunnel they were in will connected settlements. If the player dies in a tunnel, they will wake up at the nearest station, having been rescued. The tunnel they were in will have been weakened and they will be able to retry. Though their own resources will have been lessened as well. + id="tspan113">have been weakened and they will be able to retry. Though their own resources will have been lessened as well. Mechanics + id="tspan115">Mechanics + id="tspan117"> The metro + id="tspan119">The metro As the metro expands, and trains start running, the player will have to navigate it. As the metro expands, and trains start running, the player will have to navigate it. Using a railway map annotated with connected, discovered, and unavailable Using a railway map annotated with connected, discovered, and unavailable tunnels and stations. The player can fast travel only along active lines. + id="tspan125">tunnels and stations. The player can fast travel only along active lines. + id="tspan127"> While travelling on the 'outer' lines (those close to not-yet-cleared tunnels). The While travelling on the 'outer' lines (those close to not-yet-cleared tunnels). The train may be attacked by monsters. + id="tspan131">train may be attacked by monsters. + id="tspan133"> Combat + id="tspan135">Combat The player and team are equipped with small arms and optionally explosives. The player and team are equipped with small arms and optionally explosives. Combat is on the slow side, with moving forward being dangerous and ill-Combat is on the slow side, with moving forward being dangerous and ill-adviced. The player use stations, side-tunnels and engineering tunnels to their adviced. The player use stations, side-tunnels and engineering tunnels to their advantage to take up a position. The players can use scarce consumable advantage to take up a position. The players can use scarce consumable equipment to create opportunities from such positions. + id="tspan145">equipment to create opportunities from such positions. + id="tspan147"> Excursions + id="tspan149">Excursions When moving into new territory, the player will first have to find out what might When moving into new territory, the player will first have to find out what might stop the trains from running through there. To do this, an engineering vehicle can stop the trains from running through there. To do this, an engineering vehicle can be taken into the tunnel to serve as a base of operations. The player will have to be taken into the tunnel to serve as a base of operations. The player will have to clear obstacles stopping the engineering vehicle from advancing. + id="tspan157">clear obstacles stopping the engineering vehicle from advancing. Dynamics + id="tspan159">Dynamics + id="tspan160"> The player will have to become familiar with the metro system. Always keeping The player will have to become familiar with the metro system. Always keeping track of where the active lines, outer lines and edge stations are. + id="tspan163">track of where the active lines, outer lines and edge stations are. + id="tspan164"> The player's ability to navigate the metro quickly is vital to their ability to both The player's ability to navigate the metro quickly is vital to their ability to both expand the network, and respond to incidents quickly. + id="tspan166">expand the network, and respond to incidents quickly. + id="tspan167"> Excursions are fights of endurance, monsters will be more numerous, and the Excursions are fights of endurance, monsters will be more numerous, and the advance slow. The engineering vehicle enables regular resupplies and allows the advance slow. The engineering vehicle enables regular resupplies and allows the player to specialize their squard more by letting them switch equipment more often. + id="tspan170">player to specialize their squard more by letting them switch equipment more often. + id="tspan177"> Scouting encourages speed and minimizing combat. Once trains have been brought Scouting encourages speed and minimizing combat. Once trains have been brought to the closest active station, the player will be able to prepare an excursion to clear to the closest active station, the player will be able to prepare an excursion to clear out the tunnel. Equipment for these missions will have to be general, as it is out the tunnel. Equipment for these missions will have to be general, as it is unknown what kinds of challenges may block the player's advance, with no way of unknown what kinds of challenges may block the player's advance, with no way of swapping equipment midway through. + id="tspan185">swapping equipment midway through. + id="tspan186"> By limiting outpost range based on transfers, the player is encouraged to place By limiting outpost range based on transfers, the player is encouraged to place them at intersections and transfers. Simultaneously the player will want to place them at intersections and transfers. Simultaneously the player will want to place them close to service stations (where the engineering train can stop). This tension them close to service stations (where the engineering train can stop). This tension can be exploited through level design. + id="tspan190">can be exploited through level design. + id="tspan191"> Early on, incidents will force the player to spread their own attention around. When Early on, incidents will force the player to spread their own attention around. When the player gains the ability to place more outposts, they will have to focus less of the player gains the ability to place more outposts, they will have to focus less of their own attention to this. Moving it from a micro task to a macro task. + id="tspan194">their own attention to this. Moving it from a micro task to a macro task. Such as broken rails or monsters. When some waypoint is reached (such as a station) the regular train's line extends. Allowing fast travel from other Such as broken rails or monsters. When some waypoint is reached (such as a station) the regular train's line extends. Allowing fast travel from other stations on the same line to that station. + id="tspan197">stations on the same line to that station. + id="tspan198"> Scouting + id="tspan199">Scouting When a new line is discovered, often the trains are not available. The player will then have to go into the tunnels on-foot to find a service station, When a new line is discovered, often the trains are not available. The player will then have to go into the tunnels on-foot to find a service station, repair a train there, and bring it back to an 'active' station. + id="tspan201">repair a train there, and bring it back to an 'active' station. + id="tspan202"> Incidents + id="tspan203">Incidents On the 'outer' lines, incidents can occur. Forcing a certain line out of service until the player can restore it. If the player cannot restore it, the line may On the 'outer' lines, incidents can occur. Forcing a certain line out of service until the player can restore it. If the player cannot restore it, the line may be lost again. + id="tspan205">be lost again. + id="tspan206"> Outposts + id="tspan207">Outposts Each line can have one outpost. The player can pick which station to put it on. An outpost's range is defined in number of transfers. An outpost can Each line can have one outpost. The player can pick which station to put it on. An outpost's range is defined in number of transfers. An outpost can respond to incidents within it's range. Outposts are also where the player can find new recruits. + id="tspan210">respond to incidents within it's range. Outposts are also where the player can find new recruits. + id="tspan212"> Engineering train + id="tspan213">Engineering train The train used for excursions. This can be driven by the player and will always be given right of way by other trains on the network. The player can The train used for excursions. This can be driven by the player and will always be given right of way by other trains on the network. The player can equip it and store materials in it. The engineering train can only be exited while stopped in un-cleared tunnels and service stations. + id="tspan220">equip it and store materials in it. The engineering train can only be exited while stopped in un-cleared tunnels and service stations. + id="tspan221"> Repair crews and trains + id="tspan222">Repair crews and trains Some places on the network are so severely damaged that the player's squad cannot fix it. To fix these the player gains the ability to dispatch repair Some places on the network are so severely damaged that the player's squad cannot fix it. To fix these the player gains the ability to dispatch repair crews to certain locations to repair extreme damage. These trains will however interupt service on the line they're repairing for a while. + id="tspan224">crews to certain locations to repair extreme damage. These trains will however interupt service on the line they're repairing for a while. Resources + id="tspan225">Resources + id="tspan226"> + id="tspan228"> + id="tspan230"> + id="tspan231"> + id="tspan232"> + id="tspan234"> + id="tspan239"> + id="tspan240"> + id="tspan243"> The number of different resource types the player has to manage increase over the course of the game. + id="tspan244">The number of different resource types the player has to manage increase over the course of the game. + id="tspan245"> To begin with, the player has to manage their squad's health (and consumables) and ammunition for various weapons. This includes having to To begin with, the player has to manage their squad's health (and consumables) and ammunition for various weapons. This includes having to manage squad members when they are injured or die. + id="tspan247">manage squad members when they are injured or die. + id="tspan248"> Next the player will gain the ability to assign engineers to outposts. The engineer's skills will impact how many recruits the outpost attracts, how Next the player will gain the ability to assign engineers to outposts. The engineer's skills will impact how many recruits the outpost attracts, how well trained they will be when they join, the range of the outpost, and the response speed. + id="tspan250">well trained they will be when they join, the range of the outpost, and the response speed. + id="tspan251"> While expanding, the player will come across a service station with maintainance trains. Which the player will then be able to assign to clear rubble While expanding, the player will come across a service station with maintainance trains. Which the player will then be able to assign to clear rubble and repair more extensive damage to the metro's systems. + id="tspan253">and repair more extensive damage to the metro's systems. + id="tspan254"> The player's primary method of acquiring new equipment and resources is through scrapping and crafting. The player can scrap specific parts from The player's primary method of acquiring new equipment and resources is through scrapping and crafting. The player can scrap specific parts from broken items, and if they can find the right parts they can combine them into some new item. The items are specific to the level of "assault rifle broken items, and if they can find the right parts they can combine them into some new item. The items are specific to the level of "assault rifle firing mechanism". So not "AK47 firing mechanism" nor "gun part". + id="tspan257">firing mechanism". So not "AK47 firing mechanism" nor "gun part". + id="tspan258"> Trains will inevitably break down. And without a consistent source of replacement parts, the player will have to venture into the tunnels to find Trains will inevitably break down. And without a consistent source of replacement parts, the player will have to venture into the tunnels to find them instead. + id="tspan260">them instead. + id="tspan261"> List of resources: + id="tspan262">List of resources: - Health and ammo: these are mainly important for on-the-ground combat. They are both ticking down to an excursion's failure. + id="tspan263">- Health and ammo: these are mainly important for on-the-ground combat. They are both ticking down to an excursion's failure. - People: this is the big one the player needs to balance. Assigning engineers to increasingly varied posts. + id="tspan264">- People: this is the big one the player needs to balance. Assigning engineers to increasingly varied posts. - Maintainance trains: these will be in short supply, only ever ticking up to at most 3 in late game. + id="tspan265">- Maintainance trains: these will be in short supply, only ever ticking up to at most 3 in late game. - Regular trains: these will be unlocked shortly after finding a new line (see: scouting) + id="tspan266">- Regular trains: these will be unlocked shortly after finding a new line (see: scouting) - Weapon/Equipment parts. + id="tspan267">- Weapon/Equipment parts. - Train repair parts. + id="tspan268">- Train repair parts. Objectives + id="tspan269">Objectives + id="tspan270"> The player's and settlement's resources are always running out. And there's no way of producing more at the rate required for self-The player's and settlement's resources are always running out. And there's no way of producing more at the rate required for self-sustainability. The player needs to expand the network to survive. But as the network grows, the resource pressure grows as well. + id="tspan272">sustainability. The player needs to expand the network to survive. But as the network grows, the resource pressure grows as well. + id="tspan273"> To get more resources, the player will have to explore the tunnels and increase the number of stations connected. The player can also go into To get more resources, the player will have to explore the tunnels and increase the number of stations connected. The player can also go into "dark zones" areas of the network that cannot be connected to the main network due to large caveins and failed tracks. These areas will be "dark zones" areas of the network that cannot be connected to the main network due to large caveins and failed tracks. These areas will be more dangerous, but also have more resources. + id="tspan276">more dangerous, but also have more resources. + id="tspan277"> + id="tspan278"> Conflict + id="tspan279">Conflict + id="tspan280"> In the tunnels, managing resources is vital. The primary danger to those living there is running out of vital supplies like food, medicine, and In the tunnels, managing resources is vital. The primary danger to those living there is running out of vital supplies like food, medicine, and water. Without trains to run the metro, or tracks to carry them, the people of the metro are left with dwindling supplies and no fast way of water. Without trains to run the metro, or tracks to carry them, the people of the metro are left with dwindling supplies and no fast way of replenishing them. + id="tspan283">replenishing them. + id="tspan284"> Repairing the tracks is dangerous work, even just transporting replacement parts can bring unwanted attention. Attacks are common, and Repairing the tracks is dangerous work, even just transporting replacement parts can bring unwanted attention. Attacks are common, and repairing one line requires an extended battle of attrition to get to all the broken parts of the railway and repair them. + id="tspan286">repairing one line requires an extended battle of attrition to get to all the broken parts of the railway and repair them. + id="tspan287"> Some parts of the railway are rendered permanently inaccessible. This is where the most danger, and the majority of the remaining resources, Some parts of the railway are rendered permanently inaccessible. This is where the most danger, and the majority of the remaining resources, can be found. Because these parts of the metro are difficult to get to, very few people have managed to get into them yet, and thus a lot of can be found. Because these parts of the metro are difficult to get to, very few people have managed to get into them yet, and thus a lot of materials are left ungathered. This is also where it may be possible to find spare train parts, as the trains there are of no use to the metro materials are left ungathered. This is also where it may be possible to find spare train parts, as the trains there are of no use to the metro without connections. + id="tspan291">without connections. Core Ideas and Pillars + id="tspan292">Core Ideas and Pillars + id="tspan294"> + id="tspan296">Collectively making something from the scraps ... + id="tspan298"> Of a broken world, of the metro, of society, etc. Collectively making something from the scraps ... + id="tspan302"> Of a broken world, of the metro, of society, etc. + id="tspan304">This phrase should be the driving force. People working together to build something new from what remains in the metro. + id="tspan306"> This phrase should be the driving force. People working together to build something new from what remains in the metro. + id="tspan308">Everyone working together to survive + id="tspan310">This means no economy, no human enemies. In general, all humans should be trying to help eachother survive. Everyone working together to survive -It does not mean there can't be distrust or conflict between humans, but it does mean that those should be storylines that can be resolved with This means no economy, no human enemies. In general, all humans should be trying to help eachother survive. + id="tspan314">collaboration and gaining trust It does not mean there can't be distrust or conflict between humans, but it does mean that those should be storylines that can be resolved with In gameplay it means that fucking people over can *never* be the optimal solution to a problem. +collaboration and gaining trust + id="tspan318"> In gameplay it means that fucking people over can *never* be the optimal solution to a problem. + id="tspan320">Something new -Not just a return to form, but an attempt at something new. In early stages, when the player and people of the metro are not yet "safe" this should still Something new + id="tspan324">be far off. But it should be the "end goal" of the game, to not just repair what was lost, but make something new. Not just a return to form, but an attempt at something new. In early stages, when the player and people of the metro are not yet "safe" this should still +be far off. But it should be the "end goal" of the game, to not just repair what was lost, but make something new. + id="tspan328">Anarchy -The aftermath of the apocalypse has no government, only a shared will to survive. The player will be a leader of sorts, but not in any official fashion. Anarchy + id="tspan332">The player character is a respected expert who's opinion is valued enough to let them make calls on the organization of the metro. The aftermath of the apocalypse has no government, only a shared will to survive. The player will be a leader of sorts, but not in any official fashion. +The player character is a respected expert who's opinion is valued enough to let them make calls on the organization of the metro. + id="tspan336">ludonarative progression -ludonarative progression -Surviving off what is left -> Repairing -> Rebuilding -> Trying the same thing in a changed environment fails -> Making something new + id="tspan338">Surviving off what is left -> Repairing -> Rebuilding -> Trying the same thing in a changed environment fails -> Making something new Team member personality + id="tspan340">Team member personality Engineers have their own personalities that inform their behaviour in combat situations. This informs how they react to stress, and how they Engineers have their own personalities that inform their behaviour in combat situations. This informs how they react to stress, and how they approach combat situations. + id="tspan342">approach combat situations. + id="tspan343"> Team member skills + id="tspan344">Team member skills Some engineers are more adept at certain tasks than others. This might impact things like accuracy with a weapon type. + id="tspan345">Some engineers are more adept at certain tasks than others. This might impact things like accuracy with a weapon type. + id="tspan346"> Team member tension/stress + id="tspan347">Team member tension/stress As a combat situation worsens your team will become more stressed. Different engineers will react to stress in different ways according to their As a combat situation worsens your team will become more stressed. Different engineers will react to stress in different ways according to their personality. + id="tspan349">personality.