EDIT: 10-13-2010
The winner will be announced on Podcast17, this Saturday at 2PM - EDT.
What are Upgrades?
Upgrades are either abilities or equipment that enhance your character.
Why add Upgrades?
While traditionally, the attraction of The Rising MOD has always been about the moment-to-moment gameplay mechanics (fighting monsters, surviving, team play, etc), we wanted to add an upgrade system that would both add long-term goals and aid new players.
For new players struggling to survive, the more time they spend playing the mod, the more upgrades they can unlock. These upgrades can range from increased armor to increased weapon damage. Players can equip only 3 upgrades at a time.
Points are basically earned from round wins and enemy kills. For example, kill a monster and you will receive 2 points. Kill a human player and get 10. As you can see, the points are scaled to give monster players a big motivation to kill human players (which increases the MODs intensity) but also is low enough (2 points per monster kill) so that barricading yourself and camping to rack up points would most likely get you killed (since you'll run out of ammo) and it won't be worth it. In addition, if the monster team wins, each monster player is given 5 points. If the humans win the round, each living human is given 10 points (again, a big motivator to complete the objectives).
So the idea is that with a system like this, it will both give a big boost in motivation for both teams to succeed and give new struggling players something to look forward to.
Now here's where the community (i.e. you) comes in.
Below is our current list of "upgrades," check them out and give us your feedback. If you are feeling creative, reply with your own upgrade idea and you could be the lucky contributor chosen to receive a $30 steam game!
Rules:
1. Must be original.
2. Must follow the format below.
Note: Thumbing up or down a suggestion will not matter, i'll review each one regardless of popularity.
I will contact the winner via MODDB/Steam around October 15-17th.
Points Required to Unlock: 10
Name: Geiger Counter
Description: A device capable of detecting radioactive particles, useful against some classes of Necrotrophs (Juggernauts).
Dev Notes: This is a toggable ability that emits a sound when monsters are near. Affects code only.
Points Required to Unlock: 20
Name: Laser Sight Attachment
Description: A small laser-emitting device under the barrel of a firearm (usually parallel) to enhance targeting.
Dev Notes: Allows hip firing.
Points Required to Unlock: 30
Name: Thick Clothing
Description: A thicker leather jacket and pants allow for a greater resilience to clawed attacks, reducing the point at which bleeding occurs to 10HP instead of the default 25HP.
Dev Notes: A passive ability, this only affects code.
Points Required to Unlock: 40
Name: Flares
Description: Flares can be dropped as a light source to increase visibility in completely dark areas.
Dev Notes: Player is given infinite flares. Only 3 flares can be dropped at a time, if the player drops another, the first flare dropped will burn out.
Points Required to Unlock: 50
Name: Combat Sling
Description: A strap that both allows easier carry and doubles as a stabilizing harness for greater hit probability.
Dev Notes: Passive Ability, no sling model is shown, this just affects code: 40% less screen shake/recoil for primary weapons.
Points Required to Unlock: 60
Name: Ceramic Plate Inserts
Description: Ceramic Plates inserted into a ballistics vest allow for greater protection against puncture wounds and scratches. Armor capacity is increased to 200.
Dev Notes:
Points Required to Unlock: 70
Name: Flashlight Attachment
Description: A small flashlight that is mounted parallel to the barrel of a firearm for illuminating targets.
Dev Notes: Allows the use of a flashlight while equiped with a primary weapon. This upgrade cannot be used at the same time as the Bayonet or Laser Sight upgrade.
Points Required to Unlock: 80
Name: Bandolier
Description: An ammunition belt slung over the user's chest. Increases max primary ammo by 2x.
Dev Notes: Affects code only.
Points Required to Unlock: 90
Name: Bayonet/Combat Knife
Description: A dagger that is attached to the barrel of a two-handed weapon, effectively transforming it into a spear. When used, an operator can easily puncture any assailants -- instantly causing them to bleed. With single handed weapons, a Combat Knife is used.
Dev Notes: Increased melee damage and instant bleeding on contact. This upgrade cannot be used at the same time as the Flashlight or Laser upgrade.
Points Required to Unlock: 100
Name: Hydra-Shock JHP
Description: Hydra-Shock Jacketed Hollow Point rounds have a unique center-post design and notched jacket. Combined, these two features allow for greater expansion and penetration. Any targets shot will begin bleeding instantly.
Dev Notes: +10 damage when shot and instant bleeding.
Points Required to Unlock: 110
Name: Scavenger
Description: Due to countless body searches, you are able to detect hidden items most would overlook. Any Necro's killed by you will randomly drop an item.
Dev Notes:
Here is another poll that would help us out. Please answer this one, too.
Speed Increase
40 points
Increases speed by 2%(random number)
or
Stamina Increase(idk if there is stamina)
40 points
Increases stamina.
Yes players do have stamina. Everything from walking, sprinting, and melee attacking affects it.
Points Required to Unlock: 60
Name: Armor/Vest Pickup
Description: Increase Armor, or allows you to take more damage.
didn't read the ones above, I see one that's similiar
Quite fun to think of lols.
some suggestions for upgrades.
mounted shotgun(MG's only)
flaming rounds (temp light up enemies and props)
grenade launcher (might break balance though)
taped clip (second clip taped to normal clip doubling reload ever other reload)
grenade belt
range gauge (increases accuracy over range)
tell me if any of these are good.
elaborating on ideas
mounted shotgun:
a small shotgun loaded with 2 rounds (none reload-able) that is to be used as a last resort
flaming rounds:
ammunition will have a random chance of lighting enemies and props on fire when they hit.
grenade launcher:
A single none reload-able grenade that can wipe out a packed group
tapped clips:
will can't say much for this one
grenade belt:
allows carrying of more grenades (i don't even know if this mod will have them)
range gauge:
increases accuracy over a large range with projectile based weapons( once again I don't know if this game has any.)
Explosive Ammo
100 points
Bullets that explode on impact.
you could do a million of these types of upgrades
That instantly reminded me of L4D (not a good thing).
I originally had am FMJ upgrade where there was 0% knock back but it dealt more damage. Not sure if that should be included.
I'm just going to put a list
any attachments would work(grenade launchers, silencers, etc..)
Silence(could have a better name) - undetectable by monsters
heat seeker - heat seeking goggles, could help either side, idk if monsters already have this ability, explains upgrade above^
Fast hands - decreases time it takes to reload
wow there's so many you could do. I give up.
here's an idea
HAZMAT suit:
makes the player immune to none direct damage like radiation. (if there is any)Replaces players model with that of a hazmat suit.
Try not to create more work for us :(
sorry just think it would be cool that's all and all you would have to do is remodel the HEV suit and add a player skin. of course I don't know how much work that is and that's not counting the coding it would take.
Frenzy - player is immune to damage for a short amount of time
(Can only be used when under a certain amount of health, and decreases speed/stamina)
around 100-120 points
Interesting... finally not something from Modern Warfare 2 or L4D
tanks :D
btw I've never played MW2, and I didn't know they had perks in l4d XP
Try to come up with a realistic reason for why that would happen.
how about adrenaline.
how about the monsters give of a rage inducing chemical. That with this ability people can control. (a shot or something.)
Yea, a shot, like adrenaline....
@warbrand2: That seems really far fetched.
Adrenaline sounds like a good idea. In movies they usually give them a shot of adrenaline when they're hurt in battle. Which would make the "can only be used when below X health." thing reasonable.
NAME: Night Vision Goggles
POINTS: You guys can choose to help make it a harder to get upgrade for players that really work hard to get it, similar to prestige in COD, when someone has it, players KNOW they are skilled.
DESCRIPTION: Night vision goggles, light up the darkness . Pros: light up dark (maybe outline monsters with a green outline? Or maybe a thermal lens?) Cons: the lens glow, making the monsters easier to spot you, as well as (maybe) when you take them off your eyes adjust to the light change (just a short blur effect).
Cheers!
Interesting, too. Not too code/content heavy and it's also useful. I like it. Keep them coming people!
Not quite as good of one but thought Id submit it anyways, you can use it if you like.
NAME: red flashlight
POINTS: maybe 10 or 20?
DESCRIPTION: A red filter for your flashlight
PROS: lights up dark, monsters cant see it though(or at least not as well) so its easier for you to hide and not be detected
CONS: Cant see as well a normal flashlight, sacrificing quality of light for concealment
DEV NOTES: I believe hunters use them to not be seen by animals, and i think Ive seen SWAT or Military use it because humans cant see it as well
No Humans can't see really GREEN lights. Hunters use RED light cause animals can't really see it.
Well one of those colors would work, I dont know about the lore of the necromorphs so it's be up to the team if they even wanted to use it...
Radio - allows the player to share the location of monsters to other players
(Can only be used once per round, location of monster(s) is only shown for a short amount of time)
You can spot monsters already (well not now but you will be able to).
Dead mans bomb
points: 50
description: your body turns in to a biological proximity mine on death. (c4 with a heat sensor)
weapon mod
points (???)
description: modifies the weapons internal mechanism allowing you to chose if the weapon is auto, semi auto, or burst fire. Modded weapons have an increased chance of jamming.
Notes: just needs coding.
uses: making a MG fire single accurate rounds
making a pistol fie bursts or in auto
making a shotgun OPed aka automatic (would really increase the chance of jamming on a shotgun.
The second one is interesting.
As you can tell by my post I would have some problems with it aka auto shotgun. How would you balance that? make it jam more like suggested or something else?
Screech - will confuse or disorient surrounding enemies
(has a cooldown, or can only be used after so much time after previous.)
That's an ability the monsters already have (these upgrades are meant for humans).
wow lols..
Under Distress - when under a certain amount of health, speed is increase by 5%(random number)
Necro Ideas (for when you start them)
scales
points: 50
description: decreases melee damage by 50% and bullet damage by 10%
burning blood
points 50
description: you bleed you catch on fire (fire deals very low damage to you) increasing your damage by 5%
basic memory
points: 75
description: can use side arms but not reload. (and some other things don't know what necros can do right now)
bone spurs
points (???)
description: allows you to climb walls for better ambushes.
pheromones
points (???)
description: strong pheromones make other necros near by faster and stronger.
We did necro ideas awhile ago, that's how the screaming stuff got into the game. Come up with a really good upgrade and that could go into the game next :p
I think you guys copied me, then claimed it as your own.
:D
Or maybe vice versa O_o ?
Claw Clippings - allows a higher attack range for monsters, and increases damage for humans.
Natural Instinct - ability to sense nearby enemies
dev notes: maybe a flashing icon
Money Bags - places a necklace on players with a big money symbol
My FAVE SO FAR:
Cannibalism - allows humans or monsters to consume dead bodies to increase health.
Cannibalism - allows humans or monsters to consume dead bodies to increase health.
Like or Dislike?
Sounds good for necros but for humans... I don't think we'd eat radioactive monsters or rotting human flesh. (atleast I wouldn't) I think we would lose health rather than gain health from that. But it still sounds like a good idea for necros
Here's two closely related Resistance upgrades for your consideration.
Points Required To Unlock: 25
Name: Extra Awareness
Description: A Human player with this upgrade will receive a small text notification when he or any team member is being looked at by a Necro.
Points Required To Unlock: 50
Name: Extreme Awareness
Description: This upgrade gives the Human player the effects of Extra Awareness. In addition, this player will be notified when any of his/her team mates are being attacked or adversely affected (stunned, etc) by a Necro.
sounds like complicated coding (when being looked at.)
Interesting... I would keep developing it. How about "Sixth Sense"? Maybe when you have been spotted by a monster you are alerted? Because we do plan on implementing a spotting feature so it would just piggy-back on that code.
-snip-
Don't know how this ended up up here
Points Required to Unlock: 25
Name: Sixth Sense
Description: A player with Sixth Sense is alerted when he or a team mate of his is spotted by a Necro.
Points Required to Unlock: 50
Name: Paranoia Pulse
Description: A player with Paranoia Pulse is alerted when he or a team mate of his is spotted, attacked, stunned, silenced, or killed by a Necro.
Points Required to Unlock: 75
Name: Perfect Perception
Description: A player with Perfect Perception has all the effects of Paranoia Pulse. In addition, a player with Perfect Perception essentially has full vision of the stats of all his team mates, complete with ammo counts, health counts, and adverse effect (bleeding, stunned, poisoned, etc) status.
Dev notes: Sixth Sense and Paranoia Pulse should be represented with non-textual indicators such as tiny red icons floating over an affected player's head (such as an eye for "spotted", a claw for "attacked", an exclamation point for "stunned", etc) that can be seen through walls. Perfect Perception should utilize a fully functioning HUD alongside these icons, and mousing over a team mate should bring up the stats for that player in small and non-dominating text.
have you ever moused over your HUD? I sure havent.
i'm talking about when you aim at a team mate, aka mouse over.
Points Required to Unlock: 65
Name: Duck-Taped Baseball Helmet
Description: Securely sound duck-taped baseball helmet, blocks some sound and gives partial defence to head related attacks. (Gah, I wanted to had some sort of "secondary" effect of the helm. Hp or armor seemed a bit silly, but there could be no head related attacks.)
Dev Notes: 30% Less effectiveness of sound and head related attacks, 10% less audio-sound from enemies and teammates.
Basically gives some defense against sound and head related attacks , but you can't hear team/enemies as well without it.
it'll have to alter the eq of general sound as players can just turn their speakers up
I guess, maybe the sounds would be a bit slower, or even muffled when there is a lot going on. Maybe 100% Deafness *including mic* When your attacked by the sound, but don't take damage.