Opinions for Metal Storm - FFVTTR version

[wickerman]

Hey all,

As I get closer to actual scripting and level building on the FFVTTR version of Metal Storm - MS2 if you will - I have to make a decision as to the direction it will take.

So... here is your chance to throw in your 2 cents (or monetary equivalent if you live outside the US!)..

All of the following options are on the table - I am considering them all with equal weight at the moment and any of your opinions would be welcome.  Should I:

1) Pick up immediately after the last ff1 mission ends.
        a) This would retain story continuity.
        b) This would handicap anyone who never played ff1 version
        c) Some of the characters would change powers/attributes and therefore be different (in some cases quite) due to the game shift
       

2) Remake all of the first 10 missions for FFVTTR
         a)This would preserve the story in its entirety.
         b) This would benefit those who have never played MS1.
         c) This would take a LONG time.
         d) Returning players would have nothing 'new' to play until 9-10 missions in.

3) Start a NEW story and mod with the same characters/villains possibly after the events of ff1 MS have resolved..
          a) Levels the playing field for everyone.
          b) No worries about character continuity (different powers/attributes etc)
          c) Leaves MS 1 unfinished.
          d) Might confuse some folks who played the first.

4) Finish my Daredevil mod and leave MS alone.
           a) this really isn't an option. 
           b) I mean it.
           c) I'm screwing with you.

5) Finish MS 1 on ff1 first and then worry about FFVTTR version.
           a) preserves storyline and continuity of characters
           b) wraps up the first mod - no loose ends.
           c) Means a long wait for MS2
           d) FF1 is only played by a few folks these days.



Anyway, any opinions would be welcome.  I will make up my mind int he next few days and start to work on it all so if you have something to say - fire away!

[catwhowalksbyhimself]

I'd go with 2 or 5.

Really, I think it's better with the story all together.

This does, however, have me curious if save files could be compatible between the two games.  It would be an interesting experiment.  Probably not, but that would get around the problem with 1.

Anyways, remaking the mod for FFvTTR may be getting easier.  M25's hero file to dat converter makes transferring the characters between games fairly simple, many maps can be converted, although that would take a bit of time, and the Python for the missions themselves should take very little tweaking.

Still, I can see a lot of reasons to go with option 5.

[Lunarman]

I'd got with 3.
Unless you've got the continuation of the story burning to get out it's better to start a new one.

Same villains, same heroes but a new story is my vote!

[Epimethee]

Personally, option 1 with an intro cutscene recapping what has gone before would seems okay. Or maybe do a couple of the missions from the first mod, plus cutscene to resume the missing ones.

[vamp]

I like option 3. It may be possible to combine option 3 and 5. Finish the last two missions for ffvttr, have a big cutscene telling the amount of time that passed, and continue with new missions. This may take quite awhile though.

[Peerless1]

Well, I like option 4.  (Just screwing with you.)

Actually, I don't see the need to do all the extra work (lazy me?).  I say, pick up where it left off, maybe with a cutscene for those who don't play  :ff: , and continue.  Those who played  :ff: Metalstorm will know, and those who haven't -- will want to.  *evil laugh*
I think during my next hiatus, I will have to teach myself how to use  :ffvstr: tools.  That way I won't be so far behind the ball, so to speak.

What ever you, decide, I look forward to a new installment (again).

:thumbup:

[murs47]

I'd say option 3 as well.

[Carravaggio]

yeah i say go with 3. as much as having a full story on FFVSTTR would be cool, it is a lot of work for you, even with EZScript.
Start a new one MS on the second FF. people can jump on and catch up on the back story if they want on FR. think of it as a new arc of a comic. you dont always know ALL the facts and events that preceded the story you are reading, but can still enjoy the new arc. and people who have been fans for the entire run can get that bit extra out of it, cos they know the history.

[The Phantom Eyebrow]

I say go for 1 or 3.  While it would be cool to see the original missions switched to FFv3R, it would be a lot of work for you basically rehashing what you did.  If you need to set the story, this can be done in the opening cutscene and throughout the story.

[wickerman]

Having really considered everyone's opinions - and I thank you all - I really can;t see myself remaking the first 10 or so missions.  I can;t imagine I would enjoy it - and let;s face it if it is a chore for me it will probably take me forever.

I think I'll go w/ option 3 and use the characters in a new story.  I will figure a way to wrap up the FF1 stuff and tie it in with minimal head scratching and strangeness, but I really think with the new powers, game engine and FFX3, it would be best not to try to just jump into mission 12 (or whatever) with everything different than it was. 

I have been spending my time using M25s fantastic new tool for writing characters to the dats, so that much is pretty well finished...  After the U.S. July 4th holiday, I'll set to building missions and scripting and we'll see where we end up...


Any suggestions are always welcome - now is the time before I have to change something I already did!!