I'm here to start giving the TIG forums a go at generating discussion/dialogue about our game, Project Helix currently in development.
Here's a picture to start the thread, but there's ton more stuff on our actual devlog
herein case you missed it: blog.graduategames.com I would call Project: Helix a 2D shooter adventure platforming game – think Contra + Super Metroid + Castlevania + Halo. I realized that may sound confusing, so I thought I would take a few moments to layout how it shares characteristics with all of the games above (and Mass Effect):
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Super Metroid – this SNES platformer is considered one of the best games ever…and I tend to agree. Our game borrows heavily from the core gameplay in Metroid. You will start out the game with limited weapons and upgrades and as you explore you will find new upgrades (or money and loot to purchase such upgrades) which will open up new areas to explore.
Contra – Unlike Metroid, weaponry + ammunition will be a much bigger factor. It’s never going to get as arcadey and frantic as contra, but shooting will be a larger factor.
Halo – What’s great about Halo and other PC FPS games? The control scheme of course. Unlike Metroid or Contra, our game will be controlled by a mouse and keyboard. That means more precise aiming, but like Halo you’ll only be able to hold 2 weapons at a time. Oh it’s also sort of like Halo because of the whole scifi setting thing.
Castlevania – like all the Castlevanias since Symphony of the Night there will be large worlds to explore in any manner you see fit and some RPG elements. Loot and money will be able to be used at shops to purchase ammunition, weapons, upgrades, etc. We may get around to some other lite RPG elements as well.
Mass Effect – gameplay wise- we’ll be nothing like it, but Mass Effect was very successful in creating and weaving an interesting overall story and scifi world. We hope that as our game expands, our universe will expand and have similar depth (Zak and I started writing and conceptualizing the game 4+ years ago).
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Hopefully that starts things off. Obviously, there’s tons of other scifi games and movies that we have loved and draw inspiration from, but that's a good start to the thread. More to come, including a free prototype/alpha in the coming months.