Zelda III Online

[Fox]

Hi all RPG fans!

I'm looking for people willing to make a Zelda-like MUD (online-
RPG). Like Graal (http://www.graalonline.com) if
anyone knows -.-" However, I'm planning for a Direct3D-based
engine so we can make effects like transparency, rotations and
such...

I'll need people that can do:


Server Programming (game classes, accounts, DPlay,...)
Client Programming (whole DirectX, gfx engine, GUI,...)
Graphics (tiles, objects, characters)
Music (background music)
Sound effects (various kinds)
Design (levels, enemies, GUI...)
Story (background story, races, ecomony,...)


We can make the talking here or by mail. However, please do
not join if you won't have the time to work on it! I want it to be
done soon.

Fox

[DaoK]

It will have a lots of Zelda???

[Fox]

No :eek: surely not ;)

Like in other online games people can chose their own clothes, buy them in-game respectively. The same for weapons, we'll have more than just a sword, a master sword, 2 kinds of bombs and a bow.. -.-"

You may ask: So why's it Zelda then? Well simple, because of the graphics style and the engine. It'll be Zelda-like, but not Zelda itselves.

(And btw: The guy's called Link, Zelda's the princess -.-+)

[DaoK]

(And btw: The guy's called Link, Zelda's the princess -.-+)

I know that :D

well I do not have a lots of knowledge about DirectX but I have some with VB maybe I can help you for some code but I can not be an important develloper :\

Btw, I really like your idea, I like a lots Zelda games.

[stickman373]

are you planning on having ppl pay like at that Graal site?

[stickman373]

Yah if this one would take off you definatly need a good server.

I would like to help in anyway that i can, never done DX before though

I liked the old zelda games too ;)

[flame_211]

Ill join...

I can work on the background information, and design levels..

And if worst came to worst, I could learn DX... :eek:

I also enjoyed the old zelda games... Infact, I still have the old nintendo
hooked up to my TV... lol

-Andrew

[stickman373]

I would try to help in following:


Client Programming (GUI)
Graphics (tiles, objects, characters)
Music (background music)
Sound effects (various kinds)
Design (levels, enemies, GUI...)
Story (background story, races, ecomony,...)




:) :) :)

[DaoK]

I can only help on everything who is not programming coding like winsock... and these code about health..weapons.. all "back" code that we need to run the game.

[flame_211]

Are we gonna do this or not... I REALLY REALLY like the idea...

I think we should get started very soon...

Im not trying to be rude or anything, but if Fox doesnt come back,

then I think we should start with out... Of course we would still

give 'em credit...



-Andrew

P.S. We probably need more people, so MORE PEOPLE JOIN!!!!

[Fox]

I can't hang around here every day :)

Well first thanks for the feedback. I mentioned Zelda because it's a kinda simple RPG and so Graal is and ours will be. But: I wan't it to be flexible so we can later make it more complex.

Well any more people for the team out there?

[stickman373]

How many ppl you figure we need?

[DaoK]

Am I in or not ?

[aliboss]

hi i want to help. i pritty much know most of the vb lang and some of c++, ive just applyed to uni to studie computer game development (advanced directx and c++). i know some directdraw but hardly any direct3d. hope i can be of some use

[Fox]

How many ppl you figure we need?
I'd say for each of the 7 areas I mentioned at least 1 person...

aliboss: You could make the client programming

DaoK: You could make the editors we'll need

Stickman: Which of these is your favourite? ;)

[stickman373]

Originally posted by Fox



Stickman: Which of these is your favourite? ;)

any of them would be fine. Whatever we need done, not like we just have to have 1 person focus on 1 area, we can spread around to help each other ;)

[aliboss]

i think we need about 2 people for each section, but everyone helps each other as well. im quite happy to be working on the client code fox but i cannot do anything more than display a triangle in direct3d (ATM). once i see the code to do stuff i can pick it up very easy so im hoping to help on the direct3d as well. what parts will you be doing fox?

[flame_211]

What about me?

[Fox]

flame211: story + level design is O.K.

stickman: Nice, can you take the sound / music part then?

aliboss: It's not more you need ;) In fact it's still a 2D game, but instead of drawing rectangle bitmaps you'll draw 2 textured polygons that form a rect...

[flame_211]

Thanks, Im glad too help :)


Anyways... I dont know if you said it but what language are we gonna program this in? I know HTML & VB

[aliboss]

yeh im mainly a vb programmer, i can do quite abit of c++ as well. i think we should do it mainly in vb and add c++ dll's if we need to do anything in C++. but its up 2 fox

[Fox]

I think we can do it all in VB. Oh well, I forgot one important part:

Website + Design

Anyone for this part?

---

Another thing: We could use my Nocturne2D - tile/level/player/obeject-editors :) So we don't have to start from 0. Also -for the server part- we could use my independant script-class.

[DaoK]

I think we should work more as a team.

[stickman373]

I say once we get started more people will probably want to help once we have a little something started

We can pool our knowledge for now, not really have to be confined to the certain task.

That's just what i think ;)

BTW, do we have a name for the game? :p

[Fox]

Sure, as soon as they 'see' something they'll beg us to join ;)

Well erm, Zelda3 Online is a nice work title, we'll change that later.

[stickman373]

cool, when do ya want to get started with this?

:) :cool: :D :)

[DaoK]

DaoK: You could make the editors we'll need
I will need more information because I really do not have an idea of what is that lol

[Fox]

Well as common we need a level editor, object editor, account editor and such...

As for the rest: I think the coding part is the most important, and as soon as this works we can make the grapics, sounds, shortly said the game upon that.. and people will more likely want to join the group as soon as we can show results.

So let's concentrate to the server/client part for the moment. And to keep things compatible I'd say we talk about everything here in the forum! Let's make say 2 threads, Z3O server+client programming, and we'll post our ideas and later code there.

I want to start out soon so .. any better ideas?

[flame_211]

Sorry I wasnt able to get on this weekend...

Anyways, I know how to program in VB, so if you
need help with programming I can do that too...

-Andrew

P.S. I also know how to make websites, but we should probably
work on that AFTER we have something...

[Fox]

P.S. I also know how to make websites, but we should probably work on that AFTER we have something...

Sure, but its nice if we can show what we have as soon as possible. However, I'd say we make a small and simple concept now and then start out with the basic things so we get on fast.

I repost who's in atm:


Fox
DaoK
stickman373
aliboss
flame_211


Everyone ok with this?

[DaoK]

Yes :):)

[stickman373]

sounds good;)

[flame_211]

Ok... I got 2 ideas, but they both go in opposite directions...

You guys can either not pay any attention to them (hich would be
fine with me) or listen to them (which again would be fine with me)

1. Maybe when you engage in battle between you and another person, it goes to a different scene, where you and that person go at it head to head, where there is no one else to distract you, just you and the other player fighting til one is dead( unless one chooses to chicken out and runs :p )

or...

2. Have a sort of base, you can either be by your self, or on a team(with a base) and you can defend your base the whole time, or go out on your own and fight for your team, or you and several of your team mates can go and attack other teams.
The team would decide on a captain, and the captain can control the other players (only when they are not logged on) and lead them in to battle, and the captain would choose people to be in a certain rank (this would determine who would take control of the guys who are offline)





If any of this makes sense to you let me know, OR if you want me to elaborate on an area of my explanation, let me know...


The reason they go in opposite directions is because the first idea would be if their were no teams(if their were teams the team would be able to take out one guy(obviously))

Again if I make no sense at all, let me know And I'll shut up :)

-Andrew

[stickman373]

I think it would be neat to have community type villages, sort of like clans like you see for a lot of games.

I think the fighting idea is good too, not sure what would be the best way, but i think a large up close battle would be a nice :p

can't wait to get started!

:D

[DaoK]

person fight each others or vs computer???

[flame_211]

Im glad you like my ideas... I cant wait either...

DaoK:
I dont know if we should have computer players in the game...
I havent actually programmed AI, but I have heard it is REALLY REALLY hard, so I think it would be just Human vs. Human...

-Andrew

[Fox]

Since we're going to make a tile-based engine we're very flexible. Also we can add any properties to objects, tiles or characters at any time we want. Therefore it shouldn't be a problem to implement a Guild system or however you call it (I'm pointing to Ultima Online).

However, to your ideas: I think fights shouldn't be in extra screens (or levels how it's technically managed). I don't like this Final Fantasy -style at all.. so fights will be realtime and just on the same maps as everything.

Not to misunderstand the fight system, people just walk around in the world and can fight anyone they want. So there's no really PvP or PvComputer fights, it's just fights... As in UO, Anarchy, even Diablo2 or any of these.

[DaoK]

So a player who play sinec 1 years can kill a newby player with 1 shoot because he will had a lots more strenght ?

[Cander]

Sounds very intersting but Id like to make some suggestions:

Have you considerd as far as graphics style using tile sets not in the SNES Zelda style? That would make it look too much like you are ripping off Graal. Perhaps use the SNES Final Fantasy style tile sets!

And PvP. PvP is so much ignored in games today it is rediculous. Inadiquate PvP protection for low level players is used and eventually an online game of this nature becomes nothing more than an blood bath run by high level player killers. Something has to be in place to prevent newbies from getting slaughtered becuase they wont come back and number will dwindle. Ive seen it happen all too often.

I am kind of interested in joining this. I dont really have any DX knowledge yet, but I can pick it up. I cant draw, but I can program. I am particularly experienced in client/server porgramming with winsock and can probably easily pick up Direct Play.

[DaoK]

I agree with Cander about the NPC but you will need to explain me how battles will work. ?

[flame_211]

LOL I accidently click Submit before I was Done... so Read the POST Down their


|
|
V

[flame_211]

I never really enjoyed FF at all lol...

My brother was playing it the otherday and I just thought..Wel I dont know what I was thinking (Usually dont)

Any ways I am glad you are ok with the Guild/Team/Village idea...


Cander- Im sure if you joined your skills would not be wasted...

-Andrew

P.S. I really think this thing has a shot at becoming REALLY Real...

I dont want this to go under like all the other Games/Programs Ive seen...

[stickman373]

Originally posted by flame_211

Cander- Im sure if you joined your skills would not be wasted...


P.S. I really think this thing has a shot at becoming REALLY Real...

I dont want this to go under like all the other Games/Programs Ive seen...

Yes i'm sure we can use everyone who joins!

And me too, I think we can really get a good game finished together!

:D :) :D :)

[flame_211]

I am glad you agree...


-Andrew

[Fox]

Allright, let's talk about how the game should be then.


I think we should not make realtime fights, because this may be bad for people with slower connections. As in UO characters should automatically attack their target so the player just has to select who to attack.

There will be different weapons that cause different amounts of damage.

Also will should have a level of experience. From this value we can also calculate the hitpoints, strength and anything other... (Yes this is a simple system, but we can always extend it later)

There will be items like healing potions, different armors you can wear, magical amuletts (ie. a fireball spell) and many others I can't list here ;)


(to be continued..)

[Zaei]

You should allow players to script combat behavior. This way, if someone has a slow connection, the HP packet might not get through, and they wont be able to accuratly judge how badly they are doing. Instead, allow small uploads of a script that would make certain descisions server side, to run if HP is less then 30%, etc. These would be extremely limited scripts, but would level out the difference between high and low pings.

Z.

[Fox]

You mean you just select how your player reacts? Thats a bit too easy for everyone, isn't it? And if you allow them to write scripts it's like 'the better you code the better you fight' ...

However, I actually dont want to waste server memory with this .. so better make just one good player AI that you can setup to your needs.

[DaoK]

I think we should have many world. Like for person < 500, between 500 and 1000 ... Like that person who have 35000 exp will not be able to kill a person with 100exp

[flame_211]

I agree with you DaoK...

We should have different worlds, then maybe put
each on a seperate sever...

-Andrew

[Fox]

Thats not needed, we can do it just as in Anarchy.. people with too different levels can't fight.

[DaoK]

humm ok but how the map will be divided ? I think we should lock some place that only Higher level will be able to access... like that we will be able to add some place all the time ( like upgrade ) and like that the game will never have an end.

[Zaei]

Not the better you code. Make the scripts extremely simple:

IfLifeIsLessThenPercent(30, "Run");
IfEnemyRangedAttack("MoveIn");


Think Baldurs Gate. You would supply several generic scripts with the game, and allow users to select one if they want to.

Z.

[stickman373]

might be good to implement them now, rather than later, seems like a good idea, will let the user customize a bit too.

when do we actually get started?:D

[Fox]

Make the scripts extremely simple:

Think about 80% of all players.. they'll not want to script coz 'its too hard' even if they didnt try ... And I really dont think players should be able to write anything by themselves.

---

Worlds can simlpy be divided by script: (this is a working script from my current script system)


OnEnter
{
If( Bigger( Player.Level, 10 )
{
Teleport( Player, "map0102" );
} else {
Message( Player, "You cannot pass this point before reaching level 10!" );
}
}

[Cander]

Anyone know some good tutorials on using tile systems with DX? Id like to start researching how to do this.

[DaoK]

I do not understand the thing about script?

[Fox]

It's a tile-script that is called as soon as a player walks on it. It's a teleporter that only teleports players with level > 10, others get the message.

Cander: Maybe you can find something here (http://64.23.12.52/TUT_DX8_DG.asp)

[DaoK]

Should we have a limit of game play each day ?

[Fox]

No.. maybe a limit of maximum users but no time limit to each

[flame_211]

Maybe...

Maybe a limit of Max users per Server, and then have a few servers... But not at the early stages, we aint rich or anything... And Im sure after the game is developed
we could get enough money from advertising to pay for a couple of servers...

Just a thought,

-Andrew

[DaoK]

What going on if someone kill me ? He take 1/4 of my money? or something like that ? If we loss money we should have a "bank" to store stuff.

I do not see where is the fun without any level to reach. You know the best Zelda 8 bits ( Nintendo ) We have like 9 level to finish the game. Well we need something like that to keep the game attracting because after sometime the game will be very simple and will stop play the game. I think we should talk about what the game will be.

[Fox]

I think we should talk about what the game will be.Yes, indeed. We should split up in 2 teams, one that develops the technical background (engines and stuff) and one that cares about a story, gameplay and game rules (properties, skills, objects and such). Of course we have to work side by side and the programmers also want to give their ideas for the game - but just to have someone dedicated for this stuff.

I do not see where is the fun without any level to reach. [...]Sure we need "levels" but thats nothing for long time. It's like in UO, when you first enter the game there's so much to explore. And after some time it's just like normal and you don't care anymore. Later in the game people only do PvP or talk to each other as in a chat ... I don't think we can do anything against that, but a good thing is to extend the world step by step, create new monsters for the advanced players and new weapons and probably new skills for the grandmasters.

[flame_211]

How are we gonna decide whose on what team?
I think all of us atleast have some skill in programming...

Maybe we should also alternate what the teams do,
Like one week Team one does programming and the next
they work on the backstory/rules

And then they would start off where the other team left off



-Andrew

[stickman373]

Anyone ever tried Ragnarok Online? It seems like the basic concept of what were aiming at and it's free too.

http://www.ragnarokonline.com/en/r_main.htm

I played it a little didn't really do much, but it's got good graphics i would say and works pretty well.

Just thought i would share that with you guys :p


When do we start again or are we still in talking stages?:D

[Gaming_World]

I just found this post, but I would like to get involed. I have limited direct x programing skills.



One idea for the levels, has anyone played Diablo 2? If not, he's how they work levels: Anyone may enter any area of the game they wish, aslong as they have completed certin quests. For example, you may travel any of act 1 (the first 'level') that you wish, but to move to act 2, you must kill a certin monster (logicly called an act boss). This may work for this game too. You may also want to include difficulties, so once you complete all the acts, you can keep playing in harder areas. In diablo 2, you must complete act 5 (the last act) to advance from normal to nightmare, then you must again complete act 5 to move to hell. Once you complete act 5 normal, you may also play in "hard core" mode, where you only get one life, instead of infinte.

I don't know for sure how much of this would be useful, but it would work for the basic level idea, although you may need to make it so that you save the characters (if it isn't already planned). I don't feel like reading the 90+ posts already in this thread.

[Zaei]

Ew, not Diablows 2 =). I have a personal bias against it, but that doesnt change the fact that the game was not worth the time spent on it.

If the game is going to be massivly multiplayer, you dont want people getting some kind of message saying that they cant go someplace because of their level, or they didnt kill a boss, or what have you. Its an alternate reality. If you dont want to fight the Level 85 Death Doom Guard of Hell, you go around, or decide to come back at level 86.

There was a really simple reason for Diablo I's immense success. It was a simple game. You COULD sit down for 5 minutes and play a while. There was no complicated storyline that you had to follow, or anything like that. The only improvement Diablo 2 made over that was the addition of the Run feature. The addition of the over reaching plot line took all of the mindless fun away. They also dumbed the game down, so it wasnt scary at all (you could play Diablo in the dark, and be scared). I will admit, that I lost a lot of sleep with Diablo 2, but, to be perfectly honest, after beating it 6 times, it got boring. The Stress Test was more fun, because of the lack of story line.

I dont want to turn this thread into a Diablo 2 argument, so I wont reply to any further posts on the subject =). Just read the second paragraph =).

Z.

[Gaming_World]

I tend to agree that Diablo 2 gets boring after a while.

One quick question, what type of game will this be? I know it will be Massily Mutiplayer, but will it be an RPG or a Shoot 'em up type of game (such as 1st person shooter).

If it is an RPG, then you need an ultimite goal. This is such as Diablo 2.
If it is a shoot 'em up game, then there is no need for differnt levels (just have a big area with limited boundryes.) This is such as Tribes.

As for the scripting, you would really need to allow it (as it makes for a much funner game) but it would be limited (to avoid cheating). Look at Tribes, if you have the knowladge, you can script rotines to allow for much easier player, or you can just go download someone elses, then you get the ease, with out the difficult programming (as there is no listing of commands).

I also feel that there should be live battles (more then 1-on-1). This would mean anything up to maxplayer-on-1 or 1-on-5, or maxplayer-on-50, ect. (such as diablo 2 does it). This would make the game harder, but as stated below, would make it harder for people with bad connections.

As for anti-PVP:
1) place a minium level cap for people to go hostile agaist a player (such as the lower level player much be level 10, unless the lower level player goes hostile to any player in the game (above lvl 10) first. This could be done with steps (such as lvl 1 to 10, lvl 10 to 20, lvl 20 to 30, lvl 30 to 50, lvl 50 to 70, lvl 70 to 100, ect). The example uses the steps lvl 1-10 and lvl 10+.
2) Possibly have/allow differnt types of servers (such as one that has hostility, one that doesn't, and one that it is pure PVP possibly allow bidding on who will win?)

Just for your knowladge, I know how to do the following:
1) Very good VB programming
2) Limmited C programming (and C++)
3) Good HTML
4) Good/V.good use of Photoshop and Image Ready. (Can't draw though :()
5) OK pearl (web stuff for those who don't know)

A very poor example of what I can do is shown on the Planet Wars webpage, and in the game itself (link below). With Planet Wars, I am working on converting the drawing rotine to C++.

This is becoming a big ass post. And, if I was smart, I should have made this a bunch of differnt posts. :(

[Fox]

Thanks for your input, Gaming_World!

I also feel that there should be live battles (more then 1-on-1).Indeed, this is another point why we couldn't make people disappearing from the world and enter a battle area when they're fighting.

place a minium level capThat's ok, something like the <young> status in any online game you can find.

Possibly have/allow differnt types of servers...or different settings for each level. Since our engine will be very flexible we can make towns where you can't fight, land where you can fight monsters, special areas where you can fight players and so on... but of course we could make different servers to split up the bunch.. why not.

btw: You want to join us, Gaming_World?

[Gaming_World]

Yes

[stickman373]

Originally posted by Fox


...or different settings for each level. Since our engine will be very flexible we can make towns where you can't fight, land where you can fight monsters, special areas where you can fight players and so on... but of course we could make different servers to split up the bunch.. why not.


that's exactly what happens with the Ragnarok game i posted about. There is a city town area for buying selling and trading and then desert areas to fight NPC's. But we could also have players fight each other.!:D

[Zaei]

If its an MMORPG, you cant have an ultimate goal. Take a look at EQ, for instance. There is no story, and no ultimate goal, and yet it ruins peoples lives because they cant stop playing. If you had an ultimate goal, you would have to reset the game world when it is accomplished. It is a viable option, of course, (I would have like to see it in EQ).

Z.

[flame_211]

When are we going to start... (not to be pushy or anything :))

-Andrew

[stickman373]

my thoughts exactly. We can plan more detail into features as we get to them :)

[Gaming_World]

You have to have most of the ideas planned out at the beginning. If you don't, you may end up spending weeks or months adding in a few new features.

[Gaming_World]

As for the ultimite goal, just have a reset time. Then, when a major event happens (such as when a main monster is killed), you respawn the monster after the time passes.

[flame_211]

The thing is, I think that it has been decided that we will split into two groups, one for programming and then one to come with game rules, characters, levels, and the basics like that...


-Andrew

[Gaming_World]

I know, but you need to know all of the major things that will be in the game. This is such as the characters, levels, a good system of rules (to make it easier to impletement them later, possibly using scripts), any thing to get to certin areas, and other stuff like that.

[DaoK]

We will have some choice of heros ? or all Zelda will lokok that same ?

[Fox]

Quote from site 1:Like in other online games people can chose their own clothes, buy them in-game respectively.
Well about the body, we should probably allow people to select from 2 (male/female) or more models..

[DaoK]

We should start to have a "paper" who will contain all idea.

[Zaei]

Originally posted by Fox
Well about the body, we should probably allow people to select from 2 (male/female) or more models..

I would do this, with perhaps 3 models per gender, but also allow several dozen (if your artists are up to it) model skins, to allow some real customization

Z.

[Gaming_World]

I would say that that would be a neat idea.

[flame_211]

Same here...

[DaoK]

I like the idea to have many choice of heros and maybe with some different abilities.

[Fox]

Hm we coul make several races to split up the ability groups.. for example Orks may have special war attacks while elves may have special magics

[Gaming_World]

I would have to agree there too. Although you would need more then 2 classes, and a bunch of differnt skins for each.

Possibly have 5 or 6 classes, each with the choice between male and female, and each of those with a bunch of differnt skins. Although this would take a lot of graphics, and time.

[stickman373]

Originally posted by DaoK
We should start to have a "paper" who will contain all idea.

i would agree with this!

who wants this task.. we need to get this all on paper organized.

i would try, but i'm not sure of the most logical way to organize this stuff

[DaoK]

That paper can be a Word document who will contain all stuff we will add to the project, like that we will be more organized.

[Gaming_World]

I can/will do it. I can only do it between around 4:30 to 10:00 or 11:00 PM my time, beacuse of school. My time is PST (GMT -8).

[DaoK]

It's enought time lol It's not a full time job ;)

[Cander]

Ideas/Dislikes

First off I have to say this doing some levels and when finsih the last one, game over, is not a good idea. This is not something that belongs in soemthing of this scope. It should be a persistant world.

Here is how I envision it. It should be a world open enough where the players have plenty of leway for role playing and it to have an impact on the world. As administrators we could introduce story lines(quests) into the game beyond those that are always there that can have an impact on everything. Perhaps it is in the form of finding a lost artifact..or even a giant dragon so powerful, it may take half the server to get together and kill it. It should all in all be a very role playing orientated world with enough to do for those not into the role playing aspect. Players can take on the position of emperor, or pehaps have jobs running a shop. Things like this would make an interesting game. I have tried many online rpgs, and have found they only cater to adventurer or just the role player..not both. For the adventurer, have plenty of places to find baddies to kill and level up. For the role player, there is the stuff I outlined above.

Items:
I hve found players love items. Magical/unique/whatever.. The game should have lots of items such as weapons, armor, etc. Perhaps unique ones like Diabo(except in the fact there can only really be 1 in this game). You need to have a wide variety of items to chooe from and find. This is a good motive for adventurers and the role player alike as there could be quests that admins can introduce to find some unique weapon. Of course there could be fighting over it, but that just gives more to do for the role players as they can role play it out.

General ideas:
Players can get married.
Players can become kings/mayor/police/queen/ etc.
Have zones called outlaw zones. These areas can have bigger and badder enemies with better treasures and rewards but since these areas are not controlled by the 'king' they are a free zone to player killers. This eliminates the problem of high level players roaming towns and spawn points waiting for low levels and newbies to kill. Make it quite clear to players that if you cant take it , dont enter those areas. But of course still leave them the option of going in.

Handling experience points from killing baddies:
This is a big quirk of mine. I have found it a problem in many online rpgs that it is often that a high level character will take a friend to high level enemies, weaken that enemy down to one more hit, then let his friend kill it getting high amounts of exp and leveling real fast..I as do many other beleive this to be unfair to others. As an idea of handling this, let xp be awarded only based on percentage of damage done. Like whoemwver did 10% of the damage, will only 10% of the xp while the guy that did 90% will receive 90% of the exp payout.

these are all just ideas I have put together from my own personal quirks about the many online rpgs I have tried.

[Cander]

A question that needs to be raised. What sould we write this in? If VB(which is the only thing I know well enough) should we do it in .NET or just stick to 6? DirectX 8 or wait for 9?

Or should we do it in another language perhaps one that was made specifically for games like DarkBasic?

I figured a good way to structure levels/the map. The world will be split up into chunks called levels. You will have the main world file which can be just a simple text file(XML would be good) and each level can be a binary/bit representatino of the graphics or whatever. In the world file, each 'level' can be presented as a node in an xml document. And for each level, give a norh, south, east, and west node or attribute. In each of those, you give the name of the level that will load when the reach the end of the current level they are on in that direction..for an example of how this would look


<World>
<Level id="ZeldaCity01" north="ZeldaCity02" south="ZeldaCity03" east="ZeldaCity04" west="ZeldaCity05"/>
</World>



i think the above would be an easy and efficient way to handle level changing

As far as what a level file would look like..It could be something this



NNNNNNNNNNNN
WgggggggggggE
WgggggtgggggE
WgggggttgggggE
WggggghhhgggE
SSSSSSSSSSSSSS



NSWE would be the map edge direction, while g would mean a grass tile, t a tree tile, and h a house tile.

just spewing forth ideas as they come to me.

[Cander]

Even more innovative ideas. Players when they create a character can choose a kingdom to be a part of. Ther can be multiple kingdoms. This could lead to interesting things like wars between kingdoms, land disputes/trading between kingdoms. I personally think this would be something playes would absolutly love. This could go along with bounderies of where it is safe to be or go if you don not want to be player killed. Perhaps, along with lawless zones, you are safe in you own kingdoms owned land. But if you enter another kingdoms territory, you can and can be player killed.

And as stated about the land wars/disputes/trades thee kingdom territories can change. Going along with my pevious post, you could add another attribute to that XML file to say what kingdom owns that level.

This adds a new and exciting level of play that I dont think has ever really been done before.

Yet even more brainstorming.

[Fox]

May I leave this project to you guys? :)

I'm sorry all my free time is gone now since I'm working on a big project *sigh* ... well, I can still try to help you coding so if there's any question just ask.

A good idea to develop this thing would be a Code thread. For example the thread starter posts this:

'Sound module
Public Sub PlaySound( iFileName as String, iLoop as Boolean )
'?
End Sub


And the next one replaces the ? up by code:

'Sound module
Public Sub PlaySound( iFileName as String, iLoop as Boolean )
SetChannelFile SoundPath & iFileName, 0

PlayChannel iChannel, IIf(iLoop = True, 1, 0)
End Sub


Another guy sees a mistake or has a better idea and posts:

'Sound module
Public Sub PlaySound( iFileName as String, iLoop as Boolean )
Static Channel as Long

Channel = Channel + 1
If Channel > MaxChannels Then: Channel = 0

SetChannelFile SoundPath & iFileName, Channel

PlayChannel Channel, IIf(iLoop = True, 1, 0)
End Sub

and so on..

(of course you'd post the whole module there)


Like this everyone sees all code of the project and can give his ideas to the group ..

[Zaei]

DX 9 wont be released until November, if MS continues to follow their schedule. Darkbasic probably wouldnt be able to handle something of this magnitude.

Z.

[Gaming_World]

I don't have acess to VB.net. I could also do some of the programming in C, as I have limited knowladge of that (this would be to quicken up the drawing). As I said before, I have good knowladge in VB.

[stickman373]

I would think we could accomplish it with VB6 and DX8 right? I think we all have a somewhat good knowledge of VB since were at a VB forum ;)

Anyone taking the leader role, assuming Fox is taking a less active role?

:)

[Gaming_World]

What kind of system will we be using for any skills that are advalible in the game?

What will be the healing system? Eating food, drinking potions, ect.?

[Gaming_World]

I wouldn't mind taking a leading role. As I stated before, I can only be reading the formuals in the late afternoon and evening (GMT-8) weekdays. On weekends, for the most part, I will be able to check commonly.

I would tend to agree that it can be done in VB and DX8, although it will be slow. I did a game, Planet Wars, in VB and bitblt that runs at 2 FPS at 1280x1024. I am working on converting the drawing to C++, which I exatimate, will bring it up to 12 FPS. This is also on a P3 1GHZ. And the game is VERY simple, download it if you like.

[Gaming_World]

I have also began the paper, and heres what I have found in this thread:

Customize clothing (buy?)
Multiple Classes
Multiple Skins
Multiple Genders (M/F)
Many different Items and Item Types and Item Classes
Truly unique items (1/server)
Most areas closed to PVP combat
Areas with harder enemies and better drops open to PVP
EXP amount based on damage done (if one player does 90% damage, that player gets 90% of the exp, and the like)
Different Kingdoms (may cause wars between players, and the like)
May be part of different kingdoms

If you know of anything I missed, let me know.

[flame_211]

Sad to see you go fox...

Maybe when your other project is done we can enjoy your return...

But anyways, I think whoever was here first to join after fox or whoever has the most knowledge of VB and DX should be leader... (Well, both those rule me out lol, I dont have a problem with you haveing the leader role Gaming_World)


-Andrew

P.S. I was wondering how well VB5 and VB6 work together, Cause I only got VB5, and it seems everyone else has VB6

[Gaming_World]

I know almost all the code is the same (you just need to change a tag in the project file). I belive that MS added new functions and the such to VB6 (such as split).

[stickman373]

Gaming_World as leader is fine with me. I think healing should be by potions and food. Possibly a sleep or nap at an Inn in the game would also boost Health?

As for skills system I am unsure of what you mean by that?

:)

[Gaming_World]

I've never played a game with 3 ways to heal, now 2 yes, but never 3. Oh well, that will just make the game more unquie.

As for the skill system, that would be stuff like fire balls, ice balls, lighting, skills to heal, and that short of stuff. Will we even have stuff like that? If we will, how will we regulate how much of it you can do? Will we have a mana sort of thing, and each skill takes differnt amonuts of mana, or another system, such as the skills are given by items, and only items. If it is mana, then we need some short of potions to regenerate the mana much quicker then if you just left it alone. If it is given by items, then how will the players recharge the items to give more usage?

[DaoK]

Fox is leaving the project???

And why should heros married each others??? Links is not a ***!

[Zaei]

You could have some fun, and give nothing but the most basic information to the player. His strength is determined by how much he can lift, while the amount of magic he can use is determined by the number of spells he can cast. Make the player remember these things, or at least write them down. It would make the players a bit more attached to thier characters.

Z.

[Gaming_World]

So what, you must type in a squence of characters to cast a spell? If this is the case, then you would never bother with spells.

[Zaei]

Nah, have a book open up on screen (as a model, in the view of the character) from which the player can cast.

Z.

[Gaming_World]

Zaei,
I'm not understanding what you are suggesting. You may wish to create a quick demo.
Are you suggesting that you move the character in a certin way, then you can select a target and cast the spell?


No matter how we do it though, we will need to have a limit (such as by level or by a stat point). The example below has an idea.

Also, what kind of stats will we have. These would be such as: strength (damage), dexterity (chance to hit, and other such stuff), knowladge (a way to limit skills). Anyone have an idea?

[Fox]

Uhm.. I will still monitor your progress ;)


Well DX8 in VB5/6 is definitely fast enough. Of course DX can be way slower in C than in VB if you're a bad programmer :rolleyes: (and the other way around).

Why marriages? Because we may have female players :) ... and remember that we'll have a tile map? We can make anything with it, for example players can buy houses and 'live' there. Like in UO, but I wouldn't let the players build the houses, I'd rather just sell them the existing ones from the world we made..

[Gaming_World]

Dang, talk about going into role playing. Once again, I've never seen a game this detailed (although I heard about one where you could kill your characters with food poisioning, read about it at: http://diabloii.net/garwulfs/garwulfs-no29.shtml).

[flame_211]

Originally posted by Zaei
Nah, have a book open up on screen (as a model, in the view of the character) from which the player can cast.


I understand... Maybe not even a book, but maybe something
can pop up on the side(so it doesnt interrupt battle) and they can have a list of
potions, or spells they have aquired through out their life time in the game...

[Gaming_World]

OK, now I understand. What was confuising me was that he said that the players would need to memorize the spells. If we are going to have real-time battles then this wouldn't work, as it would take too much time to find the correct spell. We would need to have shortcut keys to the main ones the player uses (basicly let the player select which key does which spell).

If were going to have turn-based battles (you move, the enemy moves, ect), then this would work great.

[flame_211]

I never thought of turn based fights, I guess that is how it would
have to be... (Since I have a bad connection, Some one with a DSL
would be able to hurt me badly w/out turn based fights)

[Gaming_World]

Thats what a lot of people were talking about before with the scripts.

I think we should go back to that idea. Have some pre-set scripts (and not allow the user to program their own). These would have stuff to run if under X% health. This would allow us to have real-time fights and also to have it balanced for bad connections. Unless, of course, we are going to slow everything down to the speed of the slowest connection.

This is going to be a problem, there is no really good solution. No matter what we do, we will turn away some people.

Some ideas:
1) We could also set the minium connection speed high (such as 56K or a low-end DSL.).
2) Go with turn-based fighting (yuck)
3) Have simple scripts such as to run, or move in.
4) Slow everything down to the slowest person in the game (yuck)
5) Just don't bother doing anything
6) Find a way to make it not matter what the connection speed is, as long as it is resanible (such as not 14.4)
7) Find another solution

If we can find an easy way, #6 would be the best. Otherwise, we will probably want to do #1, or #7 (if we can).

[Gaming_World]

Also, we we move to the communitation formual, or leave it here?

[stickman373]

u mean move to communications forum?

I say we stay here during planning and when we start programming and other more detailed planning we move?

1 thread for:

storyline, rules, art, etc

programming code


?
:)

[Gaming_World]

OK

[DaoK]

hummm connection speed should not be a problem ?.. that database will be very big if we buy static stuff like house... and what will be the goal to married Links with an other person that Zelda!

[flame_211]

I think we should try really hard to get number 6 to work
Cause, number one would not work for me, I usually only connect
at around 312000 bps, Damn AOL...

I I dont see why we dont just go for 6, or if that too hard, go with
turn based...

[Gaming_World]

I would have to agree that 6 would be best, but I disagree for the 2nd option. I hate turn-based battles, ecpeccilly for rpgs.

[Zaei]

I would suggest a combination of 3 and 6. This would allow you the most flexibility.

Z.

[Cander]

DaoK: Marriages would be at the role playing level. As
I had stated, there are hardly any games with a good balance of role play and hack and slash. It doesnt have to necessarily give you any advantage to playing the game, its just one of those things the role players can choose to do.

[stickman373]

It's good to incorporate more role playing with the hack and slash :) I would say people would be able to get jobs too. And based on the jobs they get bonuses in some area. Like merchants can buy things for a discount, and maybe a metal worker could get steel weapons for less.:)

[Gaming_World]

I would agree.

[Zaei]

Jobs sound neat. Would have helped me a lot when I played EQ... I was a master fletcher by level 8...as an Enchanter. I think I am still the only player to ever do this =).

Z.

[Gaming_World]

Current list of idea:

Customize clothing (buy?)
Multiple Classes
Multiple Skins
Multiple Genders (M/F)
Many different Items and Item Types and Item Classes
Truly unique items (1/server)
Most areas closed to PVP combat
Areas with harder enemies and better drops open to PVP
EXP amount based on damage done (if one player does 90% damage, that player gets 90% of the exp, and the like)
Different Kingdoms (may cause wars between players, and the like)
May be part of different kingdoms
Healing by potions, food, or a stay at an inn.
Jobs – Give bonuses
Marriages – Gives both players the benefits of each of their jobs(?)


The red means it is a suggestion.

[Zaei]

What about removing spawning somehow?

Z.

[stickman373]

what happens when u die then?

:confused: :)

[flame_211]

Few Ideas on the spawning part...

Maybe something like if you are killed you just spawn at your house (maybe appointed to a house in a kingdom of your race)

and when your on a trip to attack some one, you can set up a tent(camp) and then you can temporarily spawn their for x amount of times...

Just a few ideas...

[Gaming_World]

I would say: let the user have a choice. If they wish, they can go for a harder . If they die, their dead. Or they can choose to have infinite lives. Some people, like me, prefer to have infinite lives, while others only want 1.

If we do this, and allow both types of players on the same server, we would need to give a bonus to the 1 life players. Possibly, we could have the items have bonuses to just those types of players. Or, have items that only they can use.

[Gaming_World]

Also, are we going to have mutiple classes (such as warrior, mage, ect.)? Or should we set it up to be a general class where as you play, you develope the skills, and not have each class be limited to certin skills?

Also, when the player creates a character, we should let them choose what type they wish to be (beyond classes). What I mean is, if they choose warrior, let them also choose to be a axe, sword, polearm, ect warrior.

[stickman373]

I say as u start off ur just a peasent and as you fight battles gain skill you can become a higher class (merchant, warrior, etc) I wouldn't think different types of warriors would help..because the players can buy their own weapons so even if they were a warrior and called a swordsman they could buy a bow if they wanted. So basic classes seem better to me. Just my thoughts. :p

[Gaming_World]

What I was saying was: have the basic classes (Warrior, Mage, ect), then have the player start with items of a sub-class (Warrior: sword, axe, polearm,ect;Mage: Fire, Lighting, Ice,ect). Then, have the starting item have add to basic skills. For example, a fire mage would get a staff which adds 1 to fireball, and a lighting mage would get a staff which adds 1 to lighting bolt, and an ice mage would get a staff which adds 1 to iceball. This way, a player may want to start an ice mage, and they start with a staff that adds 1 to fireball. (imagine a character named IceMaster, shooting a fireball or hitting with a sword:rolleyes: )

Starting as a peasent would be neat, but then it would also be harder to balance out the skills really well.

[Gaming_World]

Originally posted by flame_211
Few Ideas on the spawning part...

Maybe something like if you are killed you just spawn at your house (maybe appointed to a house in a kingdom of your race)

and when your on a trip to attack some one, you can set up a tent(camp) and then you can temporarily spawn their for x amount of times...

Just a few ideas...

Some how I missed this post, but I think this would be a good idea.

Combine this with my idea:
I would say: let the user have a choice. If they wish, they can go for a harder . If they die, their dead. Or they can choose to have infinite lives. Some people, like me, prefer to have infinite lives, while others only want 1.

[DaoK]

I think when we die we should not loss experience, maybe loss money but not too much.

[flame_211]

Gaming_World,

Maybe like the players with one life can choose the respawn
at the tent (only when they are going to attack) but, the people
with infinite lives respawn at their house and have to go
back to the battle...


DaoK,
I dont think they should lose exp either, money yes, exp no,
But the money, i think, should go to the player that defeated you

Here is an Idea I thought of:
Maybe, the villages or kingdoms have lvl's just like the players, but, it
takes more exp to earn levels, (this would be good for when kingdoms
are at war, the higher king dom would be stronger against attacks, and when
in battle) to get levels, the players choose how much of their exp from battle
they want to give to their kingdoms... And they can choose to give all
of their exp, though they would not gain levels, just from battling your skills
should go up by it self (i.e. if you kill some one then all the exp you earned
goes to your kingdom, but, you get the money, and your skills advance on their
own, like you would get +1.4 attack)

Just some more ideas...

[Gaming_World]

I can't post most right now, as I am at school. In about 2 hours (at around noon:)), I will be home, and be able to post more. If my internet is up.

[Zaei]

I meant monster spawning, but it generated a good discussion anyway =).

If you go the infinite lives route, you HAVE to lose something precious, or there isnt any point. Perhaps remove a single point of Consititution, or some such, permenently. This would affect Hp points, speed, damage, etc. You can gain these points back through certain magical items, or perhaps some super rare spell scroll.

Z.

[Gaming_World]

Reduce EXP, lose money, lose stat points (zaei's idea), lose skill points, ect.

Which idea is the best? money and exp?

If we go with exp, we would need to limit it (so that u can't get extra stat & skill points from dieing, and prevent super-powerful lvl 1 chars). If we go with money, you lose a percentage (10%, 20%, more, less?). If you lose stat points, we would need to limit them too (to prevent chars with 0's). If go with skill points, it would really suck. Possibly store what has been lost in the character files, then you could get scrolls that would give them back.


As for monster respawning, it would be nice (as each server has 1 game). We would need to make it very slow (we don't want a character dieing from respawned monsters that they killed). Respawn every 30 minutes?

And yes, I am still at school (now after my final final).

[DaoK]

We should not loss experience, it's illogic to loss experience when you die... because you learn experience in all action in reality. I think you should just loss money or maybe 1 item + cash.

[flame_211]

Ah, Finals Week...

Dont you just love it? LOL, Ive never had finals (Im a Freshmen) :)

I really dont think they should lose exp when they die...
It just wouldnt be fair...
Maybe cash and I dont know something though...


As to the resapwn of monsters,
Maybe we have x amount of monsters and they respawn when we have a server reset(we could also give players a certain amount of money each reset, the resets could be like every midnight EST or something...)

[Gaming_World]

EST, how about PST.

These are my first finals, I'm a freshmen too.

How about lose gold at the lower areas, and exp at higher areas?

[flame_211]

Cool, C/O 2005, :)

About the time, EST just popped in their before PST, I live in CA (Cali not Canada) :p

On the gold in lower areas and exp in higher areas, could you explain a little more, i dont queit understand...

Maybe we can start chatting (I really dont like wainting a day to get responses)

[flame_211]

2 things i didnt say on my last post:

1. GRRRRRRRRRRR your 7 days older than me :D

and

2. I didnt know you like Brood Wars, I play it all the time :)

Maybe we can play some time... My name on Bnet is flame211

[stickman373]

Anyone have some more input? Little too quite in here! :):D :cool:

[flame_211]

Actually, I think its almost time to start programming :)


We have talked for four pages, i think we are ready, if not
there is only a few things we havent covered (cant think of em off the top of my head)

[Gaming_World]

What do you mean 4? I only see 1½ pages.

[stickman373]

You must have the number of posts per page setup differently. I have 4 pages now too.:D

Mines set for 50 posts per page.

[Gaming_World]

I know, I have mine set for 100/page.

[DaoK]

We should just write the algo now?

[flame_211]

Well anyways, I show 4,

DaoK, your right, we should start on the algo, but, since I am new to game programming, whats that, AI?

[Zaei]

As to the death thing... If you take away some cash, and an item, people will hardly care, because that can be regained with a minimum of effort. The reason to take away experiance is that it really has an impact. Something that takes a LONG time to gain is something precious, and if you want people to take care about dieing, you have to take away something that will make them stop and think.

As to chars with 0 stats in some areas... if you get a 0, you die. Thus, you dont have Infinite lives, but you dont have a finite amount of lives either, if you play it right. Stats are also precious to the player, so they wont go rashly into a dangerous undertaking.

Z.

[DaoK]

I think we should show the number of time the heroes died. I hate to see that anyone can see that I am dead 253 times... you understand? :D

[flame_211]

Originally posted by DaoK
I think we should show the number of time the heroes died. I hate to see that anyone can see that I am dead 253 times... you understand? :D


Should we or shouldnt we show how many times someone dies, the way you worded it,
it makes it seem like both...

[Zaei]

Hes saying that you should, and that he would hate to be seen to have died 400 times. Its a pride thing, to keep people from killing themselves.

Z.

[DaoK]

we should write that number of time each player is dead and maybe later in the game we can hide that with a speacial item.

[Guybrush]

Hullo!

I'm interrested in joining you.... I can't do any coding for the game or graphics whatever, but if you need an experienced webmaster to build up your main site for the game, give me a reply. I know HTML and PHP. I could help creating the website with another webmaster who knows something else besides me, to get the best possible page.

Later!

[Fox]

Welcome Guy.brush Threepwood! :)

[Guybrush]

Hehe... thanks... do you use e-mail to communicate or ICQ?

or just this forum?

Anyway... keep me updated :)

Later

[Guybrush]

Maybe we should start building the homepage now. To keep everyone updated on what is happening and to have a place to write all ideas down. If you don't wanna keep using this forum, but that we'll be a bit annoying since you would have to read all the posts to gain the info and ideas.

Just a suggestion :)

[flame_211]

OOOoooooooooo...

Ok I understand now... I wasnt sure for a second (Thats what fianls will do to a guy... :))

Guybrush,

Welcome to the Zelda III Online Development team...
I have a few layouts that you might want to impiment something from them... Ill put them on here later...


-Andrew

[Guybrush]

Sounds Kewl!

[flame_211]

Ok... Well, I'm at school right now (last day of finals)
I'll post them as soon as I get on at home...

[Guybrush]

Ok. What about the server and domain name? I have some space I can use on my own page, but we still would need a domain name. I guess we could just get that later.

[Gaming_World]

My dad bought a domain, so we can use that. The URL would be www.kaynor.net/* where * is what ever we want (for example: www.kaynor.net/Zelda3/).

At a later point, we could always move it to a differnt location.

[Guybrush]

Can you get any space?

I can get us space on my own site www.emureactor.com

the domain would then be www.emureactor.com/zeldaIII

I have PHP and MySQL

[flame_211]

Hey, I couldnt find the template, but my site has it, http://www.ware-lords.cjb.net

(its ok i guess)

[flame_211]

Hey, Guybrush, you said that you knew PHP, well, do you think you could help me out, I am trying to learn it, See, I found a free web host that provides MySQL and supports PHP, but I dont know what HTML editor reads php... think you could help?

[Gaming_World]

I can get space on my web-hoster. It would only be around 50 MB, so not enough to store the whole game on, only the webpage.

As for the webpage, I know, atleast basicly: Java Script, Pearl (I belive this is the wrong spelling), and HTML.

[Guybrush]

What do you mean with which HTML editor reads PHP?
You can write PHP in any HTML editor but you need to either have PHP installed on your own computer or upload the file to a server which supports PHP. I suggest the last solution.

[Guybrush]

I can get space on my web-hoster. It would only be around 50 MB, so not enough to store the whole game on, only the webpage.

What does it support? PHP and MySQL? (Needed if we want a decent forum)

[Guybrush]

And for the layout I think we should come up with something original. Screenshots and characters from the game would be needed to create a good layout, but the game of course have to be developed first. But we could create a temporary site for just the people working on the game. Just tell me what sections you need there and what else you need, then I'll create it if you like. :)

[flame_211]

Ok, after I posted this I fond out I need to make a php enabled page on the server to control the MySQL account...Think you could make one for me or something?

Do you understand what i am saying?

[Guybrush]

Double post.... look below :)

[Guybrush]

Hmmmm.... I'll try to explain this to you :)

Well.... First of all you can control your databases with a program called Myphpadmin, which I highly recormmended for beginners to MySQL. With this tool you can create databases and make tables and lots of other stuff. You can download the program on the link below

http://linux.davecentral.com/projects/myphpadmin/

There of course is another way as you also said something about. You could have to write a code where you give the MySQL commands on what to do. You can fx tell the MySQL to create a new database with a number of tables.

Here is a script which creates a table in a database (just to show you something):

<?php

$connection = mysql_connect("localhost", "username", "password");
if ($connection == false){
echo mysql_errno().": ".mysql_error()."<BR>";
exit;
}

$query = "create table email_info " .
"(fullname varchar(255), email_address varchar(255))";
$result = mysql_db_query ("test_db", $query);

if ($result)
echo "Table 'email_info' was successfully created!";
else
echo mysql_errno().": ".mysql_error()."<BR>";

mysql_close ();


?>

It creates a table called "email_info" in the database "test_db" which already existed. "fullname" and "email_address" are the to fields which is created in the table.


Hope this helped a bit. :)

[Gaming_World]

Yes, it does support PHP. I am not sure about MySQL. For that matter, aside from that it is a web-programming, I am not even sure what MySQL is good for.

[flame_211]

Ok... I got phpMyAdmin... I set it up and everything and it works...

But, the left hand side ends up taking tooo long or something cause it wont load.... the right hand side logs in and everything for me...

[Guybrush]

Originally posted by Gaming_World
Yes, it does support PHP. I am not sure about MySQL. For that matter, aside from that it is a web-programming, I am not even sure what MySQL is good for.

Well.... We would need MySQL to create a forum, stats-system, poll etc. I know there are other databases, but MySQL is far the best and most reliable. As long as only the website will be put up, I can just host it temporary.

As I said in another post, I just need to know what sections and functions you want on the site and I'll create it.

[Guybrush]

Originally posted by flame_211
Ok... I got phpMyAdmin... I set it up and everything and it works...

But, the left hand side ends up taking tooo long or something cause it wont load.... the right hand side logs in and everything for me...

I dunno what's wrong, sorry :(

[flame_211]

O, ok, thanks anyways...

[Gaming_World]

My web server does support mySQL.

[Guybrush]

Ok... so the server is not a problem. Just need orders from the top and we can start work on it :)

[Gaming_World]

I don't know about what every1 else working on the project thinks, but I figure we need a forumals and/or a live-chat, a guestbook, a FAQ, news area. We will also want information on any of the quests, monsters, ect. Perhaps maps of the world when we get it done, just enough to give a base idea of the world. Information about what the NPCs do, the classes, and that sort of stuff. At this point in time, we don't have too much information about excatly how the game will be played. Heres what we know so far:

Customize clothing (buy?)
Multiple Classes
Multiple Skins
Multiple Genders (M/F)
Many different Items and Item Types and Item Classes
Truly unique items (1/server)
Most areas closed to PVP combat
Areas with harder enemies and better drops open to PVP
EXP amount based on damage done (if one player does 90% damage, that player gets 90% of the exp, and the like)
Different Kingdoms (may cause wars between players, and the like)
May be part of different kingdoms
Healing by potions, food, or a stay at an inn.
Jobs – Give bonuses
Marriages – Gives both players the benefits of each of their jobs (?)
Death – Lose gold at low-level areas, exp and gold at higher-level areas (items perhaps)
Kingdoms have levels; players give kingdoms percentages of their EXP gain
Monsters respawn after a period of time (will we still reset the servers?)
Some base quests, admen add more in game


The stuff we will deffinantly need: forumals and/or a live-chat, a guestbook, an FAQ (add on more sections as we figure out more), and a news area. Thats about all we have enough information for.

[Gaming_World]

It also supports perl, and shtml.

[Gaming_World]

Also, if we are going to go with hosting it on my web server, do what do we want the url to be? Any at www.kaynor.net/ will work. So www.kaynor.net/games/, www.kaynor.net/zelda3/, www.kaynor.net/games/zelda3/, ect.

[Fox]

how would you realize jobs? i dont think this will work.. maybe quests from NPCs but anyways, this surely won't affect married people..

To be married should be something special, like in real life. For example if we have a bank (like in UO) husband an wife should share their bank account. If you marry someone you really trust him/her so it should be handled in the game like that.

[Gaming_World]

For jobs, the idea is that you might be a metal worker (blacksmith), and you can therefore buy metal items for less (or you must make them).

So for the marragies, you would share the gold, any privite non-invitory storage spaces, ect? And also both players can acess the others character.

[Gaming_World]

Heres an improved list (for fox):

Customize clothing (buy?)
Multiple Classes
Multiple Skins
Multiple Genders (M/F)
Many different Items and Item Types and Item Classes
Truly unique items (1/server)
Most areas closed to PVP combat
Areas with harder enemies and better drops open to PVP
EXP amount based on damage done (if one player does 90% damage, that player gets 90% of the exp, and the like)
Different Kingdoms (may cause wars between players, and the like)
May be part of different kingdoms
Healing by potions, food, or a stay at an inn.
Jobs – Give bonuses
Marriages – Gives both players the benefits of each of their jobs, and they share everything that can be shared (gold, storage space, characters, est.)
Death – Lose gold at low-level areas, exp and gold at higher-level areas (items perhaps)
Kingdoms have levels; players give kingdoms percentages of their EXP gain
Monsters respawn after a period of time (will we still reset the servers?)
Some base quests, admen add more in game


Also, let me know of anything that you know of that I missed.

[Fox]

ok..

well this is like flooding, you should really setup a website where you put such lists on..

[DaoK]

Jobs – Give bonuses


What will be jobs?

[Fox]

Originally posted by Gaming_World
For jobs, the idea is that you might be a metal worker (blacksmith), and you can therefore buy metal items for less (or you must make them).

[Guybrush]

Ok... Gaming_World if you would host could you please send some information on the MySQL and FTP-server?

Then I'll work out a "scetch" and we can work on it.

[Zaei]

You guys think this thread is flooding? Take a look at the TOW thread =).

Z.

[Fox]

We dont compare to others, do we? ;)

[Gaming_World]

Fox, you complained about the list, so I fixed it.

Guybrush, I will have to get the information (and permission from my dad) to get it to you. And I need to get ready for school.

[flame_211]

Z, tooo much to look at lol :)

GTG get my schedule for class now, bye

[dilipkumar]

:D :D :D :D :D :D
Good News to all
there is site to you guys
called vbfrountier.net
that belongs to me
and i can give you to work upon this amazing game
site Feature included
======================================
Any ICANN Approved TLD*
Custom Error Messages
Basic Stats
No Required Advertising
Any Legal* Content
Authorize.Net Supported Email Auto Responders
Catchall Email (*@domain.com)
Email Aliases
Email Forwarding
SMTP SERVER
Web-Based Access
IMAP Access
Email Synonyms 24/7 Access
FULL Permission Control
Private FTP Area
FTP Log Files (RAW)
CGI Data Access Endore Technical
Active Server Pages (ASP)
PHP4
Perl (ActiveState)
SSI
Works in any directory*
Sendmail MS Access (DSN-Less)
MS Access - DSN
Secure Data Directory
MySQL - Not Available Control Panel
Technical Support
Referral Program
Battery Backup
Diesel Power Generation
Custom Tuned Intel Based Servers
Ultra Fast RAID SCSI Hard Drives
Dual Processor Webservers
with space only 1 Gb
And Transfer 5 GB
if you are intersted contect me

========================



;) ;) ;)

[Guybrush]

Originally posted by Gaming_World
Fox, you complained about the list, so I fixed it.

Guybrush, I will have to get the information (and permission from my dad) to get it to you. And I need to get ready for school.

Sounds good... you can just get me an ftp account with limited access. To etc only the dir /zelda3 or whatever.

[Gaming_World]

I know, but I will still have to have him help. I already now I can do it, but he will have to get it setup.

[Gaming_World]

Until then, you can just e-mail me the information: chris@kaynor.net , and I can post it up there.



Also, excatly what directory will we use (zelda3, games, games\zelda3, ect)? Zelda3 would probably be best (don't ya all think?).

[stickman373]

sure for now, but I'm assuming we will come up with a better name then Zelda 3 ;) So it might be temp?

[Gaming_World]

Its easy enough to rename folders.

[dilipkumar]

Guybrush i will do it

[DaoK]

dilipkumar your server have so much feature, god to help us :)

[Guybrush]

Ok... you can send the info to guybrush_LJ@hotmail.com .

[flame_211]

If you guys need any help on the site just let me know,

I know a little bit about HTML(not PHP, trying to learn though)


dilipkumar - would you be willing to host me temporarily while
I make an Online RPG game similar to alienaa.com and gang-wars.com
and highdescent.com?

If so post here (my email is tooo cluttered to find anything)...

[Shurijo]

Hi all,

I would like to volunteer, too!

My strength is in web design and development and not VB. I have a lot of HTML, JavaScript, ColdFusion, PhotoShop, SQL Server, MS Access (a lot meaning, I can do anything that anyone wants, or I have been able to do everything that everyone wants so far). Pretty familiar with Oracle, etc.

I have built project management web sites (with gantt charts and the works), built forums, etc. I have built a lot of other things too.

I am pretty good at VB, but not near good enough for the others that have already posted. I am currently making a online RPG game and just coded the map in DDraw last night, I have most everything else up and running (except combat and a few other things like that). I don't think any of my code would be usable for a larger project like this, but I have a pretty good understanding of how things work, etc.

I would like to volunteer to help with any web stuff, I don't know PHP, but I can do a lot of graphics using Photoshop and any CF coding to create forums or a project management site, etc. if needed.

If you want my references (or sites that I have built), email me and I can send them to you.

Who is in charge of organizing this thing now? Since Fox isn't available, we need to find a Project Leader or Manager to organize who is working on what so the project can start.

take care,
shurijo

[Gaming_World]

I am some-what doing that (although I have never been good at telling people what to do).

Also, Welcome to the project.

If you end up working on the web-site, you would need to besure to talk a lot with GuyBrush, as he is already planning on do it.

[flame_211]

Welcome Shurijo, to the Zelda III Online Development Team...

I have a question regarding your Online RPG,
When you started making it, did you use a free server with MySQL and PHP enabled or did you pay monthly for a server with all the necessary things to make the RPG?

The reason I am asking, is because I am planning on making my own...

[Shurijo]

Originally posted by flame_211
Welcome Shurijo, to the Zelda III Online Development Team...

I have a question regarding your Online RPG,
When you started making it, did you use a free server with MySQL and PHP enabled or did you pay monthly for a server with all the necessary things to make the RPG?

The reason I am asking, is because I am planning on making my own...

I am still working on "my rpg". I am playing around with making it "skinable" today, found some cool code to do it, just have to tweak it to make it work with my stuff.

I am using VB and MS Access for my RPG right now. I could probably make this game a whole lot faster if I just used a database and ColdFusion (I would probably already be done :)). The game isn't "live" right now, I am just using my workstation as a server and client. My game will probably never "go live", but I am learning VB and server-client programming along with whatever else gives thrown into it.

Depending on how well you know MySQL and PHP, I would recommend that if you are learning PHP that you could learn ColdFusion and MS Access in a matter of hours and be up and running with your web-based RPG. Also depends on whether you are doing this for sport/fun or for real. I know a free ColdFusion host that has a good amount of stuff (for free) and you setup an ODBC (I think you can do OLEDB also, but haven't done that there).

take care
shurijo

[Gaming_World]

Sounds like Planet Wars (except that I made it go live & the game play :)). The link is in my sig.

[d3graph]

this is my idea
when connect to web server app request
a script with username and password
as parameter this script cheak
user name and password then
log his ip address in our database
then send him the whole list of username
and ip address then pear to pear network
i am working on this trik but i dont know asp or
perl but i can do winsock prog

what do you think

[d3graph]

we can use a free web server for this job
:cool:

[Gaming_World]

peer to peer doesn't work good when you have great amounts of people (40-50+), when you need admins, when the games may last for months on end (simlar to a diablo 2 game which doesn't close, and can support more people). The admins are needed to add in quests, elimiate problem people, reset the server, est.

Also, d3graph, are you going to stay on the team for a while?

[flame_211]

Shurijo, I was gonna make it like alienaa.com and gang-wars.com
Im not gonna make a game that you download its not gonna be
like planetwars, it will be more of you build up levels, and attack
people but through a browser, oh and no live action type
of stuff either, thanks for your comments...


d3graph, some one already has a server we are going to
use for the sites forum for now, then when we need a real server,
we will be paying for one...

[wildcard]

Hi i would like to join this team/what ever yall are calling it.
I know LITTLE VB, now MMORPGS and game skill/avater/stuff like that i can do. I can monitior the forums prrety well. i know MMORPGs prretty well so can i join the team?:D :D :D :D

[Gaming_World]

Welcome to the team wildcard.

[d3graph]

ok

as you like
i think you are using dilipkumar's server

[flame_211]

I may be wrong, but, I think we are gonna use Gaming_World
or Guysbrush's server... not dilipkumar(however you spell it)

I got an Idea for the game...
Maybe, we can have the users be able to rob other players...
But people of lvl's 1-5 can attack anyone, and people of lvl's 6-12, can attack anyone
from 6and up.... etc....

this comes to another Idea I had...
allow users to buy security systems...
like:
Lvl1. Cans Piled Up
Lvl2. Cans on a string
Lvl3. Something for a window(lock maybe)

etc...

Just an Idea...

[wildcard]

i was thinking that maybe we should pick someone to send/upload code snippets to and they can start putting it togther so we can get off the ground sooner. what do yall think or a ahead of the game?

[Guybrush]

Still waiting for the FTP info for Gamng_World. Will start creating the site then. Just an reminder :)

[wildcard]

this is something i threw togther (threw togther =1-2 hours) for a class choose screen that i think i might show yall. so here it is.:D

[wildcard]

forgot to mention that the Wariorre button does not work:D .
didnt put code there. oops

[Gaming_World]

GuyBrush, I will get the FTP information togather as soon as possible (still waiting for my dad to get the limited account setup).

Wildcard, Its OK, but I think we will need a fanseier disgin for the game (probably using graphics).

[wildcard]

how about vbGreen:D That grapic enough? what not enogh, not fair lol. k will see what i can do
dont know how to do full screen thou i am a newb.

[Gaming_World]

Full Screen =
Width = screen.width
Height = screen.height
Possibly use APIs to make it the top form permently
Possibly use APIs to hide the task bar


Nice and easy.

[stickman373]

well full screen will be handled by DX8 most likely. I can post a sample code for the Dx fullscreen and stuff if we want to get started, but the game development thread should be handled in the Communications area and split into coding and rules I believe this is as we discussed earlier?:)

[Gaming_World]

Yes we did. Also, what screen resolution(s) do we want to support?

[stickman373]

Dx can chaneg the screen resolution I believe, so we can make it based on 1 resolution and then have code to always use that resolution?

[Gaming_World]

Yes it can, but which resolution do we want. Or do we wish to support mutiple resolutions?

[stickman373]

Here is some of what i was talking about:


DispMode.Format = D3DFMT_X8R8G8B8
DispMode.Width = 640
DispMode.Height = 480

D3DWindow.SwapEffect = D3DSWAPEFFECT_FLIP
D3DWindow.BackBufferCount = 1
D3DWindow.BackBufferFormat = DispMode.Format D3DWindow.BackBufferHeight = 480
D3DWindow.BackBufferWidth = 640
D3DWindow.hDeviceWindow = frmMain.hWnd




using DispMode.Width & DispMode.Height we can choose a resolution :)

[Gaming_World]

Also, do we wish to begin (aka should I make the other threads yet)? Or else does anyone else have anything that needs to be mentioned, or ideas to post into it?

[stickman373]

Hmm what is the most common?

I use 600 by 800

I know a lot of ppl use 1024 by 768 also

?:confused: :)

[Gaming_World]

Originally posted by stickman373
Here is some of what i was talking about:


DispMode.Format = D3DFMT_X8R8G8B8
DispMode.Width = 640
DispMode.Height = 480

D3DWindow.SwapEffect = D3DSWAPEFFECT_FLIP
D3DWindow.BackBufferCount = 1
D3DWindow.BackBufferFormat = DispMode.Format D3DWindow.BackBufferHeight = 480
D3DWindow.BackBufferWidth = 640
D3DWindow.hDeviceWindow = frmMain.hWnd




using DispMode.Width & DispMode.Height we can choose a resolution :)

I know we can, but do we want to use 20x15, 40x30, 80x60, 160x120, 320x240, 640x480, 800x600, 1024x768, or 1280x1024?


Just for your knowladge, everything below 640x480 was meant as a joke (although some games do use 320x240; very few anymore).

[Gaming_World]

Originally posted by stickman373
Hmm what is the most common?

I use 600 by 800

I know a lot of ppl use 1024 by 768 also

?:confused: :)

I use 1280x1024, along with a lot of programmers.


Should we allow 640x480, 1024x768, or 1280x1024?
600x800 is uncommon (most common are any 4:3 ratio ones.)

[stickman373]

What exacylt do u mean by allow for the resolutions? Will the game run in different resolutions or will it automatically change the resolution of the computer during game play?

[stickman373]

Originally posted by Gaming_World
Also, do we wish to begin (aka should I make the other threads yet)? Or else does anyone else have anything that needs to be mentioned, or ideas to post into it?

How many actual programmers do we have not including those who will work almost always on the website?

[Zaei]

When programming in 3d, you dont have to worry about resolution. Things will display the same. The only difference is that you will see far less pixelation at higher resolutions. If you are going to be making this game in 3D, you MUST support all the resolutions a card can handle, or people may get a bit turned off(people with GeForce 3s like really high resolutions, while people like me like 320x200).

Z.

[Gaming_World]

I belive we have 4 to 7 people to work on non-webpage stuff, and 1 to 3 people on the webpage. We will also have to figure out how many of those 6 to 8 people will be working on the rules/graphics/programming/webpage. At both maxiums, I am included, as I have knowladge in both. I would prefer to mostly do the programming though. The ranges are beacuse I am not certine if everyone who has posted will be involed in the areas.

You may wish to count the people, use the replys list (click on the number of replys in either the formual, or in your control panel).

[Guybrush]

Originally posted by Gaming_World
GuyBrush, I will get the FTP information togather as soon as possible (still waiting for my dad to get the limited account setup).

Wildcard, Its OK, but I think we will need a fanseier disgin for the game (probably using graphics).

Ok.. sounds nice :)

[flame_211]

I think for the resolution, we should just have the game change it
at start up of the game...

Oh, And I will be on the programming team :)

I got another Idea, Maybe
have wagons and horses for the user to buy
horse: carry less stuff but goes faster
wagon: carrys more stuff but goes slower
horse(carrying items): carrys a few more(not as much as
the wagon) but goes the same speed w/out the horse

Just a few ideas...

[stickman373]

Originally posted by Gaming_World
I belive we have 4 to 7 people to work on non-webpage stuff, and 1 to 3 people on the webpage. We will also have to figure out how many of those 6 to 8 people will be working on the rules/graphics/programming/webpage. At both maxiums, I am included, as I have knowladge in both. I would prefer to mostly do the programming though. The ranges are beacuse I am not certine if everyone who has posted will be involed in the areas.

You may wish to count the people, use the replys list (click on the number of replys in either the formual, or in your control panel).

Well i personally feel we have enough people to at least start the coding...what do you think?

[wildcard]

i would think so if not we can pick people up on the way.
so what do yall say lets get to it.

P.S. i already sent in some code.

[stickman373]

Well as soon as Gaming World gives the OK and he makes the 2 topics in the Communication forum then we should start! I'm excited to see what we can do!:D

[Gaming_World]

OK. I will make the threads within the next 3 or 4 minutes.

[Gaming_World]

Also, should I make a thread for the web pages?


Guybrush, our web-server people woun't create a second FTP account for acess to a sub-directory. We will be able to host the page on our local computers (we have DSL), or we can host them on a differnt server.

[stickman373]

Originally posted by Gaming_World
Also, should I make a thread for the web pages?



If the website creators would like one they can have one I think ;)

[wildcard]

So far so good now lets get down and dirty. Come on team.

[stickman373]

ok u know we are going to talkn ow in the comm thread?

http://www.vbforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=141906

:)