Architect Entertainment - Content Ideas

[Shock Star]

You guys probably get this a lot, but having the option for Epic Archetypes enemies in AE. This opens up the possibility of female Arachnos Soldiers. male Widows, and Kheldians to be fought as custom NPCs.

[America's Angel]

Put AE in bases.

 

We already have contacts (mission computer) and mission-entry points (raid teleporter) in the base. All you'd need to add is a room type that flags "/architect" as "active" when in the room. (Similar function to entering an AE building.)

 

Would really open up the game to player-made stories. Could make custom zones, travel the cosmos in a spaceship going on adventures, etc.

[Player2]

On 5/21/2020 at 7:39 AM, America's Angel said:

Put AE in bases.

 

We already have contacts (mission computer) and mission-entry points (raid teleporter) in the base. All you'd need to add is a room type that flags "/architect" as "active" when in the room. (Similar function to entering an AE building.)

 

Would really open up the game to player-made stories. Could make custom zones, travel the cosmos in a spaceship going on adventures, etc.

Seconded.

 

Also, I saw someone suggest some kind of custom map editor.  I would be all for this.  Even if it were limited in size to what SG bases can be... It would be nice to be able to select a specific type of map (warehouse, office, etc) and then drop down rooms of content with the ability to add specific set dressing.

 

Additionally, I would like to be able to assign a specific existing temp power to the mission boss to be able to make them a little more unique. 

Edited May 23, 2020 by Player2

[BurtHutt]

Ok so it's the end of May and the pandemic will be plaguing us for a while. I know the dev team isn't that big (how many devs are on the team anyway?) and there is some player fatigue. This is fully expected but maybe the AE can help. I mentioned it in a previous post and not sure if it's possible - how about porting top notch AE into the game? They can be radios, story arcs or even TFs. I think there are a handful of players that pour in a ton of work on their stories/missions and they could write some additional stuff if needed. Then these could be added to game. 

 

I mentioned this earlier but it was part of a list of ideas. If I could push to implement one idea, it'd be this one. I think radios and other quick missions are popular but they're quite repetitive. CoX had many years of small dev teams so a lot of the content is repetitive, looks the same and lacking - I know this sounds a bit mean but that is not the intent. Limited resources = limited content. Let the players do some of the work with creative etc.

 

I'd also like to really emphasize making them unique and different. New factions, main bosses that look DIFFERENT than the rest of the enemies and are unique (I don't know how many times I've mowed down a main boss in a swarm of enemies and didn't even realize it cuz he/she looks just like the rest of the mob).

 

Players can create their own factions/mobs/AVs/Heroes etc and do full write ups. This would add for an influx of creative and new ideas which would be a big help (I think?). I really can't be bothered to play any AE missions that involve the factions we see over and over in game.

[Icecomet]

Hi everybody.

 

Let me start by saying I did not read all the comments on this thread, however, I would like to make a recommendation for AE changes, so, please forgive me if it's been mentioned already.

 

I would like to see the amount of published arcs increased from 3 to at least 5 (although 7 would be ideal) as I am doing an entire backstory arc and 3 chapter's isn't going to get it done properly.  I just released chapter 2 today and my generic concept right now that I've drawn up will be 6 chapters.

 

Not sure if this is doable or how difficult a change like this would be, but, I do believe that 3 is somewhat limiting.  If we are worried about too many missions building up, could maybe look at some code that moves to arc to unpublished if it hasn't been played for 90 days or something?  Not sure what the solution would be, but this is just an outside idea, if mission accumulation in the UI was a concern.

 

Thanks for reading!

 

Icecomet

 

[Arcanum]

26 minutes ago, Icecomet said:

Hi everybody.

 

Let me start by saying I did not read all the comments on this thread, however, I would like to make a recommendation for AE changes, so, please forgive me if it's been mentioned already.

 

I would like to see the amount of published arcs increased from 3 to at least 5 (although 7 would be ideal) as I am doing an entire backstory arc and 3 chapter's isn't going to get it done properly.  I just released chapter 2 today and my generic concept right now that I've drawn up will be 6 chapters.

 

Not sure if this is doable or how difficult a change like this would be, but, I do believe that 3 is somewhat limiting.  If we are worried about too many missions building up, could maybe look at some code that moves to arc to unpublished if it hasn't been played for 90 days or something?  Not sure what the solution would be, but this is just an outside idea, if mission accumulation in the UI was a concern.

 

Thanks for reading!

 

Icecomet

 

I sent you a message! Additional arc slots are available upon request.

 

If anyone else feels they need more then three to continue their creative ideas, feel free to message myself or @GM Sparky!

[CursedSorcerer]

On 4/9/2020 at 1:12 PM, GM Miss said:

New Maps: 

More Outdoor Maps for Sharkhead Isle. I find it sad that in the category for Outdoor Maps there's only one map for Sharkhead Isle, that one being the Sky Raider Sharkhead Base.

The "ruined Ouroboros" map from Mender Ramiel's arc

A winter-event Map would be nice as well.

Enemy Groups:

Skulls: Add the newer mobs for the Skulls into AE Specifically: Gravedigger Assailants, Gravedigger Strikers, Death Head Soldiers, Death Dolls, Death Walkers, Chernobog, Morana, and Veles.

 Add the following Enemy Groups: 2nd Imperial Defense Force Regiment, Angry Citizens, Demons of Diabolique, Prisoners, Pandora's Might, Rogue Paragon Police, Rogues Gallery (Including Maelstrom and Desdemona), Time Echoes, and UPA.

 

On 4/9/2020 at 1:12 PM, GM Miss said:

 

 

[Emperor Cole]

Impromtu request, please give Captives and Escorts the 'Captured Cower' emote. I simply do not understand why they would give it to bosses and enemies but not to the people it's intended for. 

Edited July 4, 2020 by Emperor Cole
mistake

[Xanatos]

I like using the AE as a danger room to test out my builds and see what they are capable of. As I mostly play tanks, I like testing out the limits of each armour set.

 

To that end, I' love it if we could add the following to the AE:

 

-Hamidon (with mitos)

-Tyrant from the itrial (with light buffs)

-Lord Recluse (with tower buffs)

-The Crimson Prototype

-All itrial AVs/GMs

-All of the Freedom Phalanx spawning in one location. (This may already be possible. Not sure.)

 

I know some of these may be difficult (the spawn points for each individual Hamidon mito, for example, are hard coded into specific points in The Hive / The Abyss, Recluse requires the towers, Tyrant requires the lights, etc) but it would be great to have a way to test out endgame builds against the biggest threats. (Even if it was just a set map with a fixed spawnpoint for them/their supports.)

Edited July 20, 2020 by Xanatos

[ShardWarrior]

I would love to be able to build something like the Arena of Sompek over in STO.  The enemies get buffed each level, so the more levels you defeat, the harder it gets.  You keep going until an entire team wipe stops the event.  Something like this would be challenging here, especially with customized AVs.

 

 

[Coyotedancer]

On 4/10/2020 at 7:14 PM, Oubliette_Red said:

I'd love to see the floating Mu City map put back into AE as an option.

The Crossroads map... I want that one in AE, too. 

[Emperor Cole]

On 7/30/2020 at 12:18 AM, Keovar said:

The NPCs hanging around the AE area of Pocket D all seem excited to play through various events, but most appear to be average civilians.  This makes it sound like they’ll be playing with simulated superpowers.  Maybe something like the Deadlock vignette in which you fight Back Alley Brawler could work?  There seem to be a lot of people making origin stories for their own characters, but unless you can actually play as their character, how much sense can it make?  

I actually made a thread on this exact thing.

 

[CursedSorcerer]

A couple more things:

 

I noticed that Penelope Yin isn't in the Freedom Phalanx. Please add her.

Also, I noticed that Faathim the Kind has been removed as a potential contact choice. I don't know if the devs thought that he's too big or what, but please bring him back.

Also, increase the character limit on the "About Contact" text field. I find myself often using the standard contacts and would like to copy the text from whichever contact. The problem is, the "Ask about Contact" dialogue is often so long, that it doesn't fit in the allotted amount of characters, forcing me to shorten it.

Edited August 30, 2020 by CursedSorcerer

[Clave Dark 5]

On 4/10/2020 at 2:40 AM, Defeat All Snakes said:

Ally/rescue dialogue barks that don't all fire off at once. That's pretty much all I'm asking for, please and thank you.

This.  This.  THIS!  A million times this.

 

I'm still sitting on my files from the per-cancelation days that simply will not work story-wise.  I "overwrite" - sue me, it's no crime since this used to work.  You can't drop these parts of my stories without losing something.  I had a story or two in the works too back when this feature broke on Live and had to shelve them as well.  Otherwise I might as well be writing a "Go get the MacGuffin device from the Freakshow" tip missions.

[Darmian]

Being able to have more than the single contact person. Finish a Mish and your contact says go see so and so. And next Mish is with that next contact. 

[Golden Azrael]

On 5/21/2020 at 12:39 PM, America's Angel said:

Put AE in bases.

 

We already have contacts (mission computer) and mission-entry points (raid teleporter) in the base. All you'd need to add is a room type that flags "/architect" as "active" when in the room. (Similar function to entering an AE building.)

 

Would really open up the game to player-made stories. Could make custom zones, travel the cosmos in a spaceship going on adventures, etc.

That's a sound idea.

 

A zone editor to go with it perhaps.

 

I'd also like to raise the limit on Story Arcs to 10 x5 (is the current limit 8 x 5?) to match the 'arc' contacts in the game.

 

So you could have a 'base' or zone that you can privately 'GM' and a zone editor to make it unique.  (The Zone/Map editor just needs that 'friendly' AE shop front on it..?)

 

This way.  You'd have a GM.  A zone you've designed.  And you're own content path through the game.

 

Azrael.

[Golden Azrael]

On 9/1/2020 at 7:47 PM, Darmian said:

Being able to have more than the single contact person. Finish a Mish and your contact says go see so and so. And next Mish is with that next contact. 

Yes.  2nded.

 

Azrael.

[Darmian]

On 8/30/2020 at 10:21 AM, Clave Dark 5 said:

I "overwrite" - sue me, it's no crime since this used to work.  

I think the one thing I really disagree with re AE advice is the advice to not "overwrite". People are either going to click through things...or they're not. If they're not then give them story, if they are then they aren't reading it anyway so write for those that will. I'm not advocating purple prose but there's no need to emulate "Go. Hunt. kil. skulls."

Edited September 15, 2020 by Darmian

[Darmian]

How about the ability to grant temp powers to players?  Like the virtual rez you can already get it would only work in AE and be greyed out elsewhere. If this is mentioned elsewhere then consider it a bump.

Edited September 21, 2020 by Darmian

[Golden Azrael]

On 6/13/2020 at 4:01 PM, Icecomet said:

Hi everybody.

 

Let me start by saying I did not read all the comments on this thread, however, I would like to make a recommendation for AE changes, so, please forgive me if it's been mentioned already.

 

I would like to see the amount of published arcs increased from 3 to at least 5 (although 7 would be ideal) as I am doing an entire backstory arc and 3 chapter's isn't going to get it done properly.  I just released chapter 2 today and my generic concept right now that I've drawn up will be 6 chapters.

 

Not sure if this is doable or how difficult a change like this would be, but, I do believe that 3 is somewhat limiting.  If we are worried about too many missions building up, could maybe look at some code that moves to arc to unpublished if it hasn't been played for 90 days or something?  Not sure what the solution would be, but this is just an outside idea, if mission accumulation in the UI was a concern.

 

Thanks for reading!

 

Icecomet

 

A sound suggestion.  So you can head in the direction of a customised story that levels you from 1-50.

 

If having a 'raise' limit on the amount of contact arcs is prohibitive for HC servers (though I can't see that many people wanting to create a L1-50 arc for 'solo' or duo play....)  Is there an option to save your Contact mission Arcs off line.  So you can create and store as many as you like.  And load each level Arc or the next 3 level arcs up to the AE as you need it?  And remove them from the AE as you complete them?

 

And I do like the idea of extending the SG base to walk out into your own 'custom' map for your 'AE' content.  ie.  Walk out the back of your back into a 'private zone' of your choice eg Kings Row where you are the RP Master.  You have your contact for your missions, and, like AE missions, you can invite others to your 'private party' zone?

 

Ie.  Decoupling the AE idea as being a holo-simulation.  And having 'your custom' missions happening in your own zone.  So instead of it being AE.  It could be an instanced zone of your choice as an extension of your SG base.  

 

Something that the PB/WS arcs from Sun Storm 'promised...'

 

I hope all that made sense.

 

Azrael.

Edited September 21, 2020 by Golden Azrael

[Ruin Mage]

All I want is:

• More power combo options (Where's my Rad Melee and Rad Armor :<)
• More AVs to select from. I want to bully people with ambushes of Tyrant.
• More of the maps implemented. The one posted above (The Crossroads/Grand Ceremony map) + the iTrial maps maybe too. MORE MAPS.

[BurtHutt]

I'm not sure if this is possible but it seems like it totally would be. I also posted this on another thread and probably should have come here. So, here's the idea: Have a new contact that is connected to the AE. As in it is in the AE system but not located in-game anywhere near an AE building. This contact would not contain any of the AE content other than what is added by Devs. It would eliminate sifting through not so great content and farms. Why do this? as a bit of a cheat/work around having to try and port AE missions to regular game which can be a lot of work (so it seems - I have no idea. I'm not a coder). Anything added to this new contact by the Devs would be the best content submitted and then put into this contact and would be canon. Devs can review AE missions and then pick the best ones. Then have only those chosen missions visible on this new contact. 

 

Maybe the contact could be called Pandora's box. It would sit outside of AE in some random location. Use it like you use papers and radios. Essentially, this contact is the AE but the only missions it shows/provides are the ones approved by the Devs. Would that save having to try and port AE missions into the game and regular contact? 

 

These would not be as robust as the regular game but would contain a ton of new content that is made by the players. All the Devs would have to do is approve it and drop it in the contact list. No other work needed. AE mission creators could then just make content, ensure it meets all of the criteria (laid out in advance by the Devs) - if it hits all of those marks then it can be reviewed by the Devs and considered for being added to the new contact/Pandora's Box.

 

I would suggest adding any original characters and content would ALSO require full write ups that would be placed in the Wiki. This may also allow players to team up and create the missions, the backgrounds, detailed Wiki additions and so on. This would add a lot of content and maybe even add some pretty cool stuff! Each month the Devs could post a list where 10 AE missions are posted on the forums (if they meet the pre-established criteria) and then reviewed. If they're good then they're added to the game. If not then the creators can be told no, not good enough or make some changes and apply again next month. This would limit the work for the Dev team. Each month there could be 2 or 3 missions chosen and added to the new contact/game.

 

I have no idea if this is feasible but if it is then it could really help add some new missions to the game. I know lots of people run a lot of radio/paper/random missions. Personally speaking, I am doing a lot of the radio/paper missions over and over and would love to see this added.

[Darmian]

Well that's interesting. It kind of leaves well crafted non-canon missions out in the cold though, if I'm reading it right. I'm not sure how the Devs could say such and such an AE is canon if it has nothing to do with CoX or outright contradicts the Lore of CoX.  Well, they COULD but they really shouldn't.  There's enough loose ends in the actual game without adding more to that list. I'm not dismissing this out of hand, don't get me wrong, but if your checkbox is "must adhere to known Lore/incorporate known Lore etc" then there's a bunch of great AEs that will fall through that crack.

[BurtHutt]

I

4 hours ago, Darmian said:

Well that's interesting. It kind of leaves well crafted non-canon missions out in the cold though, if I'm reading it right. I'm not sure how the Devs could say such and such an AE is canon if it has nothing to do with CoX or outright contradicts the Lore of CoX.  Well, they COULD but they really shouldn't.  There's enough loose ends in the actual game without adding more to that list. I'm not dismissing this out of hand, don't get me wrong, but if your checkbox is "must adhere to known Lore/incorporate known Lore etc" then there's a bunch of great AEs that will fall through that crack.

No, no. The intent would be to allow ONLY the well done missions into this separate contact. Part of the pre-existing guidelines would mandate the stories and arcs be compatible with the current lore. My initial thought is that they would be sandbox type missions or mini-arcs that would not conflict with current Lore and be self-contained. Since they're at the radios level of missions (quick, fun, fast and done type missions...hit it and quit it type thing) then it'd be pretty easy to different stuff. That is where this could shine. You could create and write up all types of new factions, EBs, AVs etc and incorporate them into the game.

 

I mean seriously, are you not kinda tired of all of these enemies we've seen for 8-16 years?! I would definitely push for all original missions but that's just me (new enemies, characters etc). It would make these random radios/papers etc a bit more interesting and maybe challenging.

 

You say there are tons of great AE missions. Well, if they work with the Lore, don't conflict with the game, Lore etc and there isn't any copyright issues etc then why not add them?!  My idea is to add the great AE missions to the canon and Lore and not have to port them into the proper game. Just have a new contact that is tied into the AE system and will only show those missions placed there by Devs. 

 

Now, I've gone on about this idea but I don't know if it can actually be done. Anyone? Is it just that easy to do?

[Darmian]

I think we're actually agreeing from different ends of the pitch!  However, when I say non-canon AE I'm thinking of meta stuff that plays with the concept of the game as a game, with things that have literally nothing at all to do with CoX, I mean nothing, other than utilizing the tools/maps/powersets that the AE provides us.  And there are a few of those, and they're well done.

 

As for being tired of the same enemies? Up to a point I get that, absolutely I get that.  But I'd maintain that much of that issue falls to depth of characterization and so on.  (Apologies in advance to all who think I've derailed the topic!). Let me posit this to you:  Suppose Recluse started behaving a bit more rationally?  It was hinted that that was on the cards after Red Widow's return.  Then the Rogue Isles becomes more like for instance Cuba crossed with Latveria. Arachnos assert more control over their own state and "seem" to tidy some of their affairs up, perhaps reclaiming Warburg and withdrawing from Siren's Call.  The plots and schemes that even something as simple (!) as those things are could generate masses of missions and so on, for both sides. What the hell are they up to? UN demands Longbow pull put of Mercy Island due to the Rogue Isles ambassador being a "reasonable" individual presenting legal argument?  Who knows?  Is it all in time for the Glorious 60th Anniversary of the Rule of Recluse in 2024?

 

And that's just Arachnos. 

 

And yes, new and different enemies are a must too.  Totally. I'm just saying don't write off the existing guys just yet, they could surprise us!