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Game Design Challenge |
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| The following is in reference to the Concept Document found here: Boondock Saints: Vigilante Justice |
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Objective:
Create a game concept within a set of limitations that will be unique, creative and ultimately fun in general. The game must be based off a popular movie. It may follow the story directly or it may be a 'sequel' of sorts. It must incorporate scenes, characters, story, etc from the original movie. It must provide unique game mechanics. |
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| The Process: |
1. Picking a movie:
My first goal was to decide on a movie to use and possibly come up with a similar game to base my concept on. I wanted something that would invoke emotions in the players creating an immersive and engaging gaming experience. It didn't take me long to decide on one of my very favorite movies, Boondock Saints. This movie is action-packed with a pretty solid story, but also invokes emotions in the viewer by focusing on global issue of vigilante justice. I had also been playing Grand Theft Auto IV at the time and thought that a Boondock Saints themed version of that game would work perfectly. I decide to name my game "Boondock Saints: Vigilante Justice" (BS:VJ) |
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2. My Story
My next goal was to come up with a new story idea to fit with the Boondock Saints theme. I decided to go with a unique story that takes place shortly after the events from the movie with players taking on the role of a "3rd saint". The following is an excerpt from my concept document:
It’s the year 2002 and crime has reached an all-time high world-wide. Criminals run rampant and the streets are unsafe to walk at night. Law officials are fighting a losing battle. But what could be behind this massive wave of criminal activity? Some say the “Vory v zakone” or the Russian “Thieves in law” have returned to claim the streets as their own. Others believe the Yakuza and the Triads have united in a war against the world. Still others are convinced that our own national governments are to blame. The only thing that is certain is that something must be done to put a stop to it all.
Join Connor and Murphy McManus, the Boondock Saints, as you answer the call of God to put a stop to the evils of the world. When all hope is lost, when all else has failed, and when the evil men of this world have reached to the depths of our own governments to corrupt and control them, only the righteous can set us free. “We all must fear evil men, but there is an evil that must be feared most… the indifference of good men.” |
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3. Game Mechanics
The next big challenge was to decide how the game would be played both 'in general' and 'game mechanic specific'. As I mentioned above, I had decide to base my core mechanics on Grand Theft Auto IV (GTA:IV)which was already proven to be a huge success. That in mind, game controls and basic game play mechanics are all the same as GTA:IV. Any good Game Designer knows you can't simply clone a game, slap a new label on it and expect it to be the future of gaming. Story aside, I had to come up with some unique mechanics that would truly separate this game from GTA:IV. |
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A. Scales of Justice
The "Scales of Justice" is the most important game mechanic in BS:VJ. The idea is that, as a "Saint", you must be aware of your public opinion at all times. Doing good deeds will raise your public opinion but committing crimes will lower it. Some actions might be viewed by the public as a crime even if it is for the greater good (such as killing a mafia lord). The Scales of Justice are a visual indicator measuring your overall public opinion. As the scales tip to either good or evil side, NPC reactions towards you as a Saint will change. An Evil Saint will have police chase them or even shoot on sight whereas a Good Saint can commit certain crimes without penalty. |
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B. Acolytes
Saints may recruit Acolytes throughout their adventures that may serve a number of purposes. Some of these may include accompanying you during missions, providing information about criminals, providing weapons and supplies and much more. The Acolytes available to the Saint is determined by the Saint's public opinion (See "Scales of Justice" above), progression in the game, etc. Saints may have up to 4 Acolytes at any time and they can choose to dismiss an Acolyte to recruit a new one. There are many other rules to these Acolytes described in the full Concept Document. |
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C. Character Appearance
Many games allow players to customize the appearance of their character, but too many times this customization is nothing more than an aesthetic mechanic. In BS:VJ, character appearance plays an important role in your interactions with the world around you. As described in the Concept Document:
Hair style, eye color, build, height, distinguishing marks (scars, tattoos, etc), teeth, and beard style all have an effect on how people view you in the game. Some people hate blue eyes and blonde hair, others are disgusted by facial scars, etc. This can have an effect on how much information you can get, prices of goods, and outcomes of encounters (fight, flee, bargain, etc). |
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Summary:
I had a LOT of fun designing this concept and would love to have the opportunity to fully design this game and see it brought to completion. I enjoyed some of the challenges of presenting unique game mechanics and am very pleased with how the results were meaningful to the movie they were based on. If you're interested in this concept at all, please review the actual Concept Document as it describes the story and mechanics much better and in more detail. |
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“Destroy that which is evil so that that which is good may flourish.”
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I offer all of these files to all of you absolutely FREE of charge! I only ask that you do what you can to help me get my business on its feet by making a donation. |
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Like one of my games? Have a question? Send me an email:
nicolai.dutka @ archongames.com |
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