Renegade mode for multiplayer

[eristo]

Subject:
Create a multiplayer mode for first person combat in C&C style, with bases you can build in-game or prebuild on template with cash or credits earned in game.

Description:
Personally I like Command and Conquer as an RTS, but in the nature of this thread that is not what i wish to propose.

One of the games i felt that added another level of depth to the C&C universe was Renegade. While not well recieved by shooter fans who associated the game with being an RTS and C&C fans who at first did not appriciate the game in the numbers Westwood Studios visioned, I feel that the game had its own charm and up to date had the most genuine feeling i ever had from a shooter. Its the one game from the Command and Conquer series that i kept playing for over a year on multiplayer with my (very devout RTS fanatic) friends, as opposed to the RTS multiplayer features.

Part of this I feel was the lacking singleplayer in Renegade, and the stand-alone image in an RTS series. Hence i wish to propose to add a similar function to the multiplayer part of the game. In other words, to have an RTS service for multiplayer and an FTS with third person mode, including base manager functions.

A quick overview of possibilities for a Renegade like game mode, these can be interpreted as a full packet or seperate features:
> prematch voting for one or two "base managers" per faction, with system vote override in case of inactivity
> building a base live while factions prepare and fight, reduces the standardized tactics. (create your own offence, management and defence based on limited rescources)
> randomized terrain creation
> unit and vehicle customization / leveling
> nautical bases and maps
> weather influence


Positive Effect:
> offers choice / change of pace to C&C fans
> Likely to attract a broader audience (FPS fans)
> it was an overwhelming effect, seeing the C&C war machinery in a first person up close
> Brings the user closer to the story / factions
> Being innovative, as most RTS games do not offer it (also a chance for good publicity)
> Supports clan fanbases more than just the RTS function.
> Instead of full FPS game which failed for attracting enough attention on both user groups, added as a feature to the trusted RTS version will reach more people and bring less sales risk.

Negative Effect:
> Extra development time and rescources needed
> The effect can't be proven untill it hits sales / is in the preview stage
> Need to maintain 2 server versions
> People who recieved Renegade badly will most likely be unwilling to try untill after the proof of concept

This thread for me specifies why i feel a Renegade mode as a feature to the mulpiplayer has both an added value in player experience and game lifetime. For me it overrules a large part of the reason why Renegade never attracted the audience it was supposed to have, and would combine the two major modes featured in the gaming franchise i have enjoyed so much since the launch of the original Command and Conquer game.

[chronium]

I had a similar idea of allowing FPS players and RTS players on the same multiplayer map when Starcraft 2 came out. It's definitely a new idea that should be explored.

[Golan2781]

I doubt that having a full FPS in a full RTS works. It pretty much means developing two games plus an intermediate one. I'd much rather like to see them focus on one type of game and do that right.

[eristo]

i didn't intend this idea as a full FPS, as the singleplayer (storyline, set level moddeling, AI building with difficulty level, movies, etc.) wouldn't be part of it.

Though i agree that it will proberbly take too much time to build, its still something i would concider a big plus in the game (maybe able to use some code from tiberium or so).

Realisticly the chance of this happening is small, as still there has to be a game engine, first / thrid person 3d moddeling, 3d calculation, physics, maps, server model etc. build extra for a feature like this.

though should it be possible, i think the innovation might create a trend.

[LoganN64]

I fully support anyone that is looking to essentially revive a C&C RENEGADE style game(mainly Multiplayer), as i may have mentioned before; the mechanics worked very well, the only problem the QA department didnt go through it enough because the bugs were everywhere.

But ultimately even if EA just upgraded the original Renegade game that'd be spiffy! and gave map updates and added stuff.. maybe combine all the units from all the C&C games, or give you the option to play with all the vehicles from all the C&C games.

P.S. I agree the Single player was pretty lousy, but it gave you some Practice for Multiplayer... or even just playing the Multiplayer practice... well either or..

[eristo]

@logan,

i feel the same ... i would like a polished up version of Renegade, and preferably not something like Tiberium with one class and three modes. Allthough i would have tried that one alwell.

The main problem though with publishing it as a stand alone game i think, is that for for the developer the sales rate would be too low or they would judge the project too risky, being not certain of success. Hence im not suggesting it as a full game but as a feature ... with the hope of seeing Renegade return or being improved.

[vimpel76]

There is mod for hl2 called age of empires. It the same that you described.

[Shrimpster]

i also loved playing renegade, and loved the servers where you could place defences! couldnt they just remake renegade but set in tiberium wars time? obviously have better graphics and make the maps bigger as renegade's origonal maps were too small. i dont think it would be the next game for c&c made, but its a good idea

[Richierpw]

I'd prefer them to just stick to RTS and produce something really special. There are plenty of FPS games if thats what your after. Given the choice between a FPS section or an extra 6 or 7 Campaign levels i'd much rather opt for a longer Campaign

[GeneralSGJist]

The thing is, if any sort of RTS/FPS hybrid system was put in a game, the investment would only be returned if it was the primary and default game mod, allowing for RTS only and FPS only missions and maps.

It would not be practicable to make a system just for a mode and have little or no relation to core mechanics.

To do this, they need to develop the system which allows for both FPS only play or RTS only play. Also a myriad of mechanics for each genre and balance them with each other.

It would be a great innovation no doubt, but such an innovation would just not make financial sense to be a side mode.

I would support it, but it would take alot longer, and as said, be a huge investment.