Sci-Fi Adventure Game, What perspective?

Game Play & Game Design
#1

I know this is a programming forum and all, but I was wondering how to make a 2D shooter unique.

I have a really awesome story line idea for a game, and I have been programming the low-level systems for the past hour and a half. But I was wondering (gameplay wise) how it would work. There are hundreds of 2D shooters out there, and allot of them get boring after a while. I was wondering about a way balance cool lighting effects, tight game play, and ambient, scary scenes, without sacrificing basically making the game like all the others.

I know 2D platforms are fun, but I guess what I’m looking for it a way to have the exploration factor of 3D, and not make it so the player HAS to progress through the level. Also, most of the gameplay is in a street-post rebellion futuristic landscape. With a broken economy, and corrupted government. So it has to look rugged. Maybe with some cool god rays here and there highlighting the sad parts of lost civilization, while the rich and wealthy live happy and blind.

TL;DR How do I make a cool game play perspective for a ruggid, beat-down theme without sacrificing lighting effects and exploration factors?

#2

I think a nice space themed shooter would ned smooth controls, and unique particle effects after a blast (laser collection ;)). Having 3d stars moving back and forth in the Z axis would look cool also.

#3

Part of this depends on how experienced you are with 2D & 3D OpenGL.

Just do what would be easier to develop.

I wouldn’t recommend making a Sci-Fi Adventure game as a platformer.
Look at the ‘G581g’ thread to see why that’s a horrible idea.

  • Jev
#4

Its not actually going to be retro, its going to be allot like Halo: ODST (atmospheric wise). Just with some cool lighting and textures to make it look really polished.

I’m looking for a way to put a perspective that works with a unique shooting mechanic.