Cheap Ass Gamer - Blogs - wemakegames.net by Stuttering Billy http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php A current listing of cheap video games, video game sales and video game deals: CAG en Fri, 24 May 2013 07:35:41 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg Cheap Ass Gamer - Blogs - wemakegames.net by Stuttering Billy http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php Completed a mission design for Prototype (In hopes of an interview) http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=18598 Sat, 29 Jan 2011 00:01:28 GMT Completed a mission design for Prototype that was part of my package sent into Radical for a... Completed a mission design for Prototype that was part of my package sent into Radical for a "Design Scripter" position

Project Goals

  • Multiple paths
  • Stealth gameplay
  • End encounter boss fight
8 to 15 minute Experience
2 to 5 minute combat encounters and in-game cinematics

“Convoy” is a side mission intended to be a integrated into the current Prototype retail game. Cinematic intros, setups and exit will give an overview of the goals the player has to accomplish to complete the level.

Level Walk-Through

1. In-game cinematic setup(Passive)
a. Alex gets word that Blackwatch is transporting samples from the 1969 Hope, Idaho test site, overseas to a more secure Blackwatch owned facility. Alex’s contact believes that these samples could be used to find a cure for the recent “backlight” virus outbreak in NY.
b. Alex is told to be investigate a Blackwatch radar tower setup in time square to learn when and where the transport will be leaving heading.
c. Objective update
i. Objective updated “Go to the radar tower”
ii. Mini map updated with radar tower location
2. Radar Tower(Aggressive Passive)
a. In-game cinematic
i. Upon reaching the event trigger an in-game cinematic plays: Alex is shown on a building overlooking the radar tower outpost on the roof of a nearby building. A make shift tent housing the radar equipment is in the center of the of the roof with Blackwatch guards patrolling the perimeter.
b. Objective update
i. Objective updated “Gain access to the radar tent silently or with force”
ii. Mini map is updated with soldier positions and radar tower entrance
c. Sneak (Passive ( Use current in-game stealth mechanics))
i. To infiltrate the radar tower, Alex must consume one of the patrolling soldiers without being seeing by the other guards.
ii. Once disguised the player can enter the radar tent
iii. If at any time the player is revealed or seen consuming an enemy the current encounter defaults to the “force” option
d. Force (Aggressive)
i. When the player is spotted, the soldiers will turn aggressive, the radar tower will go on “high alert” calling in a strike team to help deal with the treat.While on high alert the entrance to the tent is sealed, blocking the player from entrance.
ii. After clearing out the area of threats the player can enter the radar tent.
e. In-game cinematic
i. Upon reaching event trigger an in-game cinematic plays:
ii. Passive: A disguised Alex enters radar tent and overhears radio chatter between the transport convoy and the radar technician.
iii. Aggressive: Alex enters the tent and performs “tendril barrage” killing everyone inside. Picks up an ear piece from one of the bodies and hears radio chatter pinpointing the transport convoy.
f. Objective update
i. Objective updated “Intercept the convoy”
ii. Mini map updated with convoys location.
3. Convoy (Aggressive Passive)
a. Objective update
i. Upon reaching event trigger, objective is updated “Disable transport truck or inflect nearby power generators to stop the convoy from requesting backup”
ii. Mini map updated with convoys current location and power generators locations along convoys path

b. Engage Convoy (Aggressive)
i. When the player is spotted, strike teams will be called in. Strike teams will continue to engage the player with increasing waves of enemies, until the transport truck is disabled or a nearby power generator is infected (resets the threat level).
c. Inflect Power Generators (Exploration)
i. “Infect” prompt will appear when player nears a power generator.
ii. Infecting power genitors will cause a EMP blast zone.
1. EMP blast destroys any air support within the blast zone
2. Resets players threat level
3. Transport truck cannot call in strike teams while in blast zone
4. “OG” Black Light (Climax)
a. Cinematic
i. Alex is showing walking up to the wrecked transport truck’s sealed door. He starts to pry the doors apart with his hands, suddenly the door flies off revealing a large Hunter
b. Final Combat
i. Alex must defeat the Hunter
ii. Hunter has the ability to bring back corpse found around the encounter as Infected soldiers
iii. When the Hunters health =< 25%, the player is prompted to “consume” the enemy

5. Outro (Passive)
a. Consuming the Hunter triggers an “Web of intrigue” cut scene revealing information about the test subjects origin along with how the virus mutated within its body (steps to find a cure)
]]> Stuttering Billy http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=18598 Need help with a upcoming interview - List standout 2d level design http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=18255 Wed, 05 Jan 2011 23:11:31 GMT I have a upcoming interview for a World Builder position for a upcoming 2D MMO.

I'm collecting and burning through as much content as I can, to get ready for the interview. What games(I'm looking for 2D games) have you played where the level design really stood out. While games like Super Meat Boy are great 2D games, being that this is a casual MMO, I'm looking more along the lines of Maple Story or Neosaurs and not pixel perfect platformers (if something really stood out in this genre though, please list it)

Please post any game where the level design stood out to you, it could be from visuals, technical or both. ]]> Stuttering Billy http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=18255 Since being laid off from Propaganda games.... http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=17786 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 03:50:52 GMT So my first job in the industry has come and gone: I worked on the now canceled Pirates: Armada of... So my first job in the industry has come and gone: I worked on the now canceled Pirates: Armada of the Dammed. Lay offs are part of the industry so I guess its best to get used to them early in my career (Hopefully the "sting" will get less and less each time).

For me the worst part of working on a canceled game is after all the hard work and ALOT of late nights I legally can't show anything I worked on...

While at Prop, I was working so much(loved every moment) I didn't have time to work on anything for my portfolio.

So now that I have time, here is what I have been working on -

Kinect Trivia

Responsibilities:
  • Created design proposal for trivia game using both the Microsoft Kinect and Zune marketplace
  • Designed basic systems
  • Evaluated feedback from industry professionals and iterated design
About: Kinect Trivia is a down-loadable game that uses both the Kinect and Zune Marketplace. Trivia questions are generated with data from the Zune Market place. Players use the Kinect to navigate and answer the trivia questions. 2 player local multiplayer along with 4 players via Xbox live is supported with leader boards
Key Features:
  • Zune marketplace meta data used to populate quiz categorizes
    • Categorizes:
      • Movie title
      • Actor/Actress
      • Famous quotes
      • Genre
      • Themes – Growing up 80s, Best of Sequels, Horror Nightmare, etc
  • Pose Off
    • Players need to match the poses of classic movie scenes
    • Match characters in movie posters
    • Pose downs mechanic based on Japanese game show – here
  • Scoreboards track the top players (must be connected to Xbox live)
    • Top players for the week win prizes
    • Players are gifted Microsoft points for discounts on games and movies
  • Body movements for ringing in
    • Users make the motion of ringing in a buzzer (think Jeopardy)
    • Players able to verbally answer questions
    • “Cheering” after a correct answer adds a score multiplier

View Design Doc – Design Doc

Mini game design “Boogie Down” for Top Bar facebook game

Responsibilities:
  • Created design proposal for an mini game to be integrated into Top Bar facebook game
  • Designed basic systems and gameplay state machine
  • Evaluated feedback from industry professionals and iterated design
About: “Boogie Down” is a module mini game design to be integrated into the Top Bar facebook game. Players must trace “dance moves” as they appear on screen. Correctly tracing consecutive moves increases the players multiplier along with game speed.
Basic Rules:
  • Use the mouse to trace the symbols as they appear on screen
  • Tracing the symbols correctly increases the players multiplier and the rate that new symbols appear
  • “Mis-tracing” or not completing the shape before the symbols disappear, results in losing a life and re-setting the multiplier
  • When the user’s lives equal 0, the game is over

View Design Doc – Design Doc

"Action RPG" Early Game Boss Encounter

Responsibilities: Create high level design doc proposal for an early game boss encounter set in an action RPG.

About: The boss encounter is a culmination of what the player has been taught up into this point – Use roll to dodge hazards and use abilities along with ranged attacked to stun enemies to manage the flow of combat

View Design Doc – Design Doc

OVERVIEW
This is an idea for a early boss battle for an action RPG. The Boss (let’s call it Priestess) encounter is a culmination of what the player has been taught up into this point – Use roll to dodge hazards and use abilities along with ranged attacked to stun enemies to manage the flow of combat. The outcome of the encounter would give the player a sense of accomplishment “I just whooped up on Priestess, that she had to run away, I’m a badass!”.

KEY ELEMENTS
Multi-stage battle
  • Priestess scenario changes when the boss reaches a certain amount of health.
    • This battle will have X waves
    • Priestess will have 2 different states throughout this battle; offensive and defensive.
      • On offense Priestess will engage the player in melee combat with the help of minions
      • On defense Priestess will engage the player from higher ground with grenades
  • Priestess’s defensive state will be triggered whenever her loses 25% of his health. For example at 75% health, 50% health…
  • Battle will have 2 endings
    • Ending A
    • Ending B
  • Offense State
    • The player battles minions fighting alongside the boss.
  • Defensive State
    • Player needs to react to grenade patterns in order to survive boss encounter
    • The player needs to defeat the bosses minions before Priestess will engage the player again in the offensive mode
XNA “Grapple Game”

Responsibilities:
  • Create high level design doc along with design basic systems.
  • Organized and maintained project documentation.
  • Work with team to evaluated feedback and iterated design.
  • Track project progress and amended design when required.
High Concept: Jump, wall climb and swing (using a grappling hook) to reach the exit of each level . Finish the level in the fastest time.
Fans of Super Meat Boy or Cut the Rope will find the demands of quick flex platforming and quick but challenging levels addicting.

Download current design doc – GDD


So that's what I have been doing (work wise). I have sent my resume out and hopefulyl will hear back from some of the local companies in the Vancouver area (Working at Capcom Vancouver would be super fun). Postions should be opening up in the new year, If I can't find anything now.

Other then that I hit the Bad Company 2 multiplayer bottle HARD. I picked up the game when it was released and really enjoyed it. I can't remember but I think I jumped onto Borderlands and forgot about BC2. Well now I'm back and hooked bad.

Coming off of Modern Warfare 2, what really stands out for me is the slower more deliberate pacing of BC2. The CoD formula is great, but maybe because I'm older and my brain can't keep up with the speed of MW2. I don't feel I have enough time to react to situations in the game.

The slower pace, large maps, multiple classes along with the destructibility from the frost engine really makes my experience like a sandbox where I can direct, change and react to the action as I see it.

The games emphasis to be part of a squad and work as a team is great:
  • Pretty much double xp for anything you do with or for your squad members
  • Able to spawn on any member that is alive
  • Synergy between classes
The text and audio feed back is great after gaining xp. Chaining together moves feels great - spot an enemy, kill a enemy while defending a flag, heal squad mates, etc

One major problem is their is no in game prompts or tutorials to tell new players of theses "rules to the game"

Since this game was marketed on the coat tales of Modern Warfare 2 - new player's mind set is "Run around and get kills, pay no attention to the other people on your team and who cares how many deaths I have".

Now if will excuse me, I need to play some more squad rush. ]]> Stuttering Billy http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=17786 Olympics night life aka Vancouver is one giant party http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=12919 Sun, 21 Feb 2010 20:57:36 GMT Being the host city for the winter Olympics is badass. Also helps that their is zero snow and its... Being the host city for the winter Olympics is badass. Also helps that their is zero snow and its in around 59f

Check out my pictures from downtown Vancouver - Here and more pictures here

PS - I would take me for ever to upload them all here ]]> Stuttering Billy http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=12919 Braking mechanic and scoring prototype http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=12051 Wed, 30 Dec 2009 21:30:57 GMT You can try out a early prototype of the Braking and "sweet spot" score mechanic - Here


(I have no clue how to embed a flash file so you will have to follow the link to deviantart)


- Billy ]]> Stuttering Billy http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=12051 Gameplay Mock-up http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=11953 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 22:29:18 GMT 10818 1. Current Score 2. Passenger Happiness/ Current Route Timer 3. Bus Stop



1. Current Score

2. Passenger Happiness/ Current Route Timer


3. Bus Stop
  • Coming to a complete stop within the “blue” bus stop zone results in a score multiplier. The further the player stops from the “blue” stop, the fewer amount of points they receive and there is a drop in the happiness of the passengers.
  • Consecutive “blue” bus stops add to the score multiplier.
4. Users Bus
  • The bus travels with momentum (the faster you go, the faster it takes to stop). Players will have to gauge how much distance they need to stop within in upcoming stop zones.
5. Speedometer

6. “Next Stop” Ticker - Ticker flashes on screen before next bus stop comes into view.

- Billy ]]> Stuttering Billy http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=11953 Now that Im out of school this is what Im working on http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=11940 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 01:06:03 GMT 10805 Since graduating from Vancouver Film School as a Game Designer, I have gone on a few...


Since graduating from Vancouver Film School as a Game Designer, I have gone on a few interviews but no bites yet. So whats a game designer to be to do? Make games of course!

I have been working on "Bus Stop" for a few weeks now. It is a one button game being built in flash.

Here is the high concept and key features pulled from my design doc:


High Concept

Drive a bus picking up passengers. Finish your route in the fastest time and with the happiest customers.
Key Features

One Button Driving
  • Press and hold “space bar” to stop the bus.
  • Holding down the button will slowly stop the bus, allowing the bus to come to a stop to pick up passengers.
  • The bus travels with momentum (the faster you go, the faster it takes to stop). Players will have to gauge how much distance they need to stop within in upcoming stop zones.

The Perfect Stop
  • Coming to a complete stop within the “blue” bus stop zone results in a score multiplier. The further the player stops from the “blue” stop, the fewer amount of points they receive and there is a drop in the happiness of the passengers.
  • Consecutive “blue” bus stops add to the score multiplier.

Daily Driving
Bus drivers must navigate through traffic intersections, construction zones, cross walks and windy roads, and maintain good time to keep their customers happy.
Traffic Intersections
  • Cars begin and end their path off screen, flowing from right to left and vice versa.
  • Hitting a car brings the bus to a complete stop and drops the happiness of your passengers
Construction Zones
  • Upon entering a construction zone players must maintain a speed slower then stated by the construction sign.
  • Going over the stated speed results in the player getting a “speeding ticket”, dropping the happiness of your passengers.
Cross Walks
  • Players must stop at flashing cross walks to allow pedestrians to cross.
  • Entering a flashing cross walk results in a drop in happiness of your passengers.
Windy Roads
  • Players must slow down on turns or risk going off road.
  • Going off road results in a time penalty and drops the happiness of your passengers.
- Billy
]]> Stuttering Billy http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=11940 Highmoon Express Beta, Please play the beta for the student game I made http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=10610 Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:57:55 GMT Over the past few months I have been posting blogs about my process of making a game, while in Game... Over the past few months I have been posting blogs about my process of making a game, while in Game Design at Vancouver Film School. The game is in a beta state and would love for your feed back!


Play the Highmoon Express Beta!

Go here to play the game - Play

*Please read the Instructions 1st*

This is a beta so please write down in plan English - "What is happening"
and "what you think should happen" and either post in the comments here or email your findings to -

gd13billy@vfs.com or this email account (akcirca@gmail.com


*This is a non-commercial student game that 5 nerds are making. This is not trying to advertise our names/school/etc. We would just like feed back of what you think of our game so far*

- Stuttering Billy ( Designer, Animator, Art) ]]> Stuttering Billy http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=10610 *Student Video Game* Werewolf base color animations http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=9978 Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:57:21 GMT Last week I have been inking the base colors of the werewolf enemies :


"Troll" walk and attack animation




Werewolf pup run and attack animation



"Smoke" werewolf idle, walk and attack animation



- Billy (Designer, Art, Animator) ]]> Stuttering Billy http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=9978 *video game* Sudoku Showdown art update http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=9965 Tue, 11 Aug 2009 00:02:01 GMT I have been very busy at school the last few weeks. Here are some images of what I have been... I have been very busy at school the last few weeks. Here are some images of what I have been working on -

Sudoku Showdown is a head to head sudoku game for the PC and PSP that I have been doing the animation and art for.


Title Screen:





Static gameplay screen with dynamic text fields for the programmer to fill in:





Static gameplay screen:





Looping animation of the player "idles" and "attack" animation. The attack animation plays where a player gets a combo.





- Billy (Designer, Animator) ]]> Stuttering Billy http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=9965 Movie Trailer Monday http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=9959 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 18:47:40 GMT *Where the Wild Things Are* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NOkQ4dYVaM *Extract* ... Where the Wild Things Are

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NOkQ4dYVaM

Extract


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkWXWGPfhV4

Flame & Citron

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fA3AUsDeCw ]]> Stuttering Billy http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=9959 So he can drum freely in hell! http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=9874 Wed, 05 Aug 2009 16:38:35 GMT Best of craigslist nominee for sure - *Get this scary clown out of my house! - $150 (New... Best of craigslist nominee for sure -

Get this scary clown out of my house! - $150 (New Westminster)

For sale: One scary scary antique toy.

The Goods: I have an authentic c. 1930's German Shuco "drummer" clown for sale that has been in the family forever... he has the early metal feet (So he can drum freely in hell!) There are a few little imperfections with him, but overall he's in good condition. His drum has little paint nicks from eerily drumming at night even though he has no key to wind him up... creepy.

Ok, he doesn't actually drum at night without being wound up. If he did randomly drum at night I would have most likely burnt him by now and moved far away.

It's been in the family forever, and I suppose most would keep him as a family heirloom or something... but my sister is deadly afraid of clowns and doesn't want him... and the fun of leaving him in random places around her house has worn off (I still do it of course, it's good to have a hobby) And my aunt actually talks to him when she walks by saying "Ooh, you're an evil little ba$tard aren't you?" (This is probably unhealthy and we're secretly monitoring my aunts behaviour)

So although this is all very entertaining, I still have to sleep with it in my room and it creeps me out a little.

Anyways, if you have a family member or friend who hates clowns... (Clever marketing ploy huh? Everyone knows someone who hates clowns...) This is a perfect time to show them just how much you love them.

Anyways, If you're interested let me know!

- W

Bonus: This clown may also possess my soul, if it does... think of it as an added bonus! (My soul is worth at least $1!)

$150.00 obo
Cash sale only please... Thanks!



]]> Stuttering Billy http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=9874 Video game concept animations http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=9679 Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:56:04 GMT I started with our concept art Image:... I started with our concept art





Then using references animations from Capcom fighting games and images of wolfs running in the wild, I can up with this. A loopable run and attack cycle


Starting with our concept images





Again, using references animations from Capcom fighting games and having my fellow classmates throw punches so I can see how their hands and arms move. I came up with this animation.


- Billy Lind (Designer, Animator) ]]> Stuttering Billy http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=9679 Back in 1995 http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=9675 Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:23:06 GMT *Mobb Deep - Shook Ones Pt 2* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBxY1cAEvH4 Some classic NY... Mobb Deep - Shook Ones Pt 2


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBxY1cAEvH4

Some classic NY hip hop

- Billy ]]> Stuttering Billy http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=9675 <![CDATA[90's tunes Thursday]]> http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=9656 Thu, 23 Jul 2009 19:00:28 GMT Ol' Dirty Bastard - I Can't Wait

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FCsJ7Vd5Ls




The Verve - Bittersweet Symphony


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zx3m4e45bTo


- Billy

PRIMITIVE RADIO GODS - "Phonebooth"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LKVZ4NTfUc ]]> Stuttering Billy http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/blog.php?b=9656