Brian Mitsoda makes a Zombie RPG

Incendiary Lemon · 08-06-2009, 02:38 PM

Brian Mitsoda (Bloodlines, NWN 2) and Annie Carlson (NWN2) are making an indie Zombie RPG.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Mitsoda

-Set during the breakdown of society as emergence of zombies causes widespread panic and disorder.

-Slow, shambling zombies. Spreads like a virus/bite transmission. No, you are not a zombie, that would be stupid.

-Serious examination of a national crisis or natural disaster. Humans and a lack of order are a bigger threat than the undead. Think Hurricane Katrina, Children of Men, Dawn of the Dead NOT Resident Evil, Return of the Living Dead, zombie shooter-type games.

-Game is about survival. Scavenging resources, exploring the area, dealing with other survivors, and managing a “shelter” of sorts are the main focus of the game. More on this later.

-Game is open-ended. There are characters and events that could happen, but the story depends on where you go, what you do, and who you meet. Of course, there’s a lot more to this and we'll go into more details as time goes on.

Link

Grifman · 08-06-2009, 02:45 PM

Wow, this could be the game I've been dreaming of if they can pull it off.

Kaigen · 08-06-2009, 02:51 PM

I was hoping this would be an RPG where you play AS a zombie.

nixon66 · 08-06-2009, 02:56 PM

Not quite Zombie XCOM, but it'll do!

Chowhound · 08-06-2009, 03:01 PM

So...Fallout with zombies? Sold.

Shadarr · 08-06-2009, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaigen

I was hoping this would be an RPG where you play AS a zombie.

That would be stupid.

TomChick · 08-06-2009, 03:04 PM

Ha, I was just coming to post that. Damn you, shadarr!

-Tom

Grifman · 08-06-2009, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomChick

Ha, I was just coming to post that. Damn you, shadarr!

-Tom

I thought about it but it was just too much like shooting ducks on a pond :)

Podunk · 08-06-2009, 03:15 PM

That sounds badass.

Matthew Gallant · 08-06-2009, 03:33 PM

It would be stupid though--

SELECT A PERK:

1) Shuffle Lord - You now have full range of motion in one of your ankles.
2) Digested Brains - You are now aware that you cannot fit through small holes in doors and will no longer automatically put an arm through them and wave it around. You may, of course, choose to.
3) Cut it out, Bill - Your uncontrollable moaning now sounds in such a way that it will make survivors who are sexually oriented to your gender and who also have under 4 INT think that you are their boyfriend/girlfriend.

aphoristic gamer · 08-06-2009, 08:42 PM

Wasn't this dude working for Obsidian with Alpha Protocol and maybe a few other projects? Or is he still employed there and he just decided to make a little side project for the kicks?

Incendiary Lemon · 08-06-2009, 08:56 PM

Mitsoda left Obsidian, perhaps a year ago? Less?

Andrew Mayer · 08-06-2009, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matthew Gallant

It would be stupid though--

SELECT A PERK:

1) Shuffle Lord - You now have full range of motion in one of your ankles.
2) Digested Brains - You are now aware that you cannot fit through small holes in doors and will no longer automatically put an arm through them and wave it around. You may, of course, choose to.
3) Cut it out, Bill - Your uncontrollable moaning now sounds in such a way that it will make survivors who are sexually oriented to your gender and who also have under 4 INT think that you are their boyfriend/girlfriend.

Those are great!

Murbella · 08-06-2009, 09:40 PM

Sounds fun!

Alan Friesen · 08-06-2009, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chowhound

So...Fallout with zombies? Sold.

This. I have monies. Where do I gives teh monies?

Paul_cze · 08-06-2009, 09:57 PM

Guys that are making Age of Decadence will be working on it as well.I can not wait for both games.

Pogue Mahone · 08-06-2009, 10:07 PM

Man, I just don't know. I am drawn to the idea superficially, but I'm a little concerned about just how much rpg-ness is involved. It's somewhat anti-zombie holocaust to introduce the concept of 'Oh no, I'm too weak to beat the end boss ahead, I'll just go kill some zombies mobs and run a few fetch quests and I'll be set.'

I'm hoping that it follows the path of a roguelike, or at least includes a hardcore mode. Fear of death (and undeath) should loom over every decision. The ability to hop back to an earlier save state kind of undermines the premise.

Greatatlantic · 08-06-2009, 10:19 PM

http://www.doublebearproductions.com/

Their website. Apparently they are using the Age of Decadence Engine, which is itself a heavily adapted Torque engine. They are also using Iron Tower's forum, which is itself becoming the hot spot for indie RPGs not yet released.

Also, Brian Mitsoda was apparently the guy behind a lot of Bloodline's dialogue. So he has major credentials for doing a horror themed RPG. Zombies themselves don't really interest me, but the project seems to be taking the motif into a very interesting direction.

garin · 08-06-2009, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Slow, shambling zombies. Spreads like a virus/bite transmission. No, you are not a zombie, that would be stupid.

Yeah, I hate Sonny too.

Oghier · 08-06-2009, 11:38 PM

Open-ended zombie survival RPG? Finally :)

Naeblis · 08-07-2009, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul_cze

Guys that are making Age of Decadence will be working on it as well.I can not wait for both games.

Is the Age of Decadence thing still not out? I remember that name from years ago...

Gendal · 08-07-2009, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greatatlantic

Also, Brian Mitsoda was apparently the guy behind a lot of Bloodline's dialogue. So he has major credentials for doing a horror themed RPG. Zombies themselves don't really interest me, but the project seems to be taking the motif into a very interesting direction.

Bloodlines was a buggy mess at launch but it stands up at the top of the heap on the writing. I was however hoping for more of a simulation than RPG, but I am not complaining mind you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Naeblis

Is the Age of Decadence thing still not out? I remember that name from years ago...

Nope. Still wallowing in the twilight before release.

Shadarr · 08-07-2009, 01:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pogue Mahone

Man, I just don't know. I am drawn to the idea superficially, but I'm a little concerned about just how much rpg-ness is involved. It's somewhat anti-zombie holocaust to introduce the concept of 'Oh no, I'm too weak to beat the end boss ahead, I'll just go kill some zombies mobs and run a few fetch quests and I'll be set.'

RPG doesn't have to mean grindfest. Now, if he'd said "zombie themed JRPG" I'd write the game off.

Harkonis · 08-07-2009, 01:56 AM

I dont' think it would be stupid to be a zombie in a game. You could be the smarter exception and use the normal zombies to help you out as cover and distraction. Oh yeah, L4D did that too, stupid game ;)

GloriousMess · 08-07-2009, 03:23 AM

This definitely sounds good. Nice find!

Gendal · 08-07-2009, 03:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harkonis

I dont' think it would be stupid to be a zombie in a game. You could be the smarter exception and use the normal zombies to help you out as cover and distraction. Oh yeah, L4D did that too, stupid game ;)

Stubs the Zombie tried and mostly failed.

aphoristic gamer · 08-07-2009, 03:50 AM

I wonder if Age of Decadence and that game will ever come out, these practically seem like projects that are too ambitious for indie startups with very little budget consisting of just a few people. There's been so little news about AoD for like two years. At least I guess the profit margins are better with digital distribution, and providers like Steam and Direct2Drive display a lot of new indie releases prominently.

Rob_Merritt · 08-07-2009, 04:30 AM

I was wondering that as well A.G.

Harkonis · 08-07-2009, 04:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aphoristic gamer

I wonder if Age of Decadence and that game will ever come out, these practically seem like projects that are too ambitious for indie startups with very little budget consisting of just a few people. There's been so little news about AoD for like two years. At least I guess the profit margins are better with digital distribution, and providers like Steam and Direct2Drive display a lot of new indie releases prominently.

I had forgotten all about this game and went to look it up.

[COLOR=orange]When is the release date?[/COLOR]

"It's hard to say when the game will be released. The important thing is it's playable and all the content is done. Right now we are going over everything and improving what needs to be improved. We'll take as long as we need and will release only a polished, well designed game." (Ref)

[COLOR=orange]Will there be a demo?[/COLOR]

Two demos are planned. The first is a combat demo which is scheduled for release in December 2012. (Ref) According to the lead artist, the combat demo should be under 200mb. (Ref) The second demo will be released at the same time Age of Decadence is available for purchase. This demo will include the beginning town and around twenty quests. (Ref)

wtf? If the game is finished and playable except for polish, why the hell would a demo not be coming for 3 years?

Calistas · 08-07-2009, 04:44 AM

Nice find, keep us posted!

08-06-2009, 02:45 PM	#2
Grifman Mad Chester Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,465	Wow, this could be the game I've been dreaming of if they can pull it off.

08-06-2009, 02:51 PM	#3
Kaigen Mad Chester Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 1,370	I was hoping this would be an RPG where you play AS a zombie.

08-06-2009, 02:56 PM	#4
nixon66 Social Worker Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Tacoma, WA Posts: 2,187	Not quite Zombie XCOM, but it'll do!

08-06-2009, 03:01 PM	#5
Chowhound Mad Chester Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Irvine, CA Posts: 1,036	So...Fallout with zombies? Sold.

08-06-2009, 03:04 PM	#7
TomChick Administrator World's End Supernova Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 18,200	Ha, I was just coming to post that. Damn you, shadarr! -Tom

08-06-2009, 03:15 PM	#9
Podunk Neo Acoustic Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: The birthplace of Grunge Posts: 1,733	That sounds badass.

08-06-2009, 03:33 PM	#10
Matthew Gallant New Romantic Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 9,727	It would be stupid though-- SELECT A PERK: 1) Shuffle Lord - You now have full range of motion in one of your ankles. 2) Digested Brains - You are now aware that you cannot fit through small holes in doors and will no longer automatically put an arm through them and wave it around. You may, of course, choose to. 3) Cut it out, Bill - Your uncontrollable moaning now sounds in such a way that it will make survivors who are sexually oriented to your gender and who also have under 4 INT think that you are their boyfriend/girlfriend.

08-06-2009, 08:42 PM	#11
aphoristic gamer Spinning Toe Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 633	Wasn't this dude working for Obsidian with Alpha Protocol and maybe a few other projects? Or is he still employed there and he just decided to make a little side project for the kicks?

08-06-2009, 08:56 PM	#12
Incendiary Lemon Social Worker Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Charlottesville, Virginia Posts: 2,222	Mitsoda left Obsidian, perhaps a year ago? Less?

08-06-2009, 09:40 PM	#14
Murbella Social Worker Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 2,996	Sounds fun!

08-06-2009, 09:57 PM	#16
Paul_cze Neo Acoustic Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Teplice, Czech Republic Posts: 1,955	Guys that are making Age of Decadence will be working on it as well.I can not wait for both games.

08-06-2009, 10:07 PM	#17
Pogue Mahone Social Worker Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Seattle, WA Gamertag: divedivedive Posts: 2,812	Man, I just don't know. I am drawn to the idea superficially, but I'm a little concerned about just how much rpg-ness is involved. It's somewhat anti-zombie holocaust to introduce the concept of 'Oh no, I'm too weak to beat the end boss ahead, I'll just go kill some zombies mobs and run a few fetch quests and I'll be set.' I'm hoping that it follows the path of a roguelike, or at least includes a hardcore mode. Fear of death (and undeath) should loom over every decision. The ability to hop back to an earlier save state kind of undermines the premise.

08-06-2009, 10:19 PM	#18
Greatatlantic Neo Acoustic Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,664	http://www.doublebearproductions.com/ Their website. Apparently they are using the Age of Decadence Engine, which is itself a heavily adapted Torque engine. They are also using Iron Tower's forum, which is itself becoming the hot spot for indie RPGs not yet released. Also, Brian Mitsoda was apparently the guy behind a lot of Bloodline's dialogue. So he has major credentials for doing a horror themed RPG. Zombies themselves don't really interest me, but the project seems to be taking the motif into a very interesting direction.

08-06-2009, 11:38 PM	#20
Oghier Spinning Toe Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 628	Open-ended zombie survival RPG? Finally :)

08-07-2009, 01:56 AM	#24
Harkonis Neo Acoustic Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 1,809	I dont' think it would be stupid to be a zombie in a game. You could be the smarter exception and use the normal zombies to help you out as cover and distraction. Oh yeah, L4D did that too, stupid game ;)

08-07-2009, 03:23 AM	#25
GloriousMess Spinning Toe Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Bracknell, England. Posts: 919	This definitely sounds good. Nice find!

08-07-2009, 03:50 AM	#27
aphoristic gamer Spinning Toe Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 633	I wonder if Age of Decadence and that game will ever come out, these practically seem like projects that are too ambitious for indie startups with very little budget consisting of just a few people. There's been so little news about AoD for like two years. At least I guess the profit margins are better with digital distribution, and providers like Steam and Direct2Drive display a lot of new indie releases prominently.

08-07-2009, 04:30 AM	#28
Rob_Merritt New Romantic Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Gamertag: Baron Calamity Posts: 9,962	I was wondering that as well A.G.

08-07-2009, 04:44 AM	#30
Calistas New Romantic Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Wellington Posts: 5,840	Nice find, keep us posted!

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Brian Mitsoda makes a Zombie RPG