Janky-ass Design Document - Part 1
As promised, I'm going to start laying down my basic goals for the game.
It is a simulator. Emphasis will be on reasonably and consistently reproducing small scale engagements at a medium range that include walking war machines.
The overall guiding principle behind this game is to be plausible, but not realistic. I'm well aware of the fact that mechs don't really exist, so we're shooting to give them reasonable design and performance with minimal to no hand-waving science fiction technology.
Mechs are big, but not huge, as truly gigantic machines of this sort simply aren't feasible at the level of technology we plan to include. Our mechs will be about 15 feet tall on average, typically won't have arms or arm-like manipulators, and will mount weapons like autocannons, rocket pods, and small guided missiles. In terms of armament, they're a bit like attack helicopters with legs.
Controls will be designed around the cockpits and not necessarily keyboard and mouse. At present, optimal controls will include a joystick X-axis, Y-axis, and (analog) throttle at minimum. There are, however, plans to accommodate mice as aiming devices.
Physics will be implemented whenever and wherever possible. This means that all projectiles fall due to gravity, can be blown off course by wind, or ricochet off of certain surfaces. Ideally, physics will also factor into standing/walking balance on mechs, in addition to simulated armor penetration.
Eventually, the game will include combined warfare. You will have to go toe to toe with infantry, tanks, and armored fighting vehicles on the ground, and contend with aircraft from above. Similar to MechWarrior: Living Legends, other vehicles will be available at some point, but mechs are the stars of the show.
The game's setting is similar to late 20th century Earth, with a few major anachronisms in certain areas of technology, including, but not limited to, batteries, balancing systems, and overall processing power of computers. The conflicts in the game are largely implied to be minor skirmishes and clandestine operations, rather than total war.
More to come! Follow me if you'd like to hear more.
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