Add new comment

Are you thinking of having morale as a persistent meter to be monitered or just something cool in the background?

Nope, that idea is detached from any kind of context. It's just a way to prove how you can add fun mechanics to those kind of situations that are usually frustrating and dull.

It isn't anything revolutionary but none of my ideas are revolutionary. I just aim straight to basic principles and goals I have. I like manipulating the structure of a game and put every element where it belongs.

In this case it is another example of game design "from within". I didn't think how to "dress" a buff. Instead I pictured those movies where a group is facing an epic but yet hopeless battle, and you sympathize with them. LotR movies have plenty of these, same for "300". I identified a core element in the "morale". So the sound of the horn, the people yelling at unison to feel themselves "as one". Those are basic patterns that I've then brought to the game.

A game doesn't exist on itself. It must re-capture something we all share. Something familiar. If the game doesn't create that kind of bond, then it won't work.

I seen lots of talk about music systems like you describe and it's been done in a few games in the past. In Metal Gear Solid the music would fade between different tracks based on the alert status of the enemies.

This is something that truly annoys me in Oblivion. I know I'm entering a fight even if I don't see anything on screen. Just because the battle music starts and you know something is incoming.

Elaborating that to focus on the number of enemies is something that I've not noticed in a game yet, but I could definitly be wrong. The real goal is to have the music reflect everything. The 'zone' your in, nearby landmarks, what's visable in the distance, where your going and the urgency and maybe even morale. If your moving through a peaceful forest and go over the top of a hill to see legions of troops kilometers away marching in formation the music should be able to emphasize what your feeling whether it be shock or delight.

Another of my ideas follows a similar path.

But it would require to consider the music as a game system in itself and develop it appropriately. While in general music is outsourced and not really thought to be a cohesive element of the game. Have you ever seen a musician part of a mmorpg live team? Yeah, innovation is this too ;)