Conan the Thief Game

[lordyam]

This would largely be a sandbox game. After the tutorial mission (which teaches basic movement, running combat) we get three "cities". Numalia Zamora and Thessala (Corinthia). In each game you can get optional missions (side missions), contracts that sorta thing. You also have the experience of seducing different women (Though a different approach will be needed). This would be a combo of grand theft auto and assassin's creed. There would be three "bridging" sections: Between Numalia and Zamora, The "hall of the dead" mission, and between Zamora and Thessala. 

Tutorial: Frost Giant's daughter: Teaches the basics of movement, combat that sort of thing

City 1: Numalia: this is a VERY short city; not a lot of optional missions, or story missions; basically helps you build up so you can reach Zamora; the act ends with God in the Bowl.

City 2: Zamora: This is probably the biggest city. The lion's share of the game takes place here. Important story missions like Tower of the Elephant or "Halls of the Dead" open up once you reach high enough levels; certain side missions need to be done to advance in the game. You can do various contracts (thefts), and seduce women. Things culminate in the Halls of the Dead mission; after this you can't go back until the end of the game.

City 3: Thessala: The final city; not quite as detailed as Zamora but still a lot to do; Focuses on Nestor; the point of no return is the mission of hitting the Priest of Anu. After this you're locked into the "rogues in the house" mission.

Any suggestions on how to improve?

[deuce]

Sounds pretty good, Yam.  

However, aren't we hustling out of Zamora pretty quickly? While Conan's time in Shadizar could be explained away from one of his two kozak periods, Yezud would seem to fit better during this phase. Definitely some interesting possibilities there. 

[lordyam]

I figured Assassins Creed was the best inspiration. Rather than just one big city or multiple islands, or even a massive frontier the cities would be the top focus. Sort of like how acre jerusalem and damascus were the center in the first game. Jeff Shanks said he thought the city of thieves was called Zamora (like Sodom and Gomorrah, there would be Shadazir and Zamora).


I never considered that Conan would move to other cities. I'm kinda enamored the dark horse model but yeah I suppose you could have Conan go through multiple cities.

[lordyam]

Zones:

1.) Numalia:

This is very much a starting level zone; You have to do the side missions here, since they are each teach you a various aspect of thieving. For instance, trailing a target; fighting guards; bluffing people (something any good thief will need to learn how to do). Things culminate in the God in the Bowl Mission. From there you practice all the elements. Sneaking into the House of Antiquities. Bluffing the guardsmen so they won't attack you, and finally combat. You fight the Snake Thing in hand to hand (since leaping forwards and slicing the head off works in a book but not a game.)

Boss: Man Snake

2.) Zamora City: This is more of a sprawled out sandbox. You have several mandatory missions (forming an alliance with a reputable fence for instance; making contacts.) There are also lots of side missions

Boss: Giant Spider:

3.) Yezud

Boss: High Priest of Zath

4.) Ancient Ruins: This is unique in that there aren't really any side quests to do here. Other than a small area where you have to fight Nestor and his men, the city dominates most of the zone. It's basically like the haunted city from the 2007 game in that it's a creepy as shit location:

Boss fight: Giant Toad entity; after that it's you and Nestor navigating the traps. This would build a sense of camaraderie in that they have to work together in order to trust each other. It makes their friendship more plausible. Then you fight the army. Eventually you realize you can't win and both try to flee.

5.) Thessala (the city state in Corinthia.): This is the last area, but also the most challenging. Unlike Zamora the guards won't be as easily bribed off, and you have to contend with the thieves in the city.

Boss Battle: Thak: Thak is an interesting case in that it's more of a duel boss. Whereas the other creatures were giant monsters of some kind, Thak is more close to Conan