[Game/Comic] Rockman Zero/ZX: Alternate Universe

[Daemonseele]

So in an earlier post I said I'd make a thread (http://www.sprites-inc.co.uk/forum/showpost.php?p=341958&postcount=27). *shrug*

This is a re-imagining of the canon Rockman ZX series (RMZX/ZXA). The storyline is different, game mechanics are different slightly, the technology is modified, and only a few canon characters make it on the roster. Even the mood is a little darker.

Now, this universe also runs off of an alternate version of Rockman Zero and consequently an alternate Rockman X storyline. I won't be getting into the X series much, leaving much of the storyline changes hidden in the storyline of the alternate Zero series. I'll be making another thread for this re-imagined Zero series, but that'll be for later.

Same deal on my dA account (http://sovietcommando.deviantart.com/journal/43987113/).

I will be honest, I've been working on this for several months. I hadn't posted it earlier because I wanted to get most of the mechanics explained, both for the lore and for game potential.

As with most of my projects, this will very likely not get completed, but will never be abandoned. I tend to be overtly ambitious with my hobbies, for better or for worse.

Funny enough, with what I have right now, I still don't have enough to draw out an entire game/comic. I have major scenes thought out, fights choreographed, etc..., but not the stuff between these scenes. I also haven't entirely worked out locations and backgrounds.

Sprite style is undecided. The standard RMZX style doesn't entirely portray all the details I want (they don't look right). I was thinking something higher resolution with a grimmer palette.

There is a lot of topics I will be covering. It's definitely not going to be completed in one post or in one sitting. I'll explain things as I go along (or leave them to speculation).

Plot-wise, the events of this game/comic is the present.

History: Rockman > Rockman X > "Elf Wars" > Rockman Zero > Rockman ZX
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In this universe, there are multiple "species." ("Reploid" is the genus.)
:Mechaniloid - Non-sentient robots.
:Android - Rock, Robot Masters, etc... Pre-RMX
:Faux Reploid - X and Zero are not real reploids.
:Progenia Reploid - X was the basis for this type. They are immortal and have limitless abilities. Eventually phased out pre-RMZ.
:Transia Reploid - New generation reploids that have A-Trans abilities, but can go maverick at will. Axl is the protoype, Lumine causes their decommissioning pre-Elf-Wars.
:Sapia Reploid - the present-day reploid. They have a limited lifespan, exhibit organic-like growth, and have abilities on par with augmented humans.
:Neo Transia Reploid - Sapia Reploids with a limited A-Trans ability. The Eight Gentle Judges and Albert are an example of this type.
:Anima Reploid - Sapia Reploids modified to appear as a non-humanoid. They tend to have specialized abilities.
:Mutos Reploid - Pre-built non-humanoid reploids. Slowly phased out by Anima Reploids.

Character List:
Playable (Protagonists)
- Jato: Model X : X-buster + Variable Weapon System ROCK-on2
- Draco: Model Z : Z-nodachi + Command Arts
- Ashe*: Model A : Chained Revolvers + Copy Shot
- Kyrie: Model H : Blade and Shield + Wind/Lightning manipulation (http://sovietcommando.deviantart.com/#/d49dz53)
- Ragnas: Model F : Cesti + Fire/Earth manipulation
- Vincent: Model L : Halberd + Water/Ice manipulation
- Celeste: Model P : Kunai Blades + Dimensional Space manipulation**
- Null: Model Λ*** : Satellite Bits + A-Trans

Easter Eggs:
- Prometheus-Pandora: Model V : Scythe-Staff : Fire/Shadow-Ice/Lightning

Non Playable Bosses (Model V):
- Albert : Satellite Bits : A-Trans
- Darius : Unarmed : Energy projection
- Astartes : Talons : Reploid revival
- Hydragyria : Elbow Swords : Dimensional Space manipulation**
- Pyrrha: Satellite Cannons : Fire-like abilities
- Deimos: Wrist Blades: Shadow-like abilities
- Zelus: [unknown] : Lightning-like abilities
- Adrestia: [unknown] : Ice-like abilities
- Ω : Zweihander : Dark energy manipulation

Non Playable Bosses (non-models):
- Pseudoroids : various : various

Currently the story focuses on the main "canon" models. Additional models can/may be implemented by:
- Model V, as each model V has unique appearances and abilities.
- through "false metals," models reverse engineered from Model X. They serve mainly as fan service in my opinion but may work out as part of a game gimmick (create-your-own-character mode).

*Ashe is a placeholder user for Model A(xl). In this universe, she is no longer related to Albert (none of the model users are infused with his blood). She is still a ruin hunter for Legion.
**Phantom doesn't really have an element. In the redesigned RMZ series, Phantom can communicate with the Cyberspace plane. Celeste can move efficiently in tight spaces (Parkour) and non-gamewise(?) can access Cyberspace. Hydragyria has a limitless control over time and space, creating void spheres to literally erase enemies (Hydragyria may be a comic-only character).
***Model A(lbert) is now split into A(xl) and Λ(lbert). Model A is more akin to Axl, who now has an appearance in my redesigned RMZ series, whereas Model Λ is more akin to Albert's backup unit. Model A loses the A-Trans ability to differentiate him from Λ and Albert.

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Biometal Mechanics:

Biometals in this universe are not as restrictive as the canon versions. The identity of the user is not absolute; anyone may use any model. However, due to experience, users fair better using the one model they start with.

There are two types of Models: V and non-V.

Model V:
- Contains the digitized soul of Dr Vile, or more like a heavily fragmented version. Speaks primarily in broken and cryptic messages.
- Model V metals are formed from fragments of the destroyed Ragnarok Satellite Cannon. Albert refines the fragments into actual weapons: a armor that imbues it's user power.
- Initial fusion gives humanoids/reploids the abilities of a progenia reploid: immortality and a surge of power. All initial versions of Model V share similar appearances: White armor with gold trim and orange crystals. (See Serpent)
- Model V fusions are permanent and irreversible. Most do not see this as an issue due to the above reasons.
- As a Model V user continues to carry Model V, his/her appearance and abilities change. (See Prometheus-Pandora) Appearances are usually based, albeit loosely, off of something from the past. (Albert is similar to Lumine, Darius is similar to the Ragnarok Core, etc...)
- As a Model V user continues to use the powers given to him/her, the more corrupt the user's personality/behavior becomes. (Albert wants a utopia, he later decides to "reset" the world.)
- Ω and Model Λ are technically variants of Model V.

Non-V (X, Z, A, H, L, F, P):
- Contains combat data of the reploid they are based on. They do not contain souls or memories.
- Ciel created all non-V models. She creates a system similar to Albert's Model V.
- Like Model V, users are granted immortality and enhanced strength.
- Non-V models start off very basic and very close to the reploids they are based on (Model H starts with dual blades and an air dash system, Model Z has a medium sized one-handed sword, etc...)
- These models, unlike Model V, are heavily influenced by their user's. The appearance of the model, the weapon/combat style, the general personality of the Model. (Kyrie focuses on defense not evasion or offense)
- When not ROCK-on'd, non-V metals can exhibit a brief, but powerful elemental attack. It generally puts a great deal of drain and risks damaging them, so it's a rare desperation move. (Storyline-wise, they defend their user from a maverick attack during their first meeting. )

[Daemonseele]

::Gameplay Mechanics::

The game is a mesh between a platformer (like lost Rockman games) mixed with fighting games. Arguably you could label this game a beat 'em-up/brawler.

The majority of the game is a platformer. Players can only movement within two dimensions (so no moving back and towards the screen). Like ZX, there is a large game world that players may freely explore.

Players are not restricted to only Model X or Model A (or Λ). They are free to choose any model except V and Ω. Prometheus-Pandora are an exception, as they are intended as an easter egg (I thought of an interesting mechanic that allows players to use two characters at the same time; not sure if it'd work though).

Every character's plot is intertwined with each other, however, depending on who the player in controlling, certain events alter the course of the story.

Each character is also not at the same skill level with their models. Kyrie, being the most experienced model user has the most refined use of her model. Obviously a "tutorial level" should be made for each character, so players can learn how to use them (combat simulator room, maverick hunting, spars with other characters).

Game world:

Since story stretches across the world, transporters must be used to reach locations at extreme distances.

Not all locations are hostile, it depends on the character played. (spoiler-ish: Draco is a marked criminal, so almost everyone is hostile to him.)

Environment:

I had an idea for the Rockman Zero: Alternate Universe to be a MMO type game. I needed a common mob for both Neo-Arcadian and Rebellion soldiers would fight against.

In the modified plot, the elf-wars do not completely wipe out all maverick viruses, only the Sigma virus and other excessively threatening strains. By the time we reach the Zero series, a majority of maverick strains have "evolved" to become less contagious and/or less aggressive.

Doesn't seem to make since, except that these strains were less likely to be intentional wiped out. Naturally, the strains that survive flourish, taking with them the traits that kept them alive in the first place.

The most recent strains revert mechaniloids and other reploids to a more feral state. This was my answer to the random wildlife mob commonly shown in most RPGs (sounds a lot better than attacking actual organic wildlife, although some still do exist).

Note: by the Zero series, the definition of a reploid who has gone maverick is a reploid who exhibits the intention to harm humans or commits extremely heinous crimes, whether or not they contracted any maverick strains. (When the energy crisis reaches it's peak, mavericks are any reploids who commits any kind of crime, even imaginary ones.)

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Game Controls:

I really had no console or handheld in mind for this game, if it ever gets made.

Attacks are performed similar to a SSBB/Soul-Calibur format (Mostly becasue I'm more familiar with these controls). Attacks are directional-based. Some can be charged, others escalate as a button is rapidly tapped.

Controls are mapped onto a SNES-type controller.

D-Pad = Movement (Double tap to dash)

- Model H can fly but can also air-dash for faster, but shorter evasive maneuvers (dodging).

(A) = Primary/Melee Attack

- Primary attacks are for most characters basic melee strikes. For Model Z, it's overhead/vertical attacks.

(B) = Secondary/Special Attack

- Secondary attacks are for most characters special attacks, usually ranged or elemental-based.
- For Model Z, it's sweeping/horizontal attacks.
- For Model H, it's linked with her shield arm. (Deflect and punching)

Combination-type attacks (more powerful) are done by hitting both (A) and (B) and a direction.

(X) = Jump

- For Model A, double tapping X activates her hovering ability.
- For Model H, tapping X causes her to move upwards, allowing continuous flight (ie: flapping her wings)

(Y) = Block (A limited melee-only ability all characters share; it can be broken eventually)

L/R = Weapon/A-Trans/ROCK-on2/Tag-team switch

-This one is uncertain. I wasn't entirely sure how the standard Rockman "copy" system would work for this game, as most of the characters cannot copy/steal other characters' abilities.
- Tag-team switch is supposed to refer to Prometheus-Pandora, but the current scheme I had in mind for them may negate this button command's necessity.

(S) = Pause/Select

[Daemonseele]

Finally have the model designs somewhat finalized. (Talk about long overdue, eh?) (http://sovietcommando.deviantart.com/art/Quick-Sketch-Non-V-Model-Stances-270637200?q=gallery%3Asovietcommando&qo=0)

Some features have been altered. I.E. Kyrie's feathery plasma wings and headwings were given to Harpuia's new appearance.

Currently working on sketches of most of the Model V users.

Actually, What I should do eventually, is somehow post the concept art of all previous iterations of each model, just for progression sake. Like Model A's pistol design.

[Daemonseele]

This project is on a hiatus for an undetermined amount of time due to my decision to work on the Rockman Zero Alternate Universe, which serves as background for the ZX series (some events and details are different from the canon series).

Unfortunately, that project is also on a hiatus due to me being stuck with a creative block and an "information overload." Okay, it's not really on a hiatus anymore. I've ignored the background information for now to work on character designs.

Pretty much, I'm getting way too in depth with certain details. For example: I'm currently running through fictitious weapons contractors, military and civilian, that exist within the universe (A bit of a stretch from some of the more important parts of the background...) and pseudo-realistic explanations on how certain weapons work (I.e. plasma busters).

Here's a bit of what I've got:
Plot-related:
Neo Arcadia's military is headed by three generals, each for a different branch of the overall army. Together, Neo Arcadia's military triumvirate was an invincible force, up until the presence of an unknown individual and his actions.

Sage Harpuia is the designated Wing Commander of Neo Arcadia's Pan-atmospheric armada and leader of X/Copy X's royal guard. His domain stretches from low-atmospheric gunships and dropships to suborbital weapons platforms. Harpuia more often then not engages his enemies in person with a cadre of specialized pantheon: Furies, or with members of the royal guards: Engel Pantheon. Harpuia is armed with dual plasma blades mounted on his wrists and by utilizing his flight system, excels in melee combat. Harpuia will go at lengths to eliminate enemies of Neo Arcadia, as efficiently and quickly as possible, but will not take on questionable tactics to achieve that goal. That is for another to deal with. Harpuia is noted to have

Fairy Leviathan is the Grand Admiral of Neo Arcadia's impressive naval fleet. The fleet is primarily used to besiege enemy defenses, softening them for the other armies to finish off. Initially, Leviathan was a front liner like her brothers, but as she was the last to directly engage her opponents, her combative nature atrophied from disuse. While she is fine with her role in indirect operations, she has found her duties as uneventful and boring. After a brief but abrupt, and seemingly suicidal, raid by the resistance plus one unknown reploid, Leviathan was reinvigorated to join the front lines, much to the dismay of Harpuia, as her actions began to unravel his well orchestrated strategies. Leviathan wields a Nano-ice staff; Leviathan's Krakens wield halberds.

Fighting Fefnir is the commands Neo Arcadia's ground forces with the rank Master Chieftain. [Still compiling] Fefnir does not wield a buster cannon in this universe, at least by default. In his first encounter with Zero, Fefnir uses a buster cannon and an offhand machine (buster) pistol. Fefnir prefers wielding dual cesti and engaging in unarmed combat. Fefnir's specialized pantheons (Hellhounds) wields a Buster Cannon that transforms into an axe.

While officially there are three generals, Neo Arcadia does have a fourth unmentioned general. On the surface, Hidden Phantom heads Neo Arcadia's intelligence and communications division, providing information to Neo Arcadia's military forces. In actuality, Phantom also heads Neo Arcadia's more unconventional military. [Still compiling] Phantom's division includes espionage (Pantheon Confessors), assassinations (Oni), Cyber-elf research and development, nano-tech* research and development, etc...

*In the context of this universe, nano-technology does not refer to atomic-scaled matter manipulation, but rather a form of matter generation through energy conversion. Nano-edged blades regenerate when damaged. Non-buster weapons using nano-tech generate their own ammunition.


I want to post more, but currently most of the stuff I have are in a disorganized stream that I haven't exactly compiled into a single coherent document.

If I create a Rockman Zero: Alternate Universe thread, it'll most likely to be a stream of consciousness.

Most recently I'm working on a non-Rockman game idea. (Will post eventually?)

[Daemonseele]

For now, I'm making this a joint thread for both my Rockman Zero and ZX alternate universe. This is due mainly to the parallels between both series; ZX:AU is heavily based on Zero:AU.

Designs for both series were based partially on fantasy and on sci-fi. As such, armor designs have a slight medieval theme.

I will admit, it was very difficult changing the art style of the Zero series.

Leviathan went under many redesigns. I could show some of the older designs, but I don't remember where all of my sketches went. :/

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/9735/leviathanau.jpg

Significant changes:
- Removed her large head fin/jet turbines. Leviathan now literally swims with her modified feet and smaller turbines attached to her hips. The turbines provides small bursts of thrust.
-Her feet are actually flippers that convert into a set of high heels. The heels are provided by nano-ice spikes. They are removed when Leviathan is swimming.
- The bulkier armor is intentional. As stated before, Leviathan rarely engages opponent directly. Her armor is more ceremonial, but is built to withstand possible strikes. (Her attack style is particularly slower than what is shown in the original games, but is balanced by the range and power of her attacks.
- All Neo Arcadian [humanoid] reploids have roughly the same armor design. Depending on rank, the minor differences do occur. The four generals have completely unique themes. Leviathan's armor emphasizes her connection with the oceans (Fins, Shell-like armor, etc...).

Maybe it's the level of detail, but I've been having trouble producing a pixel version of the redesign. D:

[Daemonseele]

Redesigned Zero (http://sovietcommando.deviantart.com/#/d4tug7l).

Omega Zero will appear the same but minus the asymmetry, suggesting more completeness. Copy Zero appears incomplete and/or damaged.

Edit: Come to think of it, I haven't redesigned Omega's armored form. D: It's definitely going to be based partially on Model Ω.

Game mechanics for Rockman Zero: AU:
No Z-rods, Z-boomerangs, etc. Zero is left with, by default, his Z-saber and Z-knuckle. Remember in the first game, Zero's buster was in fact Milan's buster, which I guess was modified later on. (At least, that was how I interpreted it.) So, I was thinking, we could go by Zero 4's weapon system, where Zero can pickup various weapons to augment his abilities.

His Z-saber is undroppable, for obvious reasons, except in the very beginning of the game before he receives the sword. I'm not sure if I should continue with the elemental chip system, or just separate each elemental sword into different weapons Zero could pickup.

Zero can hold a maximum of 3 weapons: his Z-saber and two other weapons. He carries unused weapons on the holsters on his sides.

Zero can dual wield his weapons (sword and buster/sword and shield/buster and shield/etc). Some weapons require two hands and therefore cannot be dual wielded. Perhaps they cannot be stored in his holster due to size?

Z-knuckle has two properties: allowing Zero the ability to fight unarmed (maybe in some scenarios, he temporarily loses his sword) and the ability to disarm/steal enemy weapons. I was thinking every enemy and humanoid boss would have a weapon that can be stolen and used against them. For example, Zero can steal one of Fefnir's buster guns.

[Daemonseele]

WHILE THE CHANCES OF DEVELOPMENT WON'T TAKE OFF PAST AN IDEA, WE STILL BASED MUCH OF THE MECHANICS OF THESE TWO PROJECTS OFF THE THEORETICAL GAME.

IN ORDER OF LIKELIHOOD:
RMZ:AU: COMIC > [RMZ:AU ANIMATED SERIES] > REDESIGNED RMZ GAMES > MMORPPG*

RMZX:AU: COMIC > [RMZX:AU ANIMATED SERIES] > REBUILT RMZX GAMES > [MMORPG]**

*WILL MORE LIKELY USE MODELS AS OPPOSED TO SPRITES, BUT HAVE THE SAME ARTISTIC STYLE.

**THE ZERO SERIES IS MORE LIKELY WORK AS A MMO DUE TO THE INCLUSION OF ACTUAL ARMIES AND GENERIC GEAR. RMZX HAS A LIMITED RANGE OF POSSIBLE MODELS THAT DON'T NECESSARILY "LEVEL UP." WE SUPPOSE WE COULD GO WITH A LOTTERY BASIS, ROLLING A RANDOM MODEL TO EVERY PLAYER AND HAVE THEM DEVELOP FROM THERE. WE'D STILL HAVE THE ISSUE OF HOW MANY DIFFERENT TYPES OF MODELS ARE AVAILABLE, ASSUMING A LARGE PLAYER BASE. WE COULD PROBABLY GET AWAY WITH MY OLD "GENERIC/FALSE MODELS" CONCEPT, WHICH WILL ALLOW FOR SOME CLONES OF THE SAME MODEL. THIS WOULD DISCLUDE THE CANON MODELS, BUT THEN AGAIN, THEY ARE MEANT TO BE EXCLUSIVE MODELS.