Well, as some of you know, I've had a plug going off and on for a while now to extend the Alien storylines for both the Confederation and Rebellion. After doing a great job as Alien shipbuilder in BFS II, Clueless also made me a set of graphics for the new Alien ship I'm adding, which will remain secret at this time (I want to preserve some surprise here). So anyway, now that I have a good incentive to actually finish the project once and for all, I'm not sure exactly how far to take the missions. I have four main choices:
(list=1)
()Push the Aliens out of the Milky Way forever and stop there.
()Push the Aliens out of the Milky Way forever and stop the missions there, but allow the player to explore the Alien galaxy some.
()Push the Aliens out of the Milky Way and expand somewhat into their galaxy.
()Completely conquer the Aliens in both galaxies.(/list=a)
Option 4 would not really be my preference, because doing that in two separate storylines would be a pain and possibly tax the resources of the engine somewhat. I'd pick option 3, but I'm afraid that might leave people hanging. So, since this will be an EV plug (obviously), I thought I'd poll the members of the board here and find out what you guys think. Give the audience what they want and all that.

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- Macavenger | e-mail: (url="http://"mailto:e-gamerguy1@home.com")mailto:e-gamerguy1@home.com(/url)e-gamerguy1@home.com

If you're not doing #4,stop after driving the Empire out of the Milky Way Galaxy.
Don't leave us hanging.

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"Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's."
-St. Matthew's Gospel 22:21

Do 3 and make a sequel plug. Or just do 4.

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So you're saying if not #4, then #1?

I should also say that I encourage all unregistered users that see this to post, I'd like to hear from everyone that might play this plug.

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- Macavenger | e-mail: (url="http://"mailto:e-gamerguy1@home.com")mailto:e-gamerguy1@home.com(/url)e-gamerguy1@home.com

I'd say do option 3. But, how could you do option 3 and not leave the player serioulsy hanging? Option 2 could be good as well. Just don't do option 1. Looking forward to the plug, Mac. Be sure to tell when it's released.

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Quote

Originally posted by Insano:
**I'd say do option 3. But, how could you do option 3 and not leave the player serioulsy hanging?
**

That's my thoughts exactly. Option 3 seems like it would be the best, but the ending would be much like the end of the UE campaign in EVO, which I don't think I've ever heard being described as very satisfactory.

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- Macavenger | e-mail: (url="http://"mailto:e-gamerguy1@home.com")mailto:e-gamerguy1@home.com(/url)e-gamerguy1@home.com

Quote

So you're saying if not #4, then #1?

No, I'm saying don't do #1 or #4. Do do #3 or #2. Or, you could do #3 then make a sequal, that would be cool.

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Quote

Originally posted by Insano:
**No, I'm saying don't do #1 or #4. Do do #3 or #2. Or, you could do #3 then make a sequal, that would be cool.
**

I know, that was for Shade. You guys are posting faster than I can keep up with. Thanks for the replies everyone.

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- Macavenger | e-mail: (url="http://"mailto:e-gamerguy1@home.com")mailto:e-gamerguy1@home.com(/url)e-gamerguy1@home.com

Just another, completely different ending: You could include an optional-to-the-player alien defection mission (transferring you to the aliens), and the aliens would give you missions against...something. That's impractical, though, so my choice is #2 or #4. Don't do 3, it leaves us hanging.

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"Why should I boast? The bards will do it for me -- and with music."
--Ertai, wizard adept

Well, the more the better, so #4 would be my immidiate choice, but excluding that I'd have to say #1. #2 would seem sort of lacking if we could just wander around and kill things, but nothing could be really accomplished, and #3 as many have said, would leave us hanging. Which of course would be good if there was a sequel...

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Apply When Wet

Option #3- Then you fortify the border and constant fighting ensues.

The make a sequel

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I suggest you add as much as possible weather it be 2, 3, or 4 I'd like to see it taking as far as can be. Even if 3 leaves us hanging I think seeing the alien galaxy and continuing to fight would be better than just stopping when you drive them out. I think you could come up with a reasonably good ending when you start expanding into their galaxy.

Option 2 would be my choice, actually.

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Option 3 -- but because it DOES leave some question. "Did we really get them all or did a handful slip through the net?" (Bring up mysterious music...)

That tiny seed of doubt leaves you, the author, many options for the future. If the players like the plug your sequel will be in demand. Just think what an ego stroke it will be to have us hounding you for the next issue....

- KK

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Courage stands halfway between cowardice and rashness, one of which is a lack, the other an excess of courage." ... Plutarch

I would say option 3, but cant you do something like when your there in their galaxy you can go to some planet and "find" some human slaves that the aliens had captured during the great war or something and you help em escape and in return they give you the cordinates to a place were you can get a alien ship, or maybe you can find an alien shuttlecraft, it might not be a good ship but the aliens will take you as an alien and you can take the alien shuttlecraft to a planet and then buy the alien cruiser because they think they are selling 1 to a alien

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(quote)Originally posted by escape_alex:
I would say option 3, but cant you do something like when your there in their galaxy you can go to some planet and "find" some human slaves that the aliens had captured during the great war or something and you help em escape and in return they give you the cordinates to a place were you can get a alien ship, or maybe you can find an alien shuttlecraft, it might not be a good ship but the aliens will take you as an alien and you can take the alien shuttlecraft to a planet and then buy the alien cruiser because they think they are selling 1 to a alien;) )
Mac: I'd say #3. Make the ending so that either the aliens escape to a part the player has no access to, or make a border (like in EVO the UE-Voinian border) where the player can take constantly returning missions (ie. raids, defences). In that way, you keep the option for a sequel open in case you feel the urge to do one later.

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Eat, sleep, eat, sleep

Quote

Originally posted by Clueless:
**Mac: I'd say #3. Make the ending so that either the aliens escape to a part the player has no access to, or make a border (like in EVO the UE-Voinian border) where the player can take constantly returning missions (ie. raids, defences). In that way, you keep the option for a sequel open in case you feel the urge to do one later.
**

I like that idea, forget what I said before.

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Quote

Originally posted by Luke:
**I like that idea, forget what I said before.:)

**

Hmm, that's more or less what I had in mind originally for number 3. After getting in a bit, the war stalemates. So you think you'd be willing to risk hanging a bit in case I don't do a sequel? Clueless's method would be my personal choice as a developer. Just remember, if I do that, a sequel is possible, but not guaranteed. Still sound OK to everyone?

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- Macavenger | e-mail: (url="http://"mailto:e-gamerguy1@home.com")mailto:e-gamerguy1@home.com(/url)e-gamerguy1@home.com

sounds ok 2 me, to bad I cant play it though :frown:

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Yep, Mac, go with that.

Quote

Originally posted by escape_alex:
**sounds ok 2 me, to bad I cant play it though:frown:
**

Why not?

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(This message has been edited by Luke (edited 08-24-2001).)