My ideas going forward about Camp Mates

State So Far

So as the camp mate system works now it really feels like just an add-on. It doesn't feel real or alive and they are really just cannon fodder or human shields. I've made the decision to make camp mates, exactly that, mates that stay in camp. I am working on you being able to assign them jobs like farming, guard duty, lumber jacking, etc.  (more on this jobs in a future post). Also expect the camp mates to drink your water and feed themselves (hunger and thirst). Hunger leads to slow movement and thirst leads increased tiredness and possibly death. So the 'farmer' and the 'water hauler' should be high on your priority list, until you get automated that is. Automation is much more efficient (humans are slower and get tired) and frees up your camp mates to do much more lucrative jobs (ranching/mining) or defend your base better (guards get strong weapons; non guards get bats). So that decision leaves a pretty big hole: It will get boring if you are roaming the wastes by yourself. My solution is as follows:

Unique Companions

So I've had plans for awhile to add a few unique companions from other races (once you complete enough quests) that would join you and act like a regular camp mate. I've decided to take this further and expand on the idea. Thinking back to my days playing (in my top 5 games of all time) Fallout 1 and 2 (and yes I consider them one game) I wanted to kind of mimic the party system there. So you go through the first part of the game solo and come across a companion that will join you if you want them to. As you progress along you come across more and more that will follow you. Fallout had a companion limit based on charisma. I have decided you will be able to gather them all in your base, but maybe not use all of the at once.  So here is what I am thinking so far:

• A person from Steven Farm (Human)
  • A sharpshooter with a rifle
  • High critical chance
  • Dodge roll ability
  • Relates everything to corn and corn accessories
• A raider (Human)
  • A shot-gunner
  • High health
  • Poison Bullets
  • Hates most things. Except cats.
• A rhino
  • Melee
  • Hugh health
  • Heal Over Time
  • Hostile vegan
• A frogman
  • Ranged
  • Electricity attacks?
  • Stuns/slows
  • Speech is ribbity (it's a word)
• A ink person
  • Melee and ranged spear
  • Taunt and shield ability
  • Doesn't speak, uses hand gestures
• A combat robot
  • Must be repaired with wrench
  • Laser rifle (penetrates)
  • Makes 'jokes' about killing all humans
• Maybe a few hidden ones :)
  • Unlocked through a DLC (LOL just kidding)

These companions (for the most part) will be unlocked during the main quest line. A few hidden ones might be on side quests or at hidden locations. I think this will flesh out the camp mates better as being the dudes that help you run the base and the companions as those that help you fight/explore.  Making them companions unique with cool abilities I think will make the game MUCH better.

As always let me know what you think. This change is going to be fairly big and I expect will take me a while. Do you think it is worth it?