I have a suggestion about the story, well, not as a plot but a device that can enhance the story. Make Val talk with her handler. Make the two have banter and stuff. That can make the characters more memorable and can be a way to show how the characters develop. Like, I don't know if you'd go for this, but let's say Val and her handler (let's call him K) are two maniacs that enjoy fighting (hell, you can even make K Val's bunkmate(?) at academia but make him rejected due to "wasteful ammo usage"). But as the story goes, Val and K go jaded and regretfull as the game progresses. their banter goes colder and colder and they are replaced with words of comfort. they go somber. that was just an example of how you can reflect your character's development, trough the small dialouges they have in middle of the combat. hell you can even have some reactions to make them more endearing, like you can have her handler gasp in shock or just yell out "NOO" when val dies. or when val finishes a mission with low health make K react in a different way. it would just make the story more dynamic i think. i am sorry that it was all over the place it's just that i had this idea for a while now and i thought you'd like the idea. thank you for your work
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Thank you for the idea! It's actually not too far off from the current concept I've been toying with on and off. I didn't mention it in the post, but I've been thinking of there being a second pilot that you switch between depending on the mission. So rather than there being a character select where you just pick one at the start of the game to spout the same lines, instead he and Val would alternate and there'd be maybe two separate plotlines going. One would play the part of the radio support back at the base who'd assist you during the mission if needed. Afterwards the two of them would banter and meet up back at the base/hangar and generally stick together when you're interacting with others and doing things like negotiating with arms dealers (you'll have to buy your weapons from somewhere)
I don't think there's really going to be a specific "handler" like Armored Core has, though the base should have some sort of authority figure or commander that you receive orders from. It's still kind of up in the air, but I'm trying to put it all together.
Thanks again!
dude, please do that, can't wait to see the duo! like you said you were toying with it on and of right? i can offer my hand at it if you'd like for me to. i am not super financially available but i'd still love to help you out in any way. if you ever need any ideas just ask me, i am full of bad ideas! (i can provide you with my discord handle but i'd understand if you don't any help and i am sorry if
i am sticking my nose somewhere i am not supposed to, it's just that i am really really excited about this project. good day!
edit: and if you ever decide to make that second character, please don't make him stray too far from Val's design (god, that armor is amazing), her design is literally perfect and she'd probably serve as a great basis for him too, maybe the guy she talks to in the hangar menu?
Thank you for the offer! I appreciate it greatly, but at the moment I think I'd still like to focus on getting some last bits of gameplay and system-work down before I start to tackle the story and characters hard.
if you ever decide to make that second character, please don't make him stray too far from Val's design (god, that armor is amazing),
Don't worry, they'll have very similar armor designs (standard issue kit). She has a redesigned suit I haven't had a chance to show yet by the way.
maybe the guy she talks to in the hangar menu?
The mechanics are going to be some side characters. The one she's standing near will probably be the head of the maintenance crew who'll scold you if you get a lot of D ranks in a row.
Idk if you've seen Oban Star-Racers, but I really like the dynamic between the characters specifically Molly and Jordan. Molly is the pilot, she flies the craft, while Jordan serves as the gunner, managing the weapons. Maybe you could take a similar approach by making Val more focused on maneuverability, and the second character more centered on firepower. If you choose Val as the main pilot, the second character will provide radio support focused on weapons and combat strategy. But if you choose the second pilot to take the controls, Val will offer guidance on navigation, maneuvering around structures, and avoiding unnecessary destruction.
Val: "That’s another building down! You do know you could try maneuvering instead of plowing through everything, right? They’re not paying us if there’s nothing left to save."
Gunner: "Shut up and let me kill these things."
Val: "Great. Now half the town looks like Swiss cheese." Something like this? I’m not sure. Inspired by PetalCourt