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Mailing List Logs for ShadowRN

Message no. 1
From: Bob Tockley <zzdeden@****.ASGARD.NET.AU>
Subject: Re: Shadowrun Assassin PC Game
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 1998 03:27:21 +1000
Here's a question for someone in the know to answer for me: What kind of
game is Shadowrun Assassin supposed to be? I've heard varying tales
putting it as everything from a Quake-clone, to a Diablo-style
three-quarter view, to a tomb-raider style game. Anyone help me out?

- ARKHAM
"A mind is a terrible thing to waste somebody with..."

ARKHAM'S ASYLUM ( http://www.asgard.net.au/~zzdeden/shadowrun/ )
Message no. 2
From: Tim Kerby <drekhead@***.NET>
Subject: Re: Shadowrun Assassin PC Game
Date: Tue, 29 Sep 1998 13:49:08 -0400
On 30 Sep 98, at 3:27, Bob Tockley wrote:

> Here's a question for someone in the know to answer for me: What kind
> of
> game is Shadowrun Assassin supposed to be? I've heard varying tales
> putting it as everything from a Quake-clone, to a Diablo-style
> three-quarter view, to a tomb-raider style game. Anyone help me out?

At Gencon, I asked them what engine was the game based on, and they
said one they have developed in house. I then asked them to describe
it, and it sounds to me like it is a three-quarter view similiar to
Diablo. I hope so. I think that is the best format for a Shadowrun
computer RPG.

--

=================================================================
- Tim Kerby - |"Letter writing is the only
- drekhead@***.net - | device for combining
HTML to: drekhead@********.net | solitude and good company."
ICQ - UIN 2883757 | -Lord Byron
Message no. 3
From: Iridios <iridios@*********.COM>
Subject: Re: Shadowrun Assassin PC Game
Date: Tue, 29 Sep 1998 14:29:40 -0400
Tim Kerby wrote:
>
> On 30 Sep 98, at 3:27, Bob Tockley wrote:
>
> > Here's a question for someone in the know to answer for me: What kind
> > of
> > game is Shadowrun Assassin supposed to be? I've heard varying tales
> > putting it as everything from a Quake-clone, to a Diablo-style
> > three-quarter view, to a tomb-raider style game. Anyone help me out?
>
> At Gencon, I asked them what engine was the game based on, and they
> said one they have developed in house. I then asked them to describe
> it, and it sounds to me like it is a three-quarter view similiar to
> Diablo. I hope so. I think that is the best format for a Shadowrun
> computer RPG.

I had heard, so this is only rumor, that it was going to be in the
style of Tomb Raider, and the promotional flyer I have for the game
shows the main character as if it were in a Tomb Raider type game.
Beyond that, I don't have much info, although I wish I did.

--
Iridios
iridios@*********.com
ICQ UIN:6629224
http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Shadowlands/9489

[found on an unknown shadow bbs]
<...>runner group looking for new members, one magician
and possibly one rigger preferred. Serious inquiries only.
If interested, login at
http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Shadowlands/9489/newplayer.html
<...>

-------Begin Geek Code Block------
GS d-(++) s+: a- C++ U?@>++ P L E?
W++ N o-- K- w(---) O? M-- V? PS+@
PE Y+ !PGP>++ t++@ 5+ X++@ R++@ tv
b+ DI++ !D G e+@>++++ h--- r+++ y+++
-------End Geek Code Block--------
Message no. 4
From: Matt Penn <steelclaw@****.COM>
Subject: Re: Shadowrun Assassin PC Game
Date: Tue, 29 Sep 1998 14:43:58 -0400
On Tue, 29 Sep 1998 13:49:08 -0400 Tim Kerby <drekhead@***.NET> writes:

>At Gencon, I asked them what engine was the game based on, and they
>said one they have developed in house. I then asked them to describe
>it, and it sounds to me like it is a three-quarter view similiar to
>Diablo. I hope so. I think that is the best format for a Shadowrun
>computer RPG.

It's nothing new, but I'm confused. I was under the impression that
Shadowrun Assassin was supposed to be a shooter along the lines of Tomb
Raider. Mostly I recall there was comment raised on the list because it
*was* a shooter and not an RPG.

-Matt, Homo Sapiens Robustus
***********************************
"Not that it matters to me, really. Only thing I'd really like to see is
maybe a game where you run one of the corps in a real-time strategy game
a la StarCraft. Silly notion, I guess."

___________________________________________________________________
You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com
Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]
Message no. 5
From: "Ojaste,James [NCR]" <James.Ojaste@**.GC.CA>
Subject: Re: Shadowrun Assassin PC Game
Date: Tue, 29 Sep 1998 14:53:14 -0400
Matt Penn wrote:
> "Not that it matters to me, really. Only thing I'd really like to see is
> maybe a game where you run one of the corps in a real-time strategy game
> a la StarCraft. Silly notion, I guess."
>
I hope that was supposed to be sarcasm...

James Ojaste
Message no. 6
From: Tim Kerby <drekhead@***.NET>
Subject: Re: Shadowrun Assassin PC Game
Date: Tue, 29 Sep 1998 14:55:22 -0400
On 29 Sep 98, at 14:29, Iridios wrote:

> I had heard, so this is only rumor, that it was going to be in the
> style of Tomb Raider, and the promotional flyer I have for the game
> shows the main character as if it were in a Tomb Raider type game.
> Beyond that, I don't have much info, although I wish I did.

What flyer are you talking about? The only one I saw was a character
sheet for the game character. There were no screen shots.

If you are saying its like Tomb Raider because the main character is
a female, then yes, that is correct.

--

=================================================================
- Tim Kerby - |"Letter writing is the only
- drekhead@***.net - | device for combining
HTML to: drekhead@********.net | solitude and good company."
ICQ - UIN 2883757 | -Lord Byron
Message no. 7
From: Iridios <iridios@*********.COM>
Subject: Re: Shadowrun Assassin PC Game
Date: Tue, 29 Sep 1998 15:06:14 -0400
Tim Kerby wrote:
>
> On 29 Sep 98, at 14:29, Iridios wrote:
>
> > I had heard, so this is only rumor, that it was going to be in the
> > style of Tomb Raider, and the promotional flyer I have for the game
> > shows the main character as if it were in a Tomb Raider type game.
> > Beyond that, I don't have much info, although I wish I did.
>
> What flyer are you talking about? The only one I saw was a character
> sheet for the game character. There were no screen shots.

Yes that is the one I got. It came with my BABY. There were no
screen shots, but the image reminded me heavily of Tomb Raider which
used/uses similar shots in their advertising. I disliked Tomb Raider
and when I got that impression, I guess I just quit thinking past it.
:(
>
> If you are saying its like Tomb Raider because the main character is
> a female, then yes, that is correct.

All in all, if it ends up being similar to Diablo (which was fairly
well done), I will be fairly pleased. If it is done more like Tomb
Raider, I don't know how I will feel.

--
Iridios
iridios@*********.com
ICQ UIN:6629224
http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Shadowlands/9489

[found on an unknown shadow bbs]
<...>runner group looking for new members, one magician
and possibly one rigger preferred. Serious inquiries only.
If interested, login at
http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Shadowlands/9489/newplayer.html
<...>

-------Begin Geek Code Block------
GS d-(++) s+: a- C++ U?@>++ P L E?
W++ N o-- K- w(---) O? M-- V? PS+@
PE Y+ !PGP>++ t++@ 5+ X++@ R++@ tv
b+ DI++ !D G e+@>++++ h--- r+++ y+++
-------End Geek Code Block--------
Message no. 8
From: Tim Kerby <drekhead@***.NET>
Subject: Re: Shadowrun Assassin PC Game
Date: Tue, 29 Sep 1998 15:03:27 -0400
On 29 Sep 98, at 14:43, Matt Penn wrote:

> It's nothing new, but I'm confused. I was under the impression that
> Shadowrun Assassin was supposed to be a shooter along the lines of Tomb
> Raider. Mostly I recall there was comment raised on the list because it
> *was* a shooter and not an RPG.

There will be shooting, yes, but the game will give you "points" (for
lack of a better word) in certain situations if you can get through
without firing a shot. Depends on that particular run's objectives.
In some places, getting into combat is the last thing you want to do.
As one of the FASA Int. guys told me in those situations "You will
probably die."

Definitely looking forward to this one, especially if it is
networkable (and, yes, I did ask. They said "maybe").

--

=================================================================
- Tim Kerby - |"Letter writing is the only
- drekhead@***.net - | device for combining
HTML to: drekhead@********.net | solitude and good company."
ICQ - UIN 2883757 | -Lord Byron
Message no. 9
From: Micheal Feeney <Starrngr@***.COM>
Subject: Re: Shadowrun Assassin PC Game
Date: Tue, 29 Sep 1998 16:25:33 EDT
In a message dated 98-09-29 15:24:34 EDT, you write:

<<
Definitely looking forward to this one, especially if it is
networkable (and, yes, I did ask. They said "maybe").

>>

Hmm. I dunno if networking would be applicable here. It sounds like most of
the runs would be optimized for the single charecter. Multi-player
engagements would be slightly more RPG'ing, IMO, and would require things like
how to handle different charecter types, etc, and would make the game much
more complex than has been described so far. And the more complex a game is,
the longer it takes to get to market, and the better chance of its schedule
slipping and becoming late to market.
Message no. 10
From: Raven Heart <RavenHrtX@***.COM>
Subject: Re: Shadowrun Assassin PC Game
Date: Tue, 29 Sep 1998 16:38:47 EDT
In a message dated 9/29/98 3:32:59 PM Central Daylight Time, Starrngr@***.COM
writes:

<< Hmm. I dunno if networking would be applicable here. It sounds like most
of
the runs would be optimized for the single character. Multiplayer
engagements would be slightly more RPG'ing, IMO, and would require things
like
how to handle different character types, etc, and would make the game much
more complex than has been described so far. And the more complex a game is,
the longer it takes to get to market, and the better chance of its schedule
slipping and becoming late to market. >>



that also means a better game over all and if its a good game i woulnt care
howlong it took them as long as in the end its a better game tha one made in a
year and sent out on time that doesnt have the extra time put into it
Message no. 11
From: Chris <chris_hayes@*******.COM>
Subject: Re: Shadowrun Assassin PC Game
Date: Tue, 29 Sep 1998 13:52:07 -0700
James Ojaste wrote:

> Matt Penn wrote:
> > "Not that it matters to me, really. Only thing I'd really like
> to see is
> > maybe a game where you run one of the corps in a real-time strategy game
> > a la StarCraft. Silly notion, I guess."
> >
> I hope that was supposed to be sarcasm...
>
> James Ojaste
>

Actually, that sounds like a great idea. Imagine controlling one of the
Corps: Aztech, Ares, Fuchi...okay, maybe not, Sader Krupp, Renraku,
etc...And each one would have different strengths and weaknesses. Aztech
would kick ass with magic, Ares with weapons, Sader Krupp might be all good
all around, Fuchi (?) with matrix runs, and the objective would be to have
the greatest market share in different areas. We could even expand this by
saying that each one already has a market share, and the objective is to
snag the market share in a different area. Like Aztech has a huge market
share in something (Magic?) yet they want to branch out into weapons, so
they start running against Ares. Then you could hire shadowrunners, or
maybe even train them yourself to make these runs.

I actually think this could work. Not that I could ever create it or
anything...

Christopher Hayes
"Who put their hoo-hoo dilly in your cha-cha?" - Cartman
Message no. 12
From: "D. Ghost" <dghost@****.COM>
Subject: Re: Shadowrun Assassin PC Game
Date: Tue, 29 Sep 1998 16:40:44 -0500
On Tue, 29 Sep 1998 15:06:14 -0400 Iridios <iridios@*********.COM>
writes:
>Tim Kerby wrote:
>> On 29 Sep 98, at 14:29, Iridios wrote:
>> > I had heard, so this is only rumor, that it was going to be in the
>> > style of Tomb Raider, and the promotional flyer I have for the game
>> > shows the main character as if it were in a Tomb Raider type game.
>> > Beyond that, I don't have much info, although I wish I did.

>> What flyer are you talking about? The only one I saw was a character
>> sheet for the game character. There were no screen shots.

>Yes that is the one I got. It came with my BABY. There were no
>screen shots, but the image reminded me heavily of Tomb Raider which
>used/uses similar shots in their advertising. I disliked Tomb Raider
>and when I got that impression, I guess I just quit thinking past it.
>:(
<SNIP>

I heard (On #Shadowrun, IIRC) that the game was going to be like Tomb
Raider but have actual RPG-type interaction with NPCs... wouldn't that
make it both like Tomb Raider and Diablo? (I've played Diablo and seen
Tomb Raider ... I'm hoping for more of a Diablo environment. :)

--
D. Ghost
(aka Pixel, Tantrum, RuPixel)
"I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy."
--T-Bone(?)

___________________________________________________________________
You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
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Message no. 13
From: Matt T Ork <steelclaw@****.COM>
Subject: Re: Shadowrun Assassin PC Game
Date: Tue, 29 Sep 1998 17:44:03 -0400
On Tue, 29 Sep 1998 14:53:14 -0400 "Ojaste,James [NCR]"
<James.Ojaste@**.GC.CA> writes:
>Matt Penn wrote:
>> "Not that it matters to me, really. Only thing I'd really like to see
is
>> maybe a game where you run one of the corps in a real-time strategy
game
>> a la StarCraft. Silly notion, I guess."
>>
>I hope that was supposed to be sarcasm...

If the idea wasn't then, it is now I guess...

I've never had much of a good record with coming up with ideas that other
people'd like, so I was being pro-active.

-Matt, Homo Sapiens Robustus
***********************************
"If you want me, I'll be under Gurth's stairs. Do I get something for
being a first-timer there?"



___________________________________________________________________
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Message no. 14
From: Matt T Ork <steelclaw@****.COM>
Subject: Re: Shadowrun Assassin PC Game
Date: Tue, 29 Sep 1998 18:02:06 -0400
On Tue, 29 Sep 1998 13:52:07 -0700 Chris <chris_hayes@*******.COM>
writes:

> Actually, that sounds like a great idea. Imagine controlling
one of the
>Corps: Aztech, Ares, Fuchi...okay, maybe not, Sader Krupp, Renraku,
>etc...And each one would have different strengths and weaknesses.
Aztech
>would kick ass with magic, Ares with weapons, Sader Krupp might be all
good
>all around, Fuchi (?) with matrix runs, and the objective would be to
have
>the greatest market share in different areas. We could even expand this
by
>saying that each one already has a market share, and the objective is to
>snag the market share in a different area. Like Aztech has a huge
market
>share in something (Magic?) yet they want to branch out into weapons, so
>they start running against Ares. Then you could hire shadowrunners, or
>maybe even train them yourself to make these runs.

Much along the lines of what I was thinking. Tutorial levels would be
like Desert Wars.
You're the CEO of one of four corps: S-K, Aztechnology, Ares and one of
the Japancorps, probably Mitsuhama and you do the StarCraft thing. Build
various kind of building and units, train 'em up and sic 'em on each
other. Stock stuff. Then, you graduate to your world tour, where you
also use politics, decking, runner teams or your own SpecOps, and
sometimes roll out the paramilitary to do it "for real." You can crush
'em under your heel, but a merger'd be better.

That sorta thing.

-Matt, Homo Sapiens Robustus
***********************************
"Just think, kids! With my game, you could be Lofwyr!"

___________________________________________________________________
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Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com
Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]
Message no. 15
From: Matt T Ork <steelclaw@****.COM>
Subject: Re: Shadowrun Assassin PC Game
Date: Tue, 29 Sep 1998 17:47:26 -0400
On Tue, 29 Sep 1998 15:03:27 -0400 Tim Kerby <drekhead@***.NET> writes:

>There will be shooting, yes, but the game will give you "points" (for
>lack of a better word) in certain situations if you can get through
>without firing a shot. Depends on that particular run's objectives.
>In some places, getting into combat is the last thing you want to do.
>As one of the FASA Int. guys told me in those situations "You will
>probably die."

The "Assassin" in the title confused me. I certainly was hoping for
something more than just another mundane "Here's a level, kill things"
type game that seems so damned prevalent these days. Something more
along the lines of Diablo, (which was really only half RPG, in my
opinion) would be much more preferable.

>Definitely looking forward to this one, especially if it is
>networkable (and, yes, I did ask. They said "maybe").

Here's hoping.

-Matt, Homo Sapiens Robustus
***********************************
"Shadowrun meets Secret of Monkey Island! That's what I wanna see!"

___________________________________________________________________
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Message no. 16
From: nocturnal@*******.NET
Subject: Re: Shadowrun Assassin PC Game
Date: Tue, 29 Sep 1998 18:17:12 +0000
D. Ghost wrote:

<SNIP>

>
> I heard (On #Shadowrun, IIRC) that the game was going to be like Tomb
> Raider but have actual RPG-type interaction with NPCs... wouldn't that
> make it both like Tomb Raider and Diablo? (I've played Diablo and seen
> Tomb Raider ... I'm hoping for more of a Diablo environment. :)
>
> --
> D. Ghost
> (aka Pixel, Tantrum, RuPixel)
> "I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy."
> --T-Bone(?)
>
> ___________________________________________________________________
> You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
> Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com
> Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]

Speaking of these types of games... Anyone here ever play Parasite Eve? A game with that
kinda 3d engine would be really cool, if it were designed correctly to fit all that there
is in
Shadowrun (probably a 4 cd game for even Playstation, wouldn't ya think?).
Message no. 17
From: Wordman <wordman@*******.COM>
Subject: Re: Shadowrun Assassin PC Game
Date: Tue, 29 Sep 1998 19:02:40 -0400
>On 30 Sep 98, at 3:27, Bob Tockley wrote:
>
>> Here's a question for someone in the know to answer for me: What kind
>> of
>> game is Shadowrun Assassin supposed to be? I've heard varying tales
>> putting it as everything from a Quake-clone, to a Diablo-style
>> three-quarter view, to a tomb-raider style game. Anyone help me out?
>
>At Gencon, I asked them what engine was the game based on, and they
>said one they have developed in house. I then asked them to describe
>it, and it sounds to me like it is a three-quarter view similiar to
>Diablo. I hope so. I think that is the best format for a Shadowrun
>computer RPG.

Only if it is more similar to the interface for Myth: Fallen Lords than
Diablo. Myth's "rotate the view around the camera" ability is first rate.

Wordman
Message no. 18
From: Raven Heart <RavenHrtX@***.COM>
Subject: Re: Shadowrun Assassin PC Game
Date: Tue, 29 Sep 1998 19:25:24 EDT
In a message dated 98-09-29 19:19:21 EDT, you write:

<< Speaking of these types of games... Anyone here ever play Parasite Eve? A
game with that
kinda 3d engine would be really cool, if it were designed correctly to fit
all that there is in
Shadowrun (probably a 4 cd game for even Playstation, wouldn't ya think?).
>>
Yet another game that leaves people who cant afford better computers or a
playstation out in the dark YET again, like every other game out there, how
Fun :\
any way a game thats tomb raider style and only show and do so much id rathe
have a game thats more in depth and more inter astion even if its like diblo
id give game play over 3d graphics any day
Message no. 19
From: Adam J <adamj@*********.HTML.COM>
Subject: Re: Shadowrun Assassin PC Game
Date: Tue, 29 Sep 1998 17:59:12 -0600
At 16:40 9/29/98 -0500, you wrote:

>I heard (On #Shadowrun, IIRC) that the game was going to be like Tomb
>Raider but have actual RPG-type interaction with NPCs... wouldn't that
>make it both like Tomb Raider and Diablo? (I've played Diablo and seen
>Tomb Raider ... I'm hoping for more of a Diablo environment. :)

What I can remember from what Bull told me the day after he got back from
GenCon, which is of course dependant on what -he- remembered correctly, is
that the view is somewhat similar to Tomb Raider, but higher up, so "You're
not looking at her (The main characters) butt all the time.".

-Adam J
Who just hopes the game doesn't suck.
Message no. 20
From: Michael vanHulst <Schizi@***.COM>
Subject: Re: Shadowrun Assassin PC Game
Date: Tue, 29 Sep 1998 22:14:37 EDT
In a message dated 9/29/98 3:08:18 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
steelclaw@****.COM writes:

>
> > Actually, that sounds like a great idea. Imagine controlling
> one of the
> >Corps: Aztech, Ares, Fuchi...okay, maybe not, Sader Krupp, Renraku,
> >etc...And each one would have different strengths and weaknesses.
<snip a lot>
> sometimes roll out the paramilitary to do it "for real." You can crush
> 'em under your heel, but a merger'd be better.
>
I would actually like this kind of game, much as I liked most of the Koei
games. There have been other games where you run corporations, though, and I
do not realy see it having too much of a Shadowrun feel to it.
Message no. 21
From: K in the Shadows <Ereskanti@***.COM>
Subject: Re: Shadowrun Assassin PC Game
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 1998 02:36:02 EDT
In a message dated 9/29/1998 12:34:28 PM US Eastern Standard Time,
zzdeden@****.ASGARD.NET.AU writes:

>
> Here's a question for someone in the know to answer for me: What kind of
> game is Shadowrun Assassin supposed to be? I've heard varying tales
> putting it as everything from a Quake-clone, to a Diablo-style
> three-quarter view, to a tomb-raider style game. Anyone help me out?

SR: Assassin is a third person viewpoint game that is supposed to be far
better built than Quake is/was (depending on your opinion). There are
designing implementations that place it with the concept of gaining for points
for "stealthy runs" that "the Assassin" performs. There are also
options for
"called shots" and/or "specific targetting".

"the Assassin" is a female character, and she has been given stats within SR3
game mechanics, courtesy of a favor between Mike M. and the designers of the
game itself. It is/was scheduled for release in Decemberish, but it's
probably closer to February (going on habit here). Could be later (March?).

I really like the graphic stills they were handing out at Gencon, and talking
with three of the programmers over the course of those 4 days really gave me
some ideas, especially when combined with sitting down with the guy who was
running the Mechwarrior/Commander (forget which one) that is 3rd Edition for
that game that was in a "beta test" stage. He gave me an example of
"Targetting" as it is likely to appear in SR: Assassin.

Point the site/scope at a given target (long range/barely visible) and
initiate the scope. Said sighting scope image enhances for better detail and
range clarification. Supposedly the Assassin is going to have options like
this built into the game itself.

-K (btw, one of the stills is titled "Fuchi Cyberzombie")
Message no. 22
From: K in the Shadows <Ereskanti@***.COM>
Subject: Re: Shadowrun Assassin PC Game
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 1998 02:39:30 EDT
In a message dated 9/29/1998 1:29:46 PM US Eastern Standard Time,
iridios@*********.COM writes:

>
> I had heard, so this is only rumor, that it was going to be in the
> style of Tomb Raider, and the promotional flyer I have for the game
> shows the main character as if it were in a Tomb Raider type game.
> Beyond that, I don't have much info, although I wish I did.
>
Be very careful of overgeneralizations. Yes, "the Assassin" is a
"she", and
does have the "hi there, I'm sensual and deadly look" to her physical make-
up/design. But that has more to do with marketability than anything else.
Add to that, and I know a few people are going to love this one, she's an
Elf....IIRC... :)

-K
Message no. 23
From: K in the Shadows <Ereskanti@***.COM>
Subject: Re: Shadowrun Assassin PC Game
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 1998 02:41:47 EDT
In a message dated 9/29/1998 1:49:13 PM US Eastern Standard Time,
steelclaw@****.COM writes:

>
> It's nothing new, but I'm confused. I was under the impression that
> Shadowrun Assassin was supposed to be a shooter along the lines of Tomb
> Raider. Mostly I recall there was comment raised on the list because it
> *was* a shooter and not an RPG.

SR: Assassin is not an RPG, that is simply not truly "doable" in a computer
gaming scenario (my opinion, one that appears to be somewhat shared by the
folks at FASA). It is a "shooter" game. However, it is not a "Doom"
or
"Quake" category shooter game. Yes, it is my understanding that there will be
some weapon options that are more than single/burst mode, but they are for
specific moments in the game design.

-K
Message no. 24
From: K in the Shadows <Ereskanti@***.COM>
Subject: Re: Shadowrun Assassin PC Game
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 1998 02:45:48 EDT
In a message dated 9/29/1998 3:32:45 PM US Eastern Standard Time,
Starrngr@***.COM writes:

>
> Hmm. I dunno if networking would be applicable here. It sounds like most
> of
> the runs would be optimized for the single charecter. Multi-player
> engagements would be slightly more RPG'ing, IMO, and would require things
> like
> how to handle different charecter types, etc, and would make the game much
> more complex than has been described so far. And the more complex a game
is,
>
> the longer it takes to get to market, and the better chance of its schedule
> slipping and becoming late to market.

Actually, the interface would allow for some degree of networking, as it is
designed now. It is my understanding that multi-POV networking games like
that proposed for SR: Assassin do exist on the WWW now. yes, it would mean
"role playing" by the players, but it could be done. Hell, it might even be
the first doorstep into "interactive VR role play" on a more "for the
home"
level.

-K
Message no. 25
From: Robert Watkins <robert.watkins@******.COM>
Subject: Re: Shadowrun Assassin PC Game
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 1998 16:51:59 +1000
K writes:
> SR: Assassin is not an RPG, that is simply not truly "doable" in
> a computer
> gaming scenario (my opinion, one that appears to be somewhat shared by the
> folks at FASA). It is a "shooter" game. However, it is not a
"Doom" or
> "Quake" category shooter game. Yes, it is my understanding that
> there will be
> some weapon options that are more than single/burst mode, but they are for
> specific moments in the game design.

It's not that RPGs aren't "doable", even in the first-person sense, it's
just that shooters are trendier. First-person shoot-'em-ups are the current
fad, along with "real-time" strategy games where you have to try and control
hordes of units. And they'll probably remain so until people either get
bored of them, or the next "killer" game style comes along.

Computer role-playing games have become a bit passe, but will probably make
a come-back if Ultima Online is successful. The online environment allows
for a greater scope of play, and above all interaction.

ObSR: With expert systems becoming more and more common in SR, expect a
surge of Matrix-based roleplaying systems to become available, and probably
popular. Escapism in SR 2050+ would be at least as necessary as it is today,
if not more so. I've got a write-up of VD&D around somewhere... (It was a
virtual role-playing system that I sent the runners in to try and steal
once. The code and "adventure-generator" AI was world-class (which is why
the competitors wanted it), but the company was heading down the tubes
'cause Marketing didn't realise that people were unlikely to want to play a
game that reminded them of social diseases...). In addition, you'll probably
have various sorts of "interactive" sims, at least at a primitive stage.

--
.sig deleted to conserve electrons. robert.watkins@******.com
Message no. 26
From: "Ratinac, Rand (NSW)" <RRatinac@*****.REDCROSS.ORG.AU>
Subject: Re: Shadowrun Assassin PC Game
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 1998 17:02:01 +1000
> Actually, the interface would allow for some degree of networking, as
> it is
> designed now. It is my understanding that multi-POV networking games
> like
> that proposed for SR: Assassin do exist on the WWW now. yes, it would
> mean
> "role playing" by the players, but it could be done. Hell, it might
> even be
> the first doorstep into "interactive VR role play" on a more "for the
> home"
> level.
>
> -K
>
Blah blah blah...

What I'd like to know is this:

Are there plans to release a sequel? (I know this sounds premature, but
I also know a lot of places are planning sequels and followups and
what-have-yous before the first product is ever released.) If so, will
it give you options such as creating your own character (using SR3
rules, hopefully), magic (which it sounds like you don't have the option
of using, but I wouldn't know), decking (which I wouldn't really want
anyway, but others might) or rigging (which could be fun - ooooooo,
chase scenes, oooooooooooo...I'm getting all goose-bumpy)?

Now THAT would rock. Although Assassin sounds pretty good as it is.

*Doc' dreams of blasting the bad guys apart with his Ingram Smartgun and
blowing them up with a fireball, while simultaneously running them over
in his Ares Citymaster and experiencing simsense porn. Heh heh heh heh
heh heh heh heh...*

Doc'

.sig Sauer
Message no. 27
From: Gurth <gurth@******.NL>
Subject: Re: Shadowrun Assassin PC Game
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 1998 11:28:13 +0200
According to Iridios, at 14:29 on 29 Sep 98, the word on the street was...

> > At Gencon, I asked them what engine was the game based on, and they
> > said one they have developed in house. I then asked them to describe
> > it, and it sounds to me like it is a three-quarter view similiar to
> > Diablo. I hope so. I think that is the best format for a Shadowrun
> > computer RPG.
>
> I had heard, so this is only rumor, that it was going to be in the
> style of Tomb Raider, and the promotional flyer I have for the game
> shows the main character as if it were in a Tomb Raider type game.
> Beyond that, I don't have much info, although I wish I did.

We do know FASAMike said it wouldn't be a Tomb Raider-style view where
<quote>all you can see is her butt</quote>. For all we know, though, the
flyer they stuck into the SR3 books is promotional art that doesn't appear
in the game anywhere, or maybe it's taken from an intro movie that plays
at the start of the game, or whatever.

From what I understood at GenCon (I wasn't paying too much attention to
the video game sections, so this may be totally off) it'll be a cross
between Diablo and Tomb Raider. IOW, much as Tim described.

--
Gurth@******.nl - http://www.xs4all.nl/~gurth/index.html
"Nobody's going to murder anyone here even if it means I have to
kill someone!" --Kane, detective/rigger
-> NERPS Project Leader * ShadowRN GridSec * Unofficial Shadowrun Guru <-
-> The Plastic Warriors Page: http://www.xs4all.nl/~gurth/plastic.html <-
-> The New Character Mortuary: http://www.electricferret.com/mortuary/ <-

GC3.1: GAT/! d-(dpu) s:- !a>? C+(++)@ U P L E? W(++) N o? K- w+ O V? PS+
PE Y PGP- t(+) 5++ X++ R+++>$ tv+(++) b++@ DI? D+ G(++) e h! !r(---) y?
Incubated into the First Church of the Sqooshy Ball, 21-05-1998
Message no. 28
From: Fixer <fixer@*******.TLH.FL.US>
Subject: Re: Shadowrun Assassin PC Game
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 1998 08:04:27 -0400
On Tue, 29 Sep 1998, Ojaste,James [NCR] wrote:

->Matt Penn wrote:
->> "Not that it matters to me, really. Only thing I'd really like to see is
->> maybe a game where you run one of the corps in a real-time strategy game
->> a la StarCraft. Silly notion, I guess."
->>
->I hope that was supposed to be sarcasm...

I'm hoping it happens. But, then again, I'm one of those Warcraft
junkies too... ]:-)

Fixer --------------} The easy I do before breakfast,
the difficult I do all day long,
the impossible only during the week,
and miracles performed on an as-needed basis....

Now tell me, what was your problem?
Message no. 29
From: SThanatos <sthanatos@*********.COM>
Subject: Re: Shadowrun Assassin PC Game
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 1997 08:07:48 -0400
>it give you options such as creating your own character (using SR3
>rules, hopefully), magic (which it sounds like you don't have the option
>of using, but I wouldn't know), decking (which I wouldn't really want
>anyway, but others might) or rigging (which could be fun - ooooooo,
>chase scenes, oooooooooooo...I'm getting all goose-bumpy)?
>

I just wanted to bring to focus part of this post...

Magic. It is a key aspect is Shadowrun. It's what makes the SR Universe
what it is...
It has got to show up at some point in the Assassin, right? Imagine meeting
a free spirit and
suddenly being wooshed into astral space to have a battle with a few mad
elementals or
something even cooler perhaps? What would be ideal, would be a limited
aspected magical main
character, who could switch to astral perception whenever she wants to.
That would really be cool.

Anyway, what I'm trying to relate, is that in a game based in Shadowrun,
magic has to be around
somewhere. It just wouldn't be right not to.
Message no. 30
From: "Christopher M. Coulter" <kamikaze@*********.EDU>
Subject: Re: Shadowrun Assassin PC Game
Date: Mon, 28 Sep 1998 19:24:04 +0000
What no one has mentioned yet, but I think is key to shadowrun is
will there be a feature that would allow the hiring of other
runners? I'm not familira with Tomb Raider, but I think that if the
player could hire other runners, the game would be a bit cooler.
Especially in the major firefight scenes.
I think Goldeneye for the N64 had something similar with the Natalya
character as an aid in the game.

Christopher M. Coulter
Message no. 31
From: David Buehrer <dbuehrer@******.CARL.ORG>
Subject: Re: Shadowrun Assassin PC Game
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 1998 06:58:06 -0600
For the mere cost of a Thaum, Christopher M. Coulter wrote:
/
/ What no one has mentioned yet, but I think is key to shadowrun is
/ will there be a feature that would allow the hiring of other
/ runners? I'm not familira with Tomb Raider, but I think that if the
/ player could hire other runners, the game would be a bit cooler.
/ Especially in the major firefight scenes.
/ I think Goldeneye for the N64 had something similar with the Natalya
/ character as an aid in the game.

Yes it does. One one level she's a big help (she's a great shot). But
on other levels it's tricky as hell keeping her alive while you
complete the objective. Not that it's not fun :)

Yep, if Assasin did something similar I'd be pleased.

-David
--
"Earn what you have been given."
--
email: dbuehrer@******.carl.org
http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/1068/homepage.htm
Message no. 32
From: "Ojaste,James [NCR]" <James.Ojaste@**.GC.CA>
Subject: Re: Shadowrun Assassin PC Game
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 1998 10:12:07 -0400
Chris wrote:
> > > "Not that it matters to me, really. Only thing I'd really like
> > to see is
> > > maybe a game where you run one of the corps in a real-time strategy
> game
> > > a la StarCraft. Silly notion, I guess."
> > >
> > I hope that was supposed to be sarcasm...
>
> Actually, that sounds like a great idea. Imagine controlling one
> of the
[snip]
> I actually think this could work. Not that I could ever create it
> or
> anything...
>
That *could* be the reason that Syndicate was such a popular game -
that's what it was all about. What I was hoping to be sarcasm was the
comment "Silly notion, I guess". Early this year a sequel was released
titled "Syndicate Wars" (Bullfrog, EA).

Check out a review of SW at:
http://www.gamedemo.com/action/syndicat/review.htm

There's no *building* or anything, it's basically a strategic game
about black ops between corps trying to outdo each other and rule the
world.

James Ojaste
Message no. 33
From: Erik Jameson <erikj@****.COM>
Subject: Re: Shadowrun Assassin PC Game
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 1998 13:11:40 -0400
At 02:36 AM 9/30/98 EDT, you wrote:

>Point the site/scope at a given target (long range/barely visible) and
>initiate the scope. Said sighting scope image enhances for better detail and
>range clarification. Supposedly the Assassin is going to have options like
>this built into the game itself.

Sounds like MDK.

So the "Assassin" has SR stats? Were these stats released to the public or
are they just something for Mike M. to play with? I'd be curious to see them.

I just wish the game was going to be also on the Mac...damn...

Erik J.


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