An alternative to mining

[Phyrak]

Hey there,
First post on here after hearing about ember by the randomness that is the internet...anyhow, to topic at hand

I was a founder of firefall and played sporadically as well as periodically through its rise and fall.
The thumper system was a good system but it ended up becoming a grind for materials as there was nothing else that really dropped materials wise from anything else as such - at least from memory

As for the alternatives, there is lumber and hunting beasts for raw materials

Then there is the refinement process for each - mining; smelting etc

This would mean that resource gathering would be far more interactive

As my personal playstyle is that of a hunter - I would sell the raw resources from fallen foes to the market to make a profit and upgrade my omni to be more proficient in hunting

Think some additional types of resource gathering + refinement + crafting be a good addition?

Thank you for reading,

-Phyrak

 

[Gernomino]

First Post!
First thing is first: this is my first post here. I played Firefall a while, and I'm hoping this turns out nice, especially since about every idea I had for improving Firefall had existed in it sometime in the past before I had started.

Response To Thread
This is something I didn't really think about, but in terms of hunting, this could be something like the Big Game Hunter.

My 'Quick First Thoughts - Pretending I 'm a Dev' Vision
If you want to go hunting, you can track down the big game for rarer items. Some sort of per-player tracking mechanism to find beasts would need implemented. We probably want a way so players aren't fighting over the kill.

I'm not sure about the lumber part. There would need to be dynamically created and destroyed trees. It may not be a problem, but it could cause pathing conflicts or something along those lines.

In terms of resource gathering, and I'm not sure this would work with the lore, but maybe introduce scavenging in the non-toxic pockets on other planets. Past civilizations leave things behind, and you have to go through some adversaries (wild creatures?) to get to it.

Like I said, these are just the first things I thought about.

 

[Daynen]

Even IF all we did was copy paste Firefall's mechanics, there'd be several ways of acquiring the rewards each individual player is after. Consider that the team is trying REALLY HARD not to just copy firefall, but instead do better; I think this won't be a major issue at the finish line.

 

[Phyrak]

Even IF all we did was copy paste Firefall's mechanics, there'd be several ways of acquiring the rewards each individual player is after. Consider that the team is trying REALLY HARD not to just copy firefall, but instead do better; I think this won't be a major issue at the finish line.

Most definitely!

The factor of the omnimech being used as an old thumper in description of the start up is what got me thinking

I really want there to be a hunter gatherer system which the ingame market can then play off with crafting and refinement

 

[Phyrak]

First Post!
First thing is first: this is my first post here. I played Firefall a while, and I'm hoping this turns out nice, especially since about every idea I had for improving Firefall had existed in it sometime in the past before I had started.

Response To Thread
This is something I didn't really think about, but in terms of hunting, this could be something like the Big Game Hunter.

My 'Quick First Thoughts - Pretending I 'm a Dev' Vision
If you want to go hunting, you can track down the big game for rarer items. Some sort of per-player tracking mechanism to find beasts would need implemented. We probably want a way so players aren't fighting over the kill.

I'm not sure about the lumber part. There would need to be dynamically created and destroyed trees. It may not be a problem, but it could cause pathing conflicts or something along those lines.

In terms of resource gathering, and I'm not sure this would work with the lore, but maybe introduce scavenging in the non-toxic pockets on other planets. Past civilizations leave things behind, and you have to go through some adversaries (wild creatures?) to get to it.

Like I said, these are just the first things I thought about.

I certainly appreciate them

The dev envision statement is perfect

 

[Vladplaya]

At one point FireFall was really good about getting resources other then from thumping:
There were drops from enemies, pvp rewards, dynamic event rewards, those little rock that were all over the place (<- one of my favorite things to do btw, it was just relaxing to run all over the world while cracking those thing up), and I think at one point there even were reward crates that would give you either crystite or resources, can't remember now, but I don't see anything wrong with daily log in rewards giving some rng resources.
That probably was one of my favorite times in the game, as you could just do all those things through out the day and get bunch of resources. Granted most of them were rng, but that kept thumping relative, as that was only real method to get exactly what you wanted.

@Daynen I don't think there is anything wrong with copying few good things from the FireFall, because Mark was creator of that game and Ember is a spiritual successor, so naturally things can be similar or same, and that's okay, it's almost the point. Also it's not like FireFall is some huge and successful game now so people could say something like "Oh you just copied it from the FireFall and its way more successful". The game is dead, nobody will give two shits that you take great ideas from game that is not there anyone, especially as you pointed out, when this time around they will try to improve thing that might not have been as successful.

 

[NightStroke]

Once the game is able to create more bosses and mob varieties, there should definetly be a crafting item called "bait". You would throw down the bait which attracts mobs for as long as it hasn't been eaten/consumed. Every mini-boss would be associated with a certain type of mob and the bait should have a chance of attracted that mini-boss. This also relies on each different mob type having unique resources and certain areas having higher concentrations of certain mobs than others.(the bait attracts mobs indigenous to the area it's placed in). That would create a hunting-sort of system. If you want to do something beyond simply another point defense encounter, you could replace the bait with a mob tracker, which, when activated, plays out as "hotter or colder" for the closest mini-boss.

 

[Phyrak]

Once the game is able to create more bosses and mob varieties, there should definetly be a crafting item called "bait". You would throw down the bait which attracts mobs for as long as it hasn't been eaten/consumed. Every mini-boss would be associated with a certain type of mob and the bait should have a chance of attracted that mini-boss. This also relies on each different mob type having unique resources and certain areas having higher concentrations of certain mobs than others.(the bait attracts mobs indigenous to the area it's placed in). That would create a hunting-sort of system. If you want to do something beyond simply another point defense encounter, you could replace the bait with a mob tracker, which, when activated, plays out as "hotter or colder" for the closest mini-boss.

Sounds epic!

Perhaps a tracking system that the pilot can learn - kinda like the tracking system of mount and blade would be cool

Set tracker to find creature x - in area y, tracks and such are high lighted

Perhaps a mix of witcher too

 

[MattHunX]

Once the game is able to create more bosses and mob varieties, there should definetly be a crafting item called "bait". You would throw down the bait which attracts mobs for as long as it hasn't been eaten/consumed. Every mini-boss would be associated with a certain type of mob and the bait should have a chance of attracted that mini-boss. This also relies on each different mob type having unique resources and certain areas having higher concentrations of certain mobs than others.(the bait attracts mobs indigenous to the area it's placed in). That would create a hunting-sort of system. If you want to do something beyond simply another point defense encounter, you could replace the bait with a mob tracker, which, when activated, plays out as "hotter or colder" for the closest mini-boss.

Oh, this sounds close to Dragon's Dogma. Someone's been messing around in the DLC a bit, I see. Or not. But, it sounds way too close to that.

 

[MattHunX]

As I've said before, I almost never thumped in Firefall, because I found it unrewarding, both before and after changes, considering both the mob drops and the resources I'd get.

If thumping - now, via large mech - is to be one of the main elements of the game, then they should make it worth one's time and effort, especially considering the new escorting element to it. Thumping, in the right spot, should yield sensibly more resources than any other activity. I remember, as I've also said, laughing at people in Devil's Tusk who'd say they were thumping for a particular type of ore (the purple one) and would barely get a few hundred of it, per thump. And I could get the same amount and even more, just by running around the immediate area, blowing up resource nodes with sonic detonators. With no effort.

 

[Phyrak]

Oh, this sounds close to Dragon's Dogma. Someone's been messing around in the DLC a bit, I see. Or not. But, it sounds way too close to that.

A baiting of sorts would help a little bit with game interaction

Increasing the size of the party/bait used in party would give rise to harder beasts to hunt or higher interaction/skill to track said beasts

As I've said before, I almost never thumped in Firefall, because I found it unrewarding, both before and after changes, considering both the mob drops and the resources I'd get.

If thumping - now, via large mech - is to be one of the main elements of the game, then they should make it worth one's time and effort, especially considering the new escorting element to it. Thumping, in the right spot, should yield sensibly more resources than any other activity. I remember, as I've also said, laughing at people in Devil's Tusk who'd say they were thumping for a particular type of ore (the purple one) and would barely get a few hundred of it, per thump. And I could get the same amount and even more, just by running around the immediate area, blowing up resource nodes with sonic detonators. With no effort.

Would the same sorta thing apply for lumber - or in a similar way as to the retention of gather/reduce grind somewhat?

 

[MattHunX]

A baiting of sorts would help a little bit with game interaction

Increasing the size of the party/bait used in party would give rise to harder beasts to hunt or higher interaction/skill to track said beasts

Would the same sorta thing apply for lumber - or in a similar way as to the retention of gather/reduce grind somewhat?

Well, that depends what lumber would translate into in a game like Ember. We're not gonna be felling trees or stripping them to atoms via gun like No Man's sky, I hope. Tried that. Gets boring really fast.

 

[Phyrak]

Well, that depends what lumber would translate into in a game like Ember. We're not gonna be felling trees or stripping them to atoms via gun like No Man's sky, I hope. Tried that. Gets boring really fast.

Weird idea!
Aggressive trees

Think of something akin to the Venus man trap of warhammer 40k or the gnarled willow of diablo 3 or even the whomping willow of harry potter

A mix of passive/ normal trees and plant life out to get you

That'd make being a lumber jack/jill more interesting

 

[ApisLove]

Weird idea!
Aggressive trees

Think of something akin to the Venus man trap of warhammer 40k or the gnarled willow of diablo 3 or even the whomping willow of harry potter

A mix of passive/ normal trees and plant life out to get you

That'd make being a lumber jack/jill more interesting

Well, a long time ago, in a galaxy far away, we found something similar at a-lalla-lalla-rumba-kamanda-lindor-burúme.

Anyone get where I'm going?

 

[Torgue_Joey]

Woods? WOODS?!

THOSE DAMN CIVILIAN CAN CHOP THEIR OWN FURNITURE.

MY ARSENAL ARE MADE OF EXPLOSIVE ALLOYS, NOT SOME TERMITES INFESTED MATCHSTICKS.

 

[Phyrak]

Well, a long time ago, in a galaxy far away, we found something similar at a-lalla-lalla-rumba-kamanda-lindor-burúme.

Anyone get where I'm going?

Kinda but not really...

Woods? WOODS?!

THOSE DAMN CIVILIAN CAN CHOP THEIR OWN FURNITURE.

MY ARSENAL ARE MADE OF EXPLOSIVE ALLOYS, NOT SOME TERMITES INFESTED MATCHSTICKS.

Needs more 'splosions

 

[Pandagnome]

Mining alternatives hmm

Assassination targets either random npc's or players optional if they choose to accept.
If the assassination target player lives on during the time they get rewarded, if the npc does win the npc will
locate your base and wait for you to have a second chance to get it. If you lose again the base is captured and
you will need help to get it back.

If the assassination is successful you get resources and if your lucky a special part for weapon/mech


Sabotage opposition base while retrieving blue prints of new tech/resources then returning back to your base without getting caught.
This will be more stealth than anything or the option to neutralize opposition without getting caught.
If you succeed you get to make unique modules or items for a part depending on the bp you have stolen.
If you fail you retreat asap before the platoon arrives and the threat lvl goes up. (yes mgs i love this )


Mech Racing for rewards in a sports style intergalactic suped up mechs, tracks can change in the holographic arena.
(i know i know super mario kart meets starwars pod racers meets armored core again but with cool mechs and even against strange npc's!)
Prizes varies on the leagues you enter and could be anything from resources to upgraded parts etc


Assault course holographic: chosen players will be put head to head in a course that tests their movement, aim, speed and tactics. You must follow the que's and complete each task but knowing another person is pit against you and even an npc adds to the urgency.
At certain points there will be things to slow you down such as traps, or occasional npc's. Who ever makes it out alive wins with the most health and points collected get bonus points.


Creative lounge: Showcasing your creative work in a hub from various hair styles to armor styles and fashion accessories etc.
It gets voted by the community and the ones put through are show cased in a special store in the game. Some would be free others would cost depending on the rarity. Those who get their work approved earn points and resources to use so more creative stuff!


Doctor doctor: Medical help is needed HELP!!! Never fever that smexy medic is here save's npc's, get enough medical supply to keep your medical work ongoing or else your healing potency wont be as good. If you heal enough and provide help you get rewarded, make alien potions for healing non-humans or get to specialise in mech regeneration and so on
The medical trooper has much to do with such chaos someone has to do it.... save the world get rewarded!
Don't save a-holes they just cant be helped aka bad npc's and ungrateful lemons!

 

[Phyrak]

Mining alternatives hmm

Assassination targets either random npc's or players optional if they choose to accept.
If the assassination target player lives on during the time they get rewarded, if the npc does win the npc will
locate your base and wait for you to have a second chance to get it. If you lose again the base is captured and
you will need help to get it back.

If the assassination is successful you get resources and if your lucky a special part for weapon/mech


Sabotage opposition base while retrieving blue prints of new tech/resources then returning back to your base without getting caught.
This will be more stealth than anything or the option to neutralize opposition without getting caught.
If you succeed you get to make unique modules or items for a part depending on the bp you have stolen.
If you fail you retreat asap before the platoon arrives and the threat lvl goes up. (yes mgs i love this )


Mech Racing for rewards in a sports style intergalactic suped up mechs, tracks can change in the holographic arena.
(i know i know super mario kart meets starwars pod racers meets armored core again but with cool mechs and even against strange npc's!)
Prizes varies on the leagues you enter and could be anything from resources to upgraded parts etc


Assault course holographic: chosen players will be put head to head in a course that tests their movement, aim, speed and tactics. You must follow the que's and complete each task but knowing another person is pit against you and even an npc adds to the urgency.
At certain points there will be things to slow you down such as traps, or occasional npc's. Who ever makes it out alive wins with the most health and points collected get bonus points.


Creative lounge: Showcasing your creative work in a hub from various hair styles to armor styles and fashion accessories etc.
It gets voted by the community and the ones put through are show cased in a special store in the game. Some would be free others would cost depending on the rarity. Those who get their work approved earn points and resources to use so more creative stuff!


Doctor doctor: Medical help is needed HELP!!! Never fever that smexy medic is here save's npc's, get enough medical supply to keep your medical work ongoing or else your healing potency wont be as good. If you heal enough and provide help you get rewarded, make alien potions for healing non-humans or get to specialise in mech regeneration and so on
The medical trooper has much to do with such chaos someone has to do it.... save the world get rewarded!
Don't save a-holes they just cant be helped aka bad npc's and ungrateful lemons!

This is really rad