I would like some of your opinions in regards to my latest 2D portfolio game in development. I'm at a point where all that's left to develop is the game specific logic. In other words, the game's display, resource management, input, character movement/collision/animation, pathfinding, and all that good stuff is done. Therefore, if I implement a functional game, and in a week I decide that I don't like it, I've coded a bunch of functions for nothing. This is why I want to make sure I love my game idea (and know exactly where I'm going) before continuing. I know it's a bad development process, so criticize it all you want; this is my career's second game project. Here's a brief of my game idea at the moment: -It's a 2D top-down action game using "cartooney" sprites -The primary goal is for the player character to successfully eliminating a group of enemy zombies -Secondary goals include blocking the zombie's path by using objects, and eliminating them by herding them into traps -Game play consists of picking up game objects, putting objects down in the path of the zombies, and setting up traps for the zombies The enemy's pathfinding/artificial intelligence have to play a critical part in my game, as it's a good demonstration of my programming abilities. Could somebody please criticize my idea, or brainstorm me some more game play elements? I don't want anything that will take too long to implement (such as a weapon purchase system). I want simple/elegant game play elements.

how about making the zombies only attack at night, giving you a moment to set up your protection and repair the level before they rush.

Sounds kinda like a puzzle game. Maybe set it in a factory allowing the player to block zombie progress, directing them into crushers, incinerators and the like. Maybe use the factory lights to aid in this, zombies flee from light but are drawn to darkness. Or maybe something like Chu-Chu Rocket, use road signs to direct the zombies through an automobile assembly line. Machines stick tires on them makeing them roll around (faster more dangerious) or flatten thier heads into automobile hoods, turn thier arms into car doors which knock over other zombies when bumping into them...Kinda Lemmings like where the player uses the lights and road signs to direct the zombies through various assembly line machines turning them into gameplay tools useful for killing each other and/or processing them through the assembly line into cars used by the player to escape to the next level.

From the title I was hoping for a game based on zombies in business suits carrying briefcases.

To be blunt, zombies as a game theme is getting very overdone, and very few people are doing anything interesting with it. It's the new Tolkien-esque fantasy setting or WWII shooter, or teenage vampire show. It evokes feelings of dread, and not in a good way.

So unless zombies somehow play a critical role, as they hypothetically would in a survival game (NOT "survival horror") based on Max Brooks' books, replace them with something else. Evil killer robots, for example, would offer more variety and might be easier to animate, and are somewhat less likely to invoke an eye-rolling assumption of unoriginality.

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Original post by drakostar From the title I was hoping for a game based on zombies in business suits carrying briefcases. To be blunt, zombies as a game theme is getting very overdone, and very few people are doing anything interesting with it. It's the new Tolkien-esque fantasy setting or WWII shooter, or teenage vampire show. It evokes feelings of dread, and not in a good way. So unless zombies somehow play a critical role, as they hypothetically would in a survival game (NOT "survival horror") based on Max Brooks' books, replace them with something else. Evil killer robots, for example, would offer more variety and might be easier to animate, and are somewhat less likely to invoke an eye-rolling assumption of unoriginality.

I don't intend on becoming either a game designer or a game producer (anytime soon anyways). Therefore, I'm not really interested in the marketablity of the game. Thanks for pointing it out; I agree with you about zombie games becoming old, although I'd still enjoy playing a Good 3D zombie survival game if ever one comes out.

I don't think my employers are going to be against my portfolio game theme. If you dissagree with this, feel free to argue.

On a different point, thank you all for your ideas. I like the idea of implementing night-time, although I want to keep the game as intense as possible by keeping the zombies coming during both day and night (more/faster zombies during night).