Welcome
Welcome to the Shining Force “style” Massively Multiplayer Online project (SFMMO). The goal is to create a browser based tactical RPG in the style of the shining force games for the Sega Genesis. As the leader of a powerful army, called a force, you’ll travel the world fighting enemy hoards, discovering lost treasures, and fighting epic boss battles. You’ll be able play the game with your friends by chatting, trading in the auction house, and fighting both with or against their forces. Detailed information will be available about the world, races, classes, items, and other aspects of the game on their own pages of this site. This is just an overview.
What will be different from the series
The main difference will be the lack of a linear storyline. The world will be alive and changing so that the big bad boss this month or year may not be the same one next month. More than just the bosses will change though, as the world will be filled with different kingdoms, political factions, rival religious groups, and other sources of contention and conflict that will change with time as well. One of the other big changes will be the introduction of multiplayer elements. Most of the time you won’t play directly with other players, but by yourself, however, you will be connected to the greater community through chat, auctions, stats, achievements, and other features. Additionally, there will be a special mode for competing in one vs one battles and completing previously defeated bosses with the aide of other players for better loot.
What will be the same
Although many aspects of the game will be changed from the Sega Genesis games, many aspects will remain the same. For the most part, the same tactical RPG style of the actual combat will remain in tact. Many tasks that existed in previous games will still be there, but much improved. There will be two options for controls, one sporting the classic style that could be used with keyboard or mapped gamepad and a new interface that takes advantage of the mouse. In either case, old tasks will be made easier, such as shopping and organizing items.
What platforms will be supported
The main game will be browser based using HTML5 and the Canvas tag. It will be available for any browser capable of supporting those features, however, chrome will likely be the best bet for performance, especially on older or slower hardware like netbooks. There will also be a mobile version, either browser based or as an Android app that will feature mini-games that can earn you points redeemable for items in the game.
Sounds good, but when can I expect to see something playable
That’s a good question, and right now there is no solid answer other than to say that the project is currently in its infant stages. The first major component will be the map editor and then the character/animation editor. Stay tuned for updates on the progress of those items
What can I do to help
As the project matures, it will surely need the support and help of volunteers to help keep the wheels grinding. Art and graphic design are big deficiencies on my part so after the editors are finished I might be looking for people to design maps, characters, etc… There will also be a need for bug testers and code porters in the later stages of development. I for example only use Linux, so issues directly relating to Windows or Mac will the need of volunteers to help get them working if they don’t already.
Will the code be open source
Eventually, but not before a lot of progress has been made and the game is playable. Even the great Eric Raymond advises to hold off until the code is functioning.