CVWJoin Date: 2010-02-25
Post Count: 7780 |
What is RailVenture?
RailVenture, is an "Open World" railroad simulation game in development by me, and a few other people. It will feature semi-realistic trains based on real world ones (such as the GP38-2, SD40-2W, and the "Dash-9", along with a "VIP" content train, the Swedish X-2000 trainset).
These trains will run through a pristine mountain environment called "Kodiak Pass" (name is not final), and haul trains with upwards of 20 cars through the rugged landscape. It will feature a realistic signaling system, and other cool features.
Players will also be able to drive cars through the map, and perform railfanning activities such as videotaping and photography.
A list of features that I am considering placing into the game is provided here:
A fully functioning coal mine, and power plant system. The power plant starts out with 400 coal units, which gradually decreaces by 50 every twenty minuites. One of your jobs will be to deliver coal across the pass to the plant, so it can continue to power the towns throughout the pass and surrounding areas.
A money system, allowing you to buy new locomotives for credits. Money can be gained by doing jobs, or entering monthly or bi-monthly contests.
House ownership? (Unknown)
Fully functional signalling system throughout the map.
Game website. (For yearly calendar contests, and to purchase other stuff.)
Badges for contest winners.
(Im open for suggestions here.)
Notice: This game may, or may not be very hardware intensive(unknown as it is still in development), and as such, it is recomended you have THE NEWEST computer possible, before running this game.
Several scenery objects will be heavily detailed, and some freight cars may contain other details that might cause lag, and the physics of multiple freight cars might also cause lag, due to the number of cars per train.
Hopefully Roblox servers will be capable of such a load when the game is complete, and NOT cause as much net lag.
(Now, here is a joke.)
Warning: Game, when finished, may contain extremely realistic (for this game platform) items that may result in: Shock, Temporary Dazzlement, Madness, and/or Computer failure. Player discretion may or may not be advised, depending on how much you are obsessed with trains.
|
|
CVWJoin Date: 2010-02-25
Post Count: 7780 |
Additional features have been added to the list:
Working defect detectors that will check to make sure all wheels are properly aligned with the track and notify the train operator of any issues.
Simulated car loads that appear or disappear depending on the latent state of the train.
More on the website for the game:
Will contain a photograph archive, where past contest winners and game admin photos will go.
It will have a store, where you can purchase yearly calendars for the game. There will also be occasional desktop wallpaper downloads, and possibly a discussion forum.
A "How does it work" video or article area.
Also included on the website will be game instructions (including how to load freight cars, how to avoid crashing, etc.) in PDF format.
This is possibly the most ambitious project in Roblox history. Even without the required support I will get it off the ground, and I may get it to soar. |
|
CVWJoin Date: 2010-02-25
Post Count: 7780 |
Update December 18, 2012. 11:09AM
Official Locomotive List:
"Free For All" List:
Dash 8-32B
GP38-2
GP40-2W
SD40-2
SD40-2W
Dash 9-40CW
SD60
Other List:
BQ23-7 (Administrators Only/Joke Locomotive)
SD50 (Administrators Only/Gift Locomotive)
SD60M (Owner Only/Gift Locomotive)
SD70I (Gift Locomotive)
SJ(X)-2000 (Gift Trainset)
Addition to ideas list:
"Locomotive of the week"
Every week a specific locomotive will be chosen as the "Locomotive of the week". On the first day (of the week) it will be 75% off, and over a period of five days the locomotive will work its way back up to the full price.
|
|
droppopJoin Date: 2009-08-28
Post Count: 5259 |
Cool! Can't wait to play. |
|
CVWJoin Date: 2010-02-25
Post Count: 7780 |
Here are my estimated guesses on brick count, time of completion, and popularity level. Along with other stats.
Basic Game Map: Early 2013
Locomotives(ALL): Early 2015
Scenery: Mid 2014
Scripting: Early 2014
Troubleshooting and Beta Testing: Late 2014
Estimated game completion: (AT BEST) Late 2013 (AT WORST) Early 2015
Brick Count: Upwards of 40k.
Recomended graphic setting(With old computers): 1-2
Recomended graphic setting(With brand new computers): 3-5
Has project started: Yes
Have you finished much: Ive finished a road sign.
Popularity: Depends
Ideas update: December 18, 2012. 11:42 AM
Settings menu inside profile.
Enables user to tune "display setting".
(eg, Reducing the number of buildings, turning trees off, reducing locomotive detail, etc.)
|
|
CVWJoin Date: 2010-02-25
Post Count: 7780 |
Its amusing how quickly much of the trackside scenery can be made.
For example something as simple as a milepost sign can be done in about thirty seconds.
Status Update:
Various trackside items completed.
List is as follows:
Milepost Sign
Speed Sign
Tunnel Portal (Has nothing to do with Portal Guns)
Relay Box
Telephone Pole
Trackside Oil Drum
Trackside objects left:
Flanger Warning Sign
Signals (To be scripted later)
Crosstie Pile
Railroad Crossings (To be scripted later)
Utility Building
Around three train stations
etc.
(Notice: This list refers to items that are DIRECTLY trackside, and does not include objects seen inside towns. It is used by the author (myself) as reference as to what progress has been completed and what still has to be done, in terms of trackside items.
Next status update will come when all trackside items are complete.)
I refuse to let this project die! |
|
|
Sound amazing man. Really hoping the locomotives and just about everything is as detailed as possible =) |
|
CVWJoin Date: 2010-02-25
Post Count: 7780 |
Thanks, im glad im getting support, even if it is only a few people. :)
Im going to try to do a sort of "less is more" type thing. Detailed objects with the least number of bricks possible. Things like train stations, signals, and railroad crossings will be built with the fullest detail possible. If I do ever decide to go "all out" on details, ill include a warning in the game description.
(Example):
http://www.roblox.com/Cantilever-Railroad-Crossing-item?id=100898988
Ill be building most or all of the scenery items here:
http://www.roblox.com/RailVenture-Building-Area-place?id=44496721
This project is a chance for me to learn all sorts of new things and improve upon the things I already know how to do. I hope it gets finished.
Thanks again, for your support. :)
|
|
CVWJoin Date: 2010-02-25
Post Count: 7780 |
I might add a feature allowing you to put your "camera" between the train tracks (even though in the real world such actions could be considered illegal. In this fictional world, it isn't.) |
|
droppopJoin Date: 2009-08-28
Post Count: 5259 |
Well, Game Design is usually dead. |
|
CVWJoin Date: 2010-02-25
Post Count: 7780 |
Yeah, I've noticed.
Updated locomotive list:
"Free For All" List:
Dash 8-32B
GP38-2
GP40-2W
SD40-2
SD40-2W
Dash 9-40CW
SD60
M-420 (New)
C-424 (New)
Other List:
BQ23-7 (Administrators Only/Joke Locomotive)
SD50 (Administrators Only/Gift Locomotive)
SD60M (Owner Only/Gift Locomotive)
SD70I (Gift Locomotive)
SJ(X)-2000 (Gift Trainset)
New feature ideas added:
Custom Paint Schemes (Overwrites the default scheme for the locomotive unless you decide to reset it)
Weather effects. (Sun glare, fog, rain, etc.)
Anti weather features (sun shields, windshield wipers, headlights, etc)
Locomotives featuring realistic interiors. |
|
CVWJoin Date: 2010-02-25
Post Count: 7780 |
Bump |
|
CVWJoin Date: 2010-02-25
Post Count: 7780 |
Updated locomotive list:
"Free For All" List:
GP38-2
GP40-2W
SD40-2
SD40-2W
SD60
SD9043MAC (New)
Dash 8-32B
Dash 9-40CW
M-420
C-424
Other List:
BQ23-7 (Administrators Only/Joke Locomotive)
SD50 (Administrators Only/Gift Locomotive)
SD60M (Owner Only/Gift Locomotive)
SD70I (Gift Locomotive)
SJ(X)-2000 (Gift Trainset)
|
|
CVWJoin Date: 2010-02-25
Post Count: 7780 |
Estimation of total part count:
300k+
Crossties: 60k+
Rail Parts: 10k+
Trees: 50k+
Buildings: 20k
Trains: 20-50k (depending on who is driving, and what)
Other: 100k+
(Notice: These are just guesses and may not represent the finished product) |
|
CVWJoin Date: 2010-02-25
Post Count: 7780 |
Bump
Merry Christmas from RailVenture!
- CVW |
|
CVWJoin Date: 2010-02-25
Post Count: 7780 |
Locomotive Paint Summary:
Locomotives featured within the game will come with a default paint scheme. This paint scheme will center around a real world railroad. Additional paint schemes will be available to purchase with in-game points. The additional schemes could feature anything from other real world colors to fictional paint jobs for the routes actual railroad company.
For example the SD40-2W. The reason I used it as an example is because it has a wide paint job variety both in real life, and planned for the game.
Paint Scheme 1 is a standard Canadian National "Black Red and White Slash" paint job.
Paint Scheme 2 is the CN "North America" paint job.
Paint Scheme 3 is the CN "Wet Noodle" paint job.
Paint Scheme 4 is a special "Expo 86 Vancouver" paint job available at random five minute intervals.
Paint Scheme 5 is the Petit Arbre Lines "Autumn Bash" paint job.
and finally Scheme 6 is a Petit Arbre Lines "UniMoss" paint job.
On top of these, certain locomotives might feature a "Repainted Me" function. Basically it allows you to create your own paint scheme. I will also explain THIS also.
On the game website will be a page with the title "Reskin Templates" on it. If you go to that page, you will be presented with various template downloads for locomotives. Certain ones will have a template PACKAGE, that provide templates for the front, back, and sides, which you can edit in photoshop.
When you finish it, upload it to Roblox. Enter the game and paint the locomotive. In a drop down box somewhere on the screen will be a "add custom decals" button.
Clicking it allows you to put decals from your(or anybody else's) collection on the locomotive, by entering the decals item ID. (Notice if you don't use the provided template it may show up looking odd.)
The decal shows up on the final render of the train, which you can rotate and approve. If you don't like a decal, click "remove decal from surface" button next to the surface color indicator, and poof, decal removed. Then hit save, and it gets saved with Roblox's Data Persistence feature.
Let it be known I will not tolerate war group advertisements on ANY locomotive, advertisements by any group similar to the UN or the CNSC will ALSO not be tolerated. (CNSC logo is fine, putting "Collaborative Nations Security Council" on is NOT and I will delete the paint scheme.)
Please try to make your trains look as professional as possible, try to match your colors with that of the locomotive (patched locomotives are exempt to an extent).
Some locomotives may not feature a custom decals feature, or even a repaint feature. An indicator in your storage menu lets you know which ones support repaints, another lets you know if it supports custom decals. On top of that, if it has a template for repaints on the website, then you KNOW it supports decals.
Another idea is the ability to sell custom paint jobs on a "store" type function.
It allows you to set a price in game credits and market the item. If someone buys it, it is added to their locomotive paint job drop down menu, and the credits are added to your in game "account" for you to spend on locomotives or paint jobs.
Also a "Featured Paint Job" feature allows the game creators to pick favorite paint jobs. Featured paint gives you an extra bonus in cash when someone buys it. If someone rates your item, you ALSO get cash for THAT, depending on the rating they give it. Gifting and selling/trading locomotives is also being considered.
Addition to the Locomotive List:
Bombardier LRC (Light Rapid Comfortable) train set
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
-CVW, RailVenture Project Manager/Primary Designer. |
|
CVWJoin Date: 2010-02-25
Post Count: 7780 |
(Corrections)
"Repainted Me" should be "Create New Paint Scheme"
Paint schemes that can be created will be limited to fifteen.
Sorry for the mistakes. :3 |
|
CVWJoin Date: 2010-02-25
Post Count: 7780 |
Bump |
|
CVWJoin Date: 2010-02-25
Post Count: 7780 |
Updated locomotive list:
"Free For All" List:
GP38-2
GP40-2W
SD40-2
SD40-2W
SD60
SD9043MAC
Dash 8-32B
Dash 9-40CW
M-420
C-424
SW-1200 (New)
Other List:
BQ23-7 (Administrators Only/Joke Locomotive)
SD50 (Administrators Only/Gift Locomotive)
SD60M (Owner Only/Gift Locomotive)
SD70I (Gift Locomotive)
SJ(X)-2000 (Gift Trainset)
|
|
CVWJoin Date: 2010-02-25
Post Count: 7780 |
Status update:
Work has started on the first locomotive, the Dash 8-32B.
Work will probably be completed around next week, ish. All scripting will be added on a later date. |
|
|
tl;dr
I believe that will lag. How will this work with more than one player? |
|
CVWJoin Date: 2010-02-25
Post Count: 7780 |
@the
"tl;dr"
I had explained that near the end, however........
I am counting on Roblox to be advanced enough to run this by the time of its release, if it isnt, the release can wait. I will also have a better computer by then. This whole thing is an experiment, plain and simple.
It will have a private beta test before release, so if it lags for multiple players, then I will not release it. I am also trying to build things with the least ammount of parts possible, and about 80 - 90 percent would be anchored.
Featherweight was also recently released, so that should also take some of the payload off. (I have heard tell of places with upwards of one million parts....this place will take up a fraction of that.)
The game wont be designed for use on any computer made before 2012, sorry to dissapoint anybody.
Thanks for the constructive criticism, it is welcome.
:) |
|
|
Explain your method for anchoring the train.
- thedestroyer115 |
|
CVWJoin Date: 2010-02-25
Post Count: 7780 |
It wont be anchored, why would it need to be? Its going to move.
It might be welded, but not anchored. The detail on them isnt going to be in the extreme levels (nothing near Geico480's), so I hardly see any lag branching from that either.
I had to leave steam locomotives out because of that reason.
Im not even that far into the project yet, ill get to that when I get to it.
|
|
|
Any moving objects will cause lag. |
|