My idea for a Spyro game...

Crossfire · Apr 04, 2007 6:46 AM

As I mentioned in my introduction, I`m a fan of the PS One games that Insomniac had a hand in. I`m not so fond of the games beginning with ETD, although I hold nothing against people that like those games. I thought up what my own idea for a Spyro 4 would`ve been; now, let me introduce Spyro: Elements of Kaos.

Allow me to start with a backstory...

After a harrowing adventure in the Forgotten Realms, Spyro and Hunter were relaxing on a beach at Dragon Shores when two distressed dragon hatchlings run up and inform our heroes that something bad`s happened at the dragon village in Artisans! Apparently, "scary monsters" attacked the village and kidnapped Elder Nestor! Wasting no time, Spyro and Hunter set off for the village, running into said monsters along the way: Dark-scaled reptilian creatures in various shapes and sizes impede their progress, but ultimately they reach the sacked village and find tracks leading away in another direction.

Following the tracks, they find a portal leading to a fortress commanded by none other than Gnasty Gnorc and Ripto, who have teamed up and thrown Nestor in a cage! Fighting their way into and through the fortress, Spyro and Hunter reach the chamber where Gnasty and Ripto are waiting. Spyro and Hunter eventually battle the devious duo and free Nestor from his iron-barred prison.

But, they are not alone; in a shocker of all shockers, a third enemy appears: An old, withered black dragon, who activates a trap and flees with his two cohorts, leaving Spyro and Hunter to escape and return to Artisans, where Nestor uses fire and smoke to illustrate and narrate a story about a war that raged long ago thanks to that black dragon, named Kaos...

One thousand years ago, the evil Sorceress banished the Dragons from the Forgotten Realms, as you know. Not long after, they settled a new land that became the Dragon Realms and formed clans led by wise Elders, save for two: Elder Pyros and Elder Kaos.

Elder Pyros was brave, strong and kindhearted, considered a spiritual leader amongst even the Elders themselves. While he belonged to no clan of his own, he was warmly welcomed and admired by all.

"He looks kinda familiar," Hunter states.

"Indeed," Nestor replies, with a hint of annoyance.

Then there`s Elder Kaos; he, too, belonged to no clan, but unlike his fellow Elders, he was ambitious and vengeful, seeking to exact revenge on the Sorceress for her treachery, urging the other dragons to follow him as the Dragon King in a war against her. Despite repeated rejections of the proposition, he continued his attempts to persuade the others until one night when the other Elders discovered he was practicing the arts of elemental magic, learning to harness the powers of Earth, Air, Water and Fire...

"Don`t dragons already have the power of fire?" Spyro asked.

"Not like Kaos did. He learned not only to breathe it, but conjure it in his bare claws and fire it at undesired company, as we soon found out. Now, if I may please continue uninterrupted..."

Kaos was determined to become our leader one way or another; if not by persuasion, then by force. We had no choice but to banish him from the Dragon Realms, forcing him to seek another world to call his own. He found that home in the Forbidden Realms, a dangerous land of fire, brimstone and darkness. He also found his army there; ancient, sleeping demons that had claimed the Forbidden Realms long before our time, when it was - if it ever was - a different land. He awakened these demons, and became their king instead. His first act was to wage war against the other dragons, attacking the Dragon Realms with terrible force.

Between the demons` incredible numbers and Kaos`s sheer power born of his mastery of the elements, for a time it seemed as if all dragonkind was doomed to fall under the same dark cloud that ruled the Forbidden Realms. Kaos planned on first conquering the Dragon Realms, and then the world, decimating all who would dare to stand against him and spreading a veil of darkness that would eventually engulf everything on the planet.

However, Elder Pyros had a plan that saved us all; he performed a power-draining ritual in which he sacrificed parts of his own body to serve as vassals for sapping Kaos`s magic from his very body, and storing it safely away. With his horns, he drew the power of Earth; with his wings, the power of Air, with his scales, the power of Water, and with his claws, the power of Fire, leaving Kaos a meek, weak being.

"Wait, wait wait wait," Hunter interrupts again. "You mean he absorbed this guy`s magic into his body parts? And then you guys, uh...cut `em off?"

"Ewwwww," Spyro grimaces.

"Aherm," Nestor coughs gruffly, silencing them both.

He also sealed Kaos and his entire accursed army away with a Soul Seal, using his own soul as the seal. With Pyros`s death came Kaos`s defeat, and he along with his heinous minions were locked away in the Forbidden Realms, never to be released...or so we thought. In time, the demons came to be known as the Forbidden Ones, and they, their master and the war they waged with dragonkind passed into history as a legend, Elder Pyros earing an honorable place in that legend for his noble sacrifice.

"Unfortunately, it would seem that Gnasty and Ripto had stumbled across the Forbidden Realms, and discovered the location of Kaos`s tomb. They must have reawakened him along with his minions and struck a deal to restore him to power, presumably to reap some of the benefits of his future dominion. Now, they can only be after one, or more rather, four things: The Elements of Kaos. We have them locked away in a temple on a mountain in Magic Crafters to this day, with four keys shared between the other clans in order to keep any unsavory figures from entering the temple and acquiring the elements."

"Yeah? So why`d they kidnap you?" Hunter asks.

"I am the guardian of one of those four keys; even with Kaos aiding them, those monkey-brained miscreants weren`t able to begin guessing where I`d hidden the key. Now stand back..."

After some hacking and coughing, Nestor regurgitates a golden key with a white jewel set in the bow, much to Spyro and Hunter`s revulsion.

"Sorry...it was the safest place, worth the indigestion. This is the White Temple Key; the Red, Blue, and Green Temple Keys are located in Peace Keepers, Dream Weavers and Beast Makers respectively. Find them before Kaos and his henchmen do, or else all may be lost."

Nestor picks up the the key, holding it out to the heroes.

"Um...I`ll let you carry it, Hunter," Spyro says to his feline friend. "Now let`s go find some keys!"

Little does Spyro realize that finding the four keys and reaching the temple is just the beginning of a whole new adventure...

Hope everyone enjoys this topic. I`ll be adding to this topic in subsequent posts. I`ll reveal some of the Forbidden One variants that will oppose Spyro on his adventure, as well as cover most of the main characters and even chat about some of my world ideas. Later!

Brom the Wise · Apr 04, 2007 2:40 PM

Oh come on dont leave a brotha' hanin' keep it up, yo [ how can people stand to talk like this, yo smile ]

Crossfire · Apr 04, 2007 6:24 PM

Time to reveal a new mechanic I`d add to the series: The Buddy System.

The Buddy System basically means that in this adventure, Spyro is constantly accompanied by another hero, who also has their own dragonfly protecting them (Sparx`s spectacled cousin, Spex). This ally can follow Spyro, cooperate with him to solve puzzles, and team up with him to battle enemies, which would appear in far greater number and with far greater variety and strength than in past Spyro games (many enemies would take more than one or two hits to kill, taking a page from Ratchet & Clank`s book). While Hunter would be the only Buddy available at first, as Spyro ventured he would find more allies to join him in his quest to stop Kaos.

The Triangle button would recieve a new function: Buddy Commands. These consist of five basic commands: Attack (your buddy seeks out enemies and attacks them), Wait (your buddy stands still, quite simply; they attack enemies that get too close or attack them), Action (they perform various actions such as rotating a handle or pulling a chain to open a door), Follow (quite simply, they follow Spyro and attack enemies with less aggression than in Attack mode), and Switch, which allows you to switch control between Spyro and his chosen Buddy (whereupon you can then issue Buddy Commands to Spyro instead).

Another special feature is the Team-Up, where Spyro and his buddy become a single unit in some fashion (usually by Spyro riding on his buddy`s back, but there are exceptions where noted). In this state, their abilities are combined to allow them to perform new skills such as firing flaming arrows or hovering short distances. While this state can be quite effective at fighting enemies, the player has to be careful; one hit will separate both heroes, as well as take some life away from both dragonflies. Fortunately, unision can be resumed at a moment`s notice, so the separation becomes little more than an annoyance as opposed to a significant threat (unless you`re over a deep chasm or something).

Sometimes, teaming up is necessary to progress further, such as using Hunter`s Flame Arrow to light farway torches perched on a cliffside that Spyro could never hope to reach. Other times, dragon and friend must be separate to tackle a puzzle from two sides (such as venturing down two separate tunnels to press switches to open a door that will only open if both switches are pressed down at the same time), resulting in some interesting cooperation challenges.

Also, I`m sure some of you are curious as to how you can switch your Buddies out; well, the Professor has answered that question. Since it would be most inconvenient to constantly run back and forth across vast lands just to switch your partners, the Professor has built a Teleporter that serves two functions: Allowng you to teleport to other activated Teleporters in the same level, and allowing you to switch out your current Buddy for one waiting in reserve (Teleporters are only available once you reach Autumn Plains, Avalar, and gain your second Buddy, Sheila).

On a side note, I`ve considered a second subtitle besides Spyro: Elements of Kaos; how would Spyro: Rise of the Forbidden Ones sound instead? Maybe I should make a poll out of it? Well, on my next post, I`ll introduce most of the main characters and cover a few of the more common Forbidden One variants. After that, I might move on to covering some of the many worlds Spyro and his friends will visit in their quest to stop Kaos, Gnasty, Ripto and the Forbidden Ones.

KingPlayerPDX · Apr 04, 2007 7:02 PM

Your buddy system is almost the exact same thing Kingdom Hearts. You sietch for other people, attack when enemies come close. Press Tiangle so they can atack automatically. Yea I hope you didn't copy this idea fprm KH in your story outline though but other than that good job.

Brom the Wise · Apr 04, 2007 7:05 PM

How would the gamplay work? Would it be more like ANB? How about the breaths, what types, upgrads etc.?

Crossfire · Apr 04, 2007 10:32 PM

Actually, my vision of the Buddy System is nothing like KH`s ally system; it`s more akin to Clank`s Gadgebots or Merc and Green from Ratchet: Deadlocked. As for the gameplay, it works much like the good ol` PS1 games; you move Spyro with the Left Analog Stick, move the camera with the Right Analog Stick, charge with Square, flame with O, jump and glide with X, etc., etc. But, there are some differences:

Spyro`s side roll dodge abilty returns, the L2 button is used to switch between Fire and Ice breath once Spyro has gained that ability, R2 uses Spyro`s Wing Shield - again once he has the ability - and the Triangle Button now pulls up the list of Buddy Commands, which works a lot like Ratchet & Clank`s weapon selection wheel. The D-Pad is now used for strafing movement (allowing Spyro to walk to either side or back away while facing his enemies) You can also press L3 and R3 together to enter/exit Team-Up mode. (if you`re wondering about first-person, that`s an option in the pause menu, similar to the FP mode in Ratchet & Clank; you can use the Right Analog Stick to turn Spyro and look up and down)

Also, the Hover and Headbash would be relocated to pressing X a third time and pressing Square in the air, respectively.

One little thing I forgot to mention: You have to take good care of both Spyro and his Buddy; if either runs out of health, you lose a life. Fortunately, you can find upgrades to both Sparx and Spex`s health meters.

Crossfire · Apr 05, 2007 7:14 AM

Now for the main characters (I`ll list playable character controls in another post):

Spyro & Sparx

The purple dragon`s back in another adventure! Just after defeating the Sorceress in the Forgotten Realms and resuming the Year of the Dragon festival that was interrupted when she arranged for the theft of 101 dragon eggs, Spyro`s about ready to take a break from adventuring when two newly-borns alert him and his buddy Hunter to trouble going down at the Artisans dragon village. Before he knows it, Spyro finds himself fighting against two old enemies, Gnasty Gnorc and Ripto, only this time they`re accompanied by a withered old black dragon, truly shocking considering both villains` antagonistic history with dragons. Looks liks Spyro`s up against foes new and old this time.

Spex

Sparx`s spectacled cousin, Spex is the Professor`s smallest pupil, and serves two major purposes: He serves as your Buddies` health indicator (much like Sparx does for Spyro), and he also gives you advice at certain points in the game. Both Sparx and Spex have this setup for health denominations:

100% - Gold; Everything`s all clear!
75% - Blue; Still peachy!
50% - Green; Gettin` a little weak here...
25% - Red; Danger! Danger!
1% - Gone; Better watch yourself!

Any damage incurred would always leave you with a minimum 1% health left over; however, if you were damaged again with only that 1% left, then you`d lose a life, regardless if it`s Spyro or his Buddy. Thankfully, you could find specific health upgrades for both dragonflies, which would obviously increase the amount of damage they could take.

Hunter

Having been an ally of Spyro since their battle against Ripto in Avalar, Hunter`s the second-best friend around to the purple dragon. When the Forbidden Ones come a knockin` on the Realms` proverbial front door, Hunter readily accompanies Spyro on his latest adventure, bringing his bow and arrows plus his awesome skills with which he`ll battle this new threat. Who knows, he might even run across a certain lagomorphic sorceress-in-training again...Hunter`s main strength is his running speed, allowing him to easily keep pace with Spyro. He also has a variety of combat and evasion manuevers, which will be covered later on.

The Professor

Spyro and Hunter reunite with this brainy mole not long before entering Avalar. He aids them by building Teleporters that will teleport Spyro to other parts of a level, as well as swap out his buddies when the situation calls for it. He also gives Spyro a pair of Communicators, used to communicate between Spyro and his current Buddy for Buddy Commands. Finally, he also aids Spyro by creating powerful potions that can temporarily grant the dragon special powers like invincibility, helping Spyro out in times of need.

Kaos, the fallen Elder

An old, withery black dragon, Kaos has awoken after a long sleep and is ready to resume his conquest of the world. But first, he must retrieve his long lost power in the form of four magical artifacts, remnants of the Dragon Elder that defeated him a thousand years ago. To this end, he has convinced Gnasty Gnorc and Ripto to help him, despite being a dragon himself, by promising them the destruction of all dragonkind and places of power in his re-shaped world. Will even Spyro be able to defeat Kaos if he manages to restore his lost magic? Of course, knowing Spyro, that`s not happening anytime soon...or so we can hope.

Don`t worry folks, I`ll fit Elora and Bianca in there somewhere...and I`ll give bios for the other playable characters when I list them and their unique controls. After that, time for some of the Forbidden Ones, and then some of the worlds.

dragonoftheflames · Apr 05, 2007 11:43 AM

Wow, this sounds goods, If I was you I'll send that to someone who makes spyro games, coz this sounds good. Though I don't like how fire is 0 and charge is square, I kinda got used to the reverse from AHT, now when ever I plsy the ps1 games I keep forgetting. I also don't like the idea of introducing new monsters and taking more than 1 hit to destroy. The buddy system I guess I'll get used to it. But to finish off with a positive comment, I'll love to play it, I REALLY REALLY want to play it but No Insomniac doesn't own Spyro anymore....sigh...

DanteAndVergil · Apr 05, 2007 3:29 PM

im getting into this keep it coming

Brom the Wise · Apr 05, 2007 7:59 PM

Yes keep it up Im enjoying this

Crossfire · Apr 06, 2007 1:51 AM

dragonoftheflames wrote:

Wow, this sounds goods, If I was you I'll send that to someone who makes Spyro games, coz this sounds good. Though I don't like how fire is 0 and charge is square, I kinda got used to the reverse from AHT, now when ever I plsy the ps1 games I keep forgetting. I also don't like the idea of introducing new monsters and taking more than 1 hit to destroy. The buddy system I guess I'll get used to it. But to finish off with a positive comment, I'll love to play it, I REALLY REALLY want to play it but No Insomniac doesn't own Spyro anymore....sigh...

Erm...well, as far as I know I`m not planning on creating this game at all. This is just an idea I had. However, I would like to open up my own company in the future once I have the money, both for video games and perhaps other media (suchg as movies), so I might approach VU then (assuming they still own Spyro/are continuing work on the franchise) and offer to develop this particular game.

To answer your complaints in order, O being flame and Sqaure being charge is the series` classic set-up, so that`s how I`d set it up. TMK, some fans complained about the reverse in AHT; I suppose it could always be possible to add a control customization feature to the pause menu. When you consider every PS1 Spyro game had a new enemy (Gnorcs in STD, various in RR, and Rhynocs in YotD), having a new enemy would seem like a natural step.

I`m positive a few enemies have taken more than one hit to kill since RR; the main reason for it becoming widespread is to draw some inspiration from Insomniac`s other big franchise, Ratchet & Clank. The Buddy Command menu would reflect the structure of a Ratchet & Clank weapon select wheel, or even moreso a Gadgebot command wheel, with the Switch command being the center, and Wait, Follow, Action, and Attack taking up the four compass positions.

I`m glad to see this topic has recieved some positive feedback so far; soon, I`ll have the playable character list up.

Brom the Wise · Apr 06, 2007 1:55 AM

In future im probally going to ask you for a job smile

Crossfire · Apr 07, 2007 3:03 AM

smile If I manage to achieve that dream, it`ll be a good move for you if you do, hopefully.

Now for the playable characters and controls (and a look at some of the Buddies` abilities):

Universal Controls:

Left Analog Stick - move
Right Analog Stick - operate camera
D-Pad - move while strafing
X - Jump (excluding Sgt. Byrd)
/\ (Triangle) - Buddy Command Menu, use Left Analog Stick or D-Pad to highlight commands, or let both rest to highlight Switch
L3+R3 - Enter/Exit Team-Up Mode (Spyro and his Buddy must be close enough to each other for this to work)

Spyro:

[] - Charge
O - Breath Attack/Spit Object (can also be used in air and while gliding/hovering)
X, X - Glide
X, X, X - Hover
X, [] - Headbash
R1 - Wing Shield
L1 - Alternate Fire/Ice Breath
R2 - Dodge Roll right
L2 - Dodge Roll left

Hunter:

Strengths: fast running speed
Weaknesses: tall height, limited sprinting stamina

[] - Spin Kick
O - Shoot Arrow (can be used in air; hold O to aim the attack)
X, [] - Footsmash (similar to Headbash)
L1/L2 - hold to Sprint while running, jump while Sprinting to use a Long Jump
R1/R2 - Crouch; move while crouching to crawl; crouch while running to dodge roll; crouch while sprinting to use the Pounce Dash

Spyro & Hunter:

[] - Spin Kick
O - Shoot Fire/Ice Arrow (controls same as normal Arrows)
X, X - Double Jump
X, [] - Footsmash
R1/L1 - Sprint
R2/L2 - Alternate Fire & Ice Arrows

Sheila:

Strengths: fast running speed, strong jumping ability
Weaknesses: poor long-range combat abilities

[] - Lunge Kick
O - Spin Kick (can be used in air)
X, X (on ground) - High Jump
X, [] - Ground Stomp
R1/L1 (hold) - Foot Grab (Sheila stands on her tail and picks up an enemy or object with her feet, holding and rolling them like a circus performer; use the D-Pad or Left Analog Stick to aim, and press [] or Circle to throw the enemy/object)
R2 - Dodge Hop right
L2 - Dodge Hop left

Spyro & Sheila:

[] - Kick
O - Fire/Ice Spin (can be used in air)
X, X (in air) - Five-Second Glide
X, X (on ground) - High Jump
X, [] - Groundsmash (creates a small shockwave)
R1 (hold) - Foot Grab
L1 - Alternate Fire/Ice Power
R2 - Side Hop Right
L2 - Side Hop Left

Sgt. Byrd:

Strengths: flight, short height, excellent long-range attack capabilities
Weaknesses: slow running speed, lack of melee attacks

X - Fly (tap repeatedly)
[] - Grab/Drop Object
O - Fire Missile/Fire Locked Missile Volley (requires at least one lock)
R1 - Lock-On
L1 - Lock-On
R2 - Lock-On
L2 - Lock-On

NOTE: Each Shoulder button can lock-on to a different target, allowing for up to four locks at a time.

Spyro & Sgt. Byrd:

X - Fly
[] (on ground) - Charge
[] (in air) - Breath Attack/Spit Object
O - Fire Missile/Fire Locked Missile Volley
R1 - Lock-On
L1 - Lock-On
R2 - Lock-On
L2 - Lock-On

Note: Sgt. Byrd automatically fires missiles at enemies when on the ground.

Bentley:

Strengths: strong attacking power
Weaknesses: slow running speed, large size, heavy weight

[] - Grab/Throw Projectile (i.e., snowball, volcano rock; hold to aim when holding an object)
O - Club (press up to three times to combo)
X, O - Club Strike
R1 - Guard (similar to Wing Shield)
L1 - Shoulder Dash
R2/L2 - Roar

Spyro & Bentley:

[] - Dragon Javelin (hold to aim; automatically cancels Team-Up Mode)
O - Club
X, O - Club Strike
R1 - Wing Gust (Bentley holds Spyro in front, anchoring him while he blows strong gusts with his wings)
L1 - Shoulder Dash
R2/L2 - Roar

Agent 9:

Strengths: excellent long-range combat capabilities
Weaknesses: lack of melee attacks

X, X (in air) - Double Jump
[] - Bomb Throw (hold to aim; requires Agent 9 to be holding Bombs)
O - Blaster Shot (hold to auto-fire; can also be used in air), Grapple Gun (hold to aim; automatically latches on to targets in air)
X, [] - Bomb Dunk
L1 - Switch between Blaster and Grapple Gun
R1 - Crouch (works similarly to Hunter`s version)
R2/L2 - Strafe Lock

Spyro & Agent 9:

X, X (in air) - Aerial Quad (Double Jump up to four times)
[] - Bomb Throw
O - Powerflame/Powerfrost Cannon
X, [] - Bomb Dunk
R1 - Grapple Gun
L1 - Alternate Fire/Ice Power
R2/L2 - Strafe Lock

NOTE: Aside from Sgt. Byrd, who carries/rides on Spyro with his feet, Spyro always rides on his Buddy`s back when in Team-Up Mode. Also, Buddy Commands are disabled while in Team-Up Mode.

There would also be at least two other Buddies to be gained much later in the game. Who are they? That`s a secret, for now...

One question: Would anyone ever want to see Bianca become a playable character?

Brom the Wise · Apr 07, 2007 3:21 AM

Well it depends on how you play as her, but, as a rule, that woluld be a welcome adition

Crossfire · Apr 07, 2007 9:11 AM

Now for some of the Forbidden Ones. These wouldn`t be all the kinds, just a few of them:

Forbidden Metalback

The standard foot soldier of the Forbidden Forces, Metalbacks live up to their name by sporting a tough, fire-proof shell of metal plates on their back, head and arms, as well as slim, lithe bodies allowing them to curl up and roll quickly at their foes. When caught in close combat, they can also swipe with their claws to defend themselves. While fire may not be effective against them, brute force is, and simply charging or otherwise hitting them works wonders at knocking them back.

They also have upgraded brethren known as Forbidden Razorbacks, encountered later in the game.

Forbidden Stinger

One of the weakest Forbidden Ones, these scorpion-like creatures scuttle up to their enemies and deliver a painful sting. They are easily dispatched with any attack, be it flaming or outright kicking the nasty little creeps. They often come in groups of three or more, making them a little more challenging.

Forbidden Brute

The muscle-bound giants of the Forbidden Forces, these aptly-named enforcers first flatten their foes with a fist, then send them flying with a punch from the other one. While they may be large and strong, they lack the protective plating of their Metalback brothers, and as such are vulnerable to fire and projectiles. Unlike the large enemies of past Spyro games, Brutes will actively approach you once they see you, so keep on your feet to keep from getting pounded.

More powerful variations called Forbidden Enforcers hinder Spyro`s progress later in the adventure.

Forbidden Spitter

Every bit as vulnerable as their Stinger cousins, the Spitters` only means of attack is spitting acidic venom from their cobra-like heads, often from a high position or stealthy location such as a cliff or ceiling. They can use their gecko-like bodies to climb around the environment, effectively making them the snipers of the Forbidden Ones` army.

Forbidden Screecher

Named for their grating noise heralding their approach, Screechers are quite simply a pain in the neck. These bat-like Forbidden Ones swoop in, bite you where it hurts, and dart away before their enemy can launch a counter-offensive. When avoiding them is not an option, projectile attacks, particularly of the homing variety, can be effective.

Forbidden Prowler

Quadrupedal creatures, Prowlers often come in packs and use their speed and cunning to overwhelm their foes. They can be damaged by any attack, although luring them into physical attacking range is by far the most effective form of self-defense. Sometimes, they can be caught napping, an ideal moment to launch a surprise attack or slip by unnoticed.

Forbidden Grunt

Large like the Brute, but with more emphasis on the abdominal region (in other words, they`re fat), Grunts bear large, heavy clubs with which they pound their enemies over the head. Their favorite strategy is advancing while swinging their clubs followed by a vertical slam that often gets the bludgeon stuck in the ground, a time during which they are at their most vulnerable.

Forbidden Beast

Huge, horned behemoths, Forbidden Beasts are the quadrupedial equivalent of the Forbidden Brute, appearing even larger with more muscle and even less brains. They charge forward with a roar, either ramming their opponents or leaping and squashing them under their crushing weight. Fire and projectiles can prove quite effective, as can any strong attack, but these beasts can soak up plenty of punishment.

Rumor has it that a sufficiently experienced magician can transform these terrible monsters into an even more terrifying menace, the Forbidden Behemoth.

On a side note, the Forbidden Ones bear a passing resemblance to the Metal Heads of Jak fame, also known as the Hora-Quan. Hope you enjoyed a sample of the creatures Spyro and his friends will have to battle in their bid to save the Realms from Kaos`s dark shadow. I might cover more FOs with the worlds in my next post.

One last note: One of the features of Spyro`s Atlas in S:EoK would be a sort of Encyclopedia of these creatures, listing all the Forbidden Ones Spyro and his Buddies have fought and defeated, displaying info on statistics, attacks, weaknesses, appearance, and the odd personal comment.

Zekira Drake · Apr 07, 2007 11:00 AM

Now that I've actually read everything, I am giving large support on this! I like your game idea, it fits a lot to what kind of game I very much like. Expect your idea to be reconsidered soon, hah. Wait for some more supporters, then comes the attempt to get this to a game company, hah! Expect me to help when this happens! Hah!

Crossfire · Apr 08, 2007 11:35 PM

Thank you, one and all, for your continued compliments. Now, I`ll give a look at some of my world ideas, most if not all original (although they`d be located in some familiar locales, such as Avalar). On a quick foreward note, Artisans would be the first Home World, with Peace Keepers, Dream Weavers, Beast Makers, and Magic Crafters being the first realms Spyro and Hunter would visit (much like Dark Hollows or Glimmer).

Now, here`s a couple of new realms, with data including info on enemy types, examinations of new enemies, a look at the inhabitants of those realms, the realms backstory, and, possibly, a few sidequests to be seen in each realm.

NOTE: An * indicates a new enemy that I will cover at the bottom of this post.

Subterra

Home World: Autumn Castle Interior, Avalar

Primary Residents: Miner Moles

Specific NPCs:

Miner Gravvul
Miner Grannet
Miner Tunnil
Miner Cobbul
Master Flint
Moneybags

Backstory: Subterra is the underground home of the Miner Moles, who extract the minerals used for many purposes throughout Avalar. They have good relations with the Gemcutters of Glimmer, and often cooperate with them to excavate gemstones. They came under attack by the Forbidden Ones, and now the chief miner, Master Flint, has been sealed behind a cracked slab of stone.

Main Objective: Help Miner Gravvul free Master Flint from his rocky prison by locating and liberating the 12 members of the demolition team.

Side Quests:

Help Miner Grannet clear out the gem shaft (Bentley required)
Help Miner Tunnil repair the TunnelMaster 2000
Find the 6 Ores that Miner Cobbul lost

Enemies:

Forbidden Metalbacks
Forbidden Brutes
Forbidden Stingers
Forbidden Screechers
Forbidden Spitters
Forbidden Golems*
Forbidden Stone-Bowlers*
Forbidden Spiders*

Battle Summit

Home World: Siege Camp, Midday Gardens

Primary Residents: Gladiators

Specific NPCs:

Moneybags
Gladiator Ursus
Announcer (only heard)

Backstory: The go-to getaway for those looking for a good fight with ringside meals, Battle Summit has long been the host of many dangerous gauntlets and glorious confrontations, featuring such champion-material contestants as Leon the Proud and Lupus the Wildborn. This realm is unique in that in lieu of sidequests, you compete in challenges that open up over time when you find new Buddies and abilities, consisting of gauntlet runs, races, competitions, and arena battles. Also, Gems are won instead of found in enemies and breakables, although it still caps out at a certain level. Your final challenge will end with Moneybags losing his position as Battle Summit`s Receptionist to Ursus, the rightful owner of the colosseum.

Main Objective: Clear the First Gauntlet (Spyro) and defeat Gladiator Leon for the championship prize...without help from your Buddies.

Challenges:

Clear the Wooden Labyrinth and defeat Gladiator Lupus (Hunter)
Clear the Cliffs of Vertigo and defeat Gladiator Rufus (Sheila)
Clear the Tower of Terror and defeat Gladiator Falco (Sgt. Byrd)
Clear the Second Gauntlet and defeat Gladiatrix Vikki (Spyro)
Clear the Jungle Gym and defeat Gladiator Kong (Agent 9)
Clear the Icebox n` Hard Rocks and defeat Gladiator Harry (Bentley)
Clear the Third Gauntlet and defeat Gladiator Ursus (Spyro)
Clear the Grand Slam Championship Gauntlet!

NOTE: The names in parentheses list which character(s) you play as in these challenges.

Enemies:

Spear Fighter*
Sword Fighter*
Warrior*
Archer*
Gladiator Leon (a lion)
Gladiator Lupus (a wolf)
Gladiator Rufus (a kangaroo)
Gladiator Falco (a falcon)
Gladiatrix Vikki ( a fox)
Gladiator Kong ( a gorilla)
Gladiator Harry (a yeti)
Gladiator Ursus (a bear)

Introduced Enemies:

Forbidden Golems

Large, rocky brutes, Golems are mostly comprised of animated stone, and are impervious to any normal attack. Only explosives can damage them, which is exactly why the Miner Moles ordered Blastmaster cannon turrets to blast these sedimentary sentinels away, not to mention any other Forbidden Ones that get caught in the line of fire (unfortunately, they ordered them from Moneybags, who still has a "small fee" left to pay before the cannons can be rendered functional).

If you get too close to a Golem, he`ll send you flying with a hard, rocky fist. Unlike their Brute brethren, they usually stay right where they are, only moving to attack if you get close.

Forbidden Stone-Bowlers

These hunched, beefy Forbidden Ones bowl huge boulders in an attempt to squash you, also punching you if you stray too close. Fire works well against them, but projectiles are even more effective, particularly those fired by Blastmaster cannons.

Forbidden Spiders

Quite self-explanatory, these creepy-crawlies scuttle all over mine walls and shafts, spinning webs and hunting for prey. They aren`t much different from the Stingers, aside from the added ability to crawl on walls and ceilings, plus respawn from a Spider Nest, which can only be destroyed by a Blastmaster shell.

Spear Fighter

Common Rhynoc gladiators, Spear Fighters carry namesake spears with which they charge their enemies, making a physical counter-attack a tricky proposition. Fortunately, they`re vulnerable to practically everything, so you needn`t bother with trying to hit them up close and personal. They often come in groups of three and four.

Sword Fighter

These Rhynocs carry a shield and gladius with which they attack you at close-range. They`re not as effective as Forbidden Metalbacks at combat, so they make up for it by coming in groups of three and four. Their shields can easily block fire and projectiles, but brute force and explosives will break through easily.

Warrior

Larger Rhynocs wielding ball-and-chains, these brutes advance slowly, swinging their massive weapons around and making it difficult to get near. They also slam their ball-and-chains down in front of them, opening them up to attack. They have little armor, making them quite susceptible to flame, projectiles and explosives.

Archer

Somewhat smaller Rhynocs, these guys prefer to stand back and fire at you with their crossbows, keeping them safely out of your reach, at least so they think. Returning fire is quite effective, although physical attacks will cut them down nicely as well.

I might cover the Battle Summit bosses at a later point. Enjoy these first two realms, and see if I come up with more soon!

TB · Apr 09, 2007 2:23 AM

I like it all! Nice story and Buddy concept sounds great! Can you tell us about one of the levels? Please make the homeworld layout like in the original games!=)

Brom the Wise · Apr 09, 2007 3:52 AM

This is getting more and more intersting by the post

Crossfire · Apr 09, 2007 7:56 AM

The Burninator wrote:

I like it all! Nice story and Buddy concept sounds great! Can you tell us about one of the levels? Please make the homeworld layout like in the original games!=)

Actually, I put a couple of levels up in my last post. The structure would be quite similar, but as would be necessary with new generation games, there would be an evolution of the concept so to speak. I suppose I could spill the first three Home Worlds plus known levels:

Artisans Dragon Village, The Dragon Realms

Peace Keepers
Dream Weavers
Beast Makers
Magic Crafters

Autumn Plains Citadel, Avalar

Subterra

Midday Gardens Siege, The Forgotten Worlds

Battle Summit

Of course, those wouldn`t be all the levels. Far from it. wink And yes, the gem and collectible system would return, with the addition of health upgrades and possibly even new abilities for Spyro and his Buddies.

Crossfire · Apr 10, 2007 11:08 PM

I realized I never gave bios for the other playable characters, so here they are:

Sheila

When Spyro and Hunter first return to Autumn Plains, Avalar, they find Sheila the Kangaroo outside the Citadel walls, a little downcast. Approaching her, they learn that the billy goats wanted to see Avalar, so she accompanied them there. Once they reached the kingdom, nasty beasts showed up (the Forbidden Ones) and sent the terrified goats scattering, each running into a separate portal. Sheila joins up with Spyro`s group to enter the three portals and find the Billy Goats, as well as kick some Forbidden butt.

Sgt. Byrd

When the Forbidden Ones attacked Midday Gardens in the Forgotten Worlds, Sgt. Byrd quickly lept to the frontlines in defense of the Forgotten World. He has tried hard to repel the invading monsters, but when Spyro`s group arrives to lend assistance (with Bianca in tow), Sgt. Byrd welcomes their intervention, bravely joining them in the siege of the Forbidden Ones` fortress.

Bentley

Bentley was enjoying a climb in the Border Mountains with his brother Bartholomew when the range came under invasion by "malodorous, cantankerous oppressors", who imprisoned the mountains` inhabitants and Bartholomew with them, hiding the keys in nearby realms. Bentley readily accompanies Spyro on his virtuous exploit to vacate the mountains of their undesirable presence, as well as rescue Barty.

Agent 9

Ever the overzealous combatant, Agent 9 followed the Forbidden Ones through a portal without considering where it might lead, ultimately transporting him to Ripto`s own world, Reptisauria. Once there, he continued hunting down and exterminating the Forbidden Ones despite being overwhelmingly outnumbered. When Spyro`s party crosses paths with him by pure coincidence, he happily tags along, allowing them to join in the "fun".

I might cover a few more realms, or possibly the general structure of the Home Worlds in my next post. One of these days, I might also begin writing a fun little idea of mine that I call a script theatre, detailing the scenes of the game and the dialogue that takes place in them. Question: Would it be advisable to start introducing enemies back into the Home Worlds (like in Spyro 1), at least in parts of them?

Brom the Wise · Apr 10, 2007 11:29 PM

Shure that type of stuff keeps you on your toes

Also what type of shop system will you have?

KingPlayerPDX · Apr 10, 2007 11:49 PM

Nice job crossfire!

Crossfire · Apr 11, 2007 12:50 AM

Shop system? :?

Crossfire · Apr 13, 2007 7:29 AM

Here`s the basic structure for most of the Home Worlds:

You`ll start out with roughly three Realm Portals to reach and enter, with there being a collective goal to reach by clearing all three realms` main objective, after which you`ll have access to the Home World`s latter half, which is usually equally dangerous and oftentimes as puzzle-ridden, and with roughly three of it`s own realms to explore (although numbers can vary, such as with Artisans, which only has four normal realms - Dragon Shores, where you begin the game a la Glimmer, and Peace Keepers, Beast Makers, and Dream Weavers, all of which have one of the Temple Keys). After clearing every realm, a boss level of some sort opens up.

Also, Speedways and possibly even Sparx levels would return.

A unique feature of this game`s Home Worlds would be that there would be a one-time boss fought somewhere in the Home World itself, usually involving Gnasty, Ripto, or both, when you`ve reached the halfway point of that HW.

#1 Apr 04, 2007 6:46 AM

My idea for a Spyro game...

#2 Apr 04, 2007 2:40 PM

Re: My idea for a Spyro game...

#3 Apr 04, 2007 6:24 PM

Re: My idea for a Spyro game...

#4 Apr 04, 2007 7:02 PM

Re: My idea for a Spyro game...

#5 Apr 04, 2007 7:05 PM

Re: My idea for a Spyro game...

#6 Apr 04, 2007 10:32 PM

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#7 Apr 05, 2007 7:14 AM

Re: My idea for a Spyro game...

#8 Apr 05, 2007 11:43 AM

Re: My idea for a Spyro game...

#9 Apr 05, 2007 3:29 PM

Re: My idea for a Spyro game...

#10 Apr 05, 2007 7:59 PM

Re: My idea for a Spyro game...

#11 Apr 06, 2007 1:51 AM

Re: My idea for a Spyro game...

#12 Apr 06, 2007 1:55 AM

Re: My idea for a Spyro game...

#13 Apr 07, 2007 3:03 AM

Re: My idea for a Spyro game...

#14 Apr 07, 2007 3:21 AM

Re: My idea for a Spyro game...

#15 Apr 07, 2007 9:11 AM

Re: My idea for a Spyro game...

#16 Apr 07, 2007 11:00 AM

Re: My idea for a Spyro game...

#17 Apr 08, 2007 11:35 PM

Re: My idea for a Spyro game...

#18 Apr 09, 2007 2:23 AM

Re: My idea for a Spyro game...

#19 Apr 09, 2007 3:52 AM

Re: My idea for a Spyro game...

#20 Apr 09, 2007 7:56 AM

Re: My idea for a Spyro game...

#21 Apr 10, 2007 11:08 PM

Re: My idea for a Spyro game...

#22 Apr 10, 2007 11:29 PM

Re: My idea for a Spyro game...

#23 Apr 10, 2007 11:49 PM

Re: My idea for a Spyro game...

#24 Apr 11, 2007 12:50 AM

Re: My idea for a Spyro game...

#25 Apr 13, 2007 7:29 AM

Re: My idea for a Spyro game...

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