Thoughts on new online game idea - Warshipz?

[Apolva]

Since I've got so much time off school now I'm starting a new project called Warshipz. It's a completely free browser-based multiplayer game, here's what it's about...

Overview
You build and upgrade your own warships and fight against others to gain points which can then be used for further upgrades / repairs / building entirely new ships.

Gameplay
It will be 2D/top-down (you can't do proper 3D stuff in flash) and you will be able to move/steer your ship and fire weapons at others. There will be various "maps" which will be suitable for different sizes of boats, ranging from tiny fishing boats to much larger ships.

I'm not sure yet whether to have multiple games with some sort of lobby system (therefore it would be boring with less players) or whether to make it some unified open-world map in which everyone moves around/fights at the same time.

Building/Upgrading/Managing Ships
This is what will hopefully keep the game refreshing and interesting. Every new user will begin with a small amount of money which can be used to buy a basic boat frame, engine, armor and weapon. Over time, new boat/ship frames can be purchased with earned points which allow heavier/bigger engines and more advanced weapons.

Each person can build and store up to 5 different ships, which after can be sold as whole or in parts for other people's points, thus creating some sort of an economy within the game.

Technical info, in case you want to help out.

Show Hide

Client made in Flash with AS3, Server using Java (warning: noob) with MySQL/JDBC backend.
Client uses a pixel-perfect hittest class for map collisions.

Server running on an old P4 machine LOL. Then again I could get a VPS if it's really needed.

Basically I need your opinions on this idea and ANY suggestions on how it will work (I haven't made my mind up, and don't want to code much until I'm decided).

Screenshots so far
Only log in and main menu made so far for this game: http://apolva.com/temp/shipz/
Previous game I made with top-down ship navigation: http://apolva.com/temp/oldtopdown/

PS: You may remember the previous habbo-type game I was in the process of making. This has been postponed as I rather prefer this idea.

[Jack!]

Sounds alot like seafight, but other than that i would play :L

[LMS16]

Sounds good, it seems basic which is good as some people start with something too advanced then give up when they cant do something.

Good luck with this, Im willing to help if there is any php coding you need doing

GOODBYE GCSE's! lol

Lew.

[Tenbeta]

I've always adored the idea of upgrading ship sizes, and having MASSIVE Battle ships, I mean HUGE ones crashing through space. So, big variety on ships sizes would be a real winner

[Apolva]

I mean HUGE ones crashing through space.

This would be with real ships not spaceships

Anywho, more feedback on the concept would be useful, I've also set up a quick home page for it: http://apolva.com/warshipz/

[Sameer!]

Sounds fun, I would play.

[iDenning]

Sounds fun, I think you should make it so you can change view. Birds eye view is good but it would be good to see from where your shooting, maybe you could have a team on your boat not just yourself?

GL with it, I will be following development

[Apolva]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm thinking of adding team games once the first version is out (ie. different types of ships playing different roles in a battle).

Anyway, this is what I REALLY need to know soon: VOTING TIME
- Make it open-world (no lobby/individual matches, just everyone killing each other willy-nilly).
- Make a pre-game lobby, with say 10 minutes to get your points before another match (easier to organise/fairer on new players).

[Jack!]

Open world 100%

[Apolva]

I think I'll go for a lobbying system for now since it's a lot simpler