Feral Heart

Game & Forum Discussion => Game Discussion => Game Suggestions & Ideas => Topic started by: Citiescapes on June 13, 2016, 02:29:04 pm

Title: Opinions on Hunting and the Like
Post by: Citiescapes on June 13, 2016, 02:29:04 pm

First off, I'd like to point out that this is all in a metaphorical sense. As most of this can't be done without the source code {Which the mods and admins do not have} it's very unlikely that any of this will come to pass. HOWEVER, this post will be in the sense of mind that the source code has been reclaimed and is again workable. Thank you.

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I've been noticing a lot of people in these threads suggesting hunting and survival-based gameplay in FH.

I, for one, am very displeased with the idea. Not only would it be strange to see npcs running around, but it could get very hectic with them. For one thing, I believe FH is a place for hanging out and roleplaying. I prefer the minimal things to do in this game. It pushes you to meet new people and roleplay with them. Feral Heart has a very strong community, and I believe the lack of "gameplay" binds it together.

Of course, if we compare this game to the others in the series, we can see that this isn't entirely the case. Others do indeed have communities. Tightly knit, but not as much. On the subject of comparing FH to the other games in the series, we can deduce that FH has a very unique feel to it. The lack of "gameplay" really makes it stand out from all of the others in good way and bad ways.

That said, there's still pros to the idea of hunting and survival. Exciting new experiences, in depth hunting roleplays.

My proposal is that there be two servers. One without the hunting and survival mechanics, and one with. It would be difficult to program, yes, but it may benefit in the long run. Two servers would allow the ones who prefer gameplay to non would head on to one server, while the ones that enjoy the laid back part of FH would be able to stay on the other. On top of this, I believe the people in your friends list would still be able to talk to you across servers. The "find" button would also include which server they are located in.

If this would be to much for servers, there's always the option that there are two different sections of maps on the server. Both groups would be unable to intersect. For instance, there could be a button that allows the player to hop from one map group to another. One map group would be set in FH as it is now, while the other would be filled with animals. In the second map group your character may gain the "survival" bars. Basically, FH would become a fully-fledged "game"  on these parts.

Of course, as with everything, there are flaws in my idea.

For one thing, the community that I was talking about earlier could split in separate directions. There's no way to tell if this may happen, but there's always the risk. One server may get more crowded over the other, depending on what the majority of FH prefers. It would be harder to meet up with friends, and advertising for roleplays may get hectic/go unnoticed. There's also the predicament with the coding. This could be rather difficult to code in the long run. Finally, FH could lose its unique perspective on its features.

All in all, it's a possible solution to pleasing both sides of FH's players, though there are many flaws that may come with it.

Thank you for taking it into consideration,

-Dura

Title: Re: Opinions on Hunting and the Like
Post by: Reaper on June 13, 2016, 02:39:00 pm

In my opinion, I think hunting would add an entirely new dimension to roleplaying, especially for people like me who like the realistic side of things. Say, if you actually HAD to provide food for your pride/pack. You could store food in cashes, and stray players could act as scavengers that could attempt to steal from your cashes.

I think the best way to implement it would be having different settings to the game. As in Free Play, wherein you don't have to worry about a health bar, stamina, hunger, or anything like that, Survival where you would be forced to eat and drink to survive, and PvP wherein you could physically attack other charachters outside of RP.

So say, if you were running a very realistic rp map, you could set it as PvP and Survival together, so that fights could break out among the pride members and food would have to be hunted for and brought back to the dens, or if you were doing a more whimsical or story based rp you could set it to Free Play so you don't have to worry about such things.

Title: Re: Opinions on Hunting and the Like
Post by: Wyldercat on June 13, 2016, 02:45:12 pm

Hunting isn't so bad of an idea per say, but personally I believe FeralHeart would be better off without it. It's more of a 3D chatter and community based game, rather than for survival. I feel like hunting to "survive" would cause the game to lose it's casual and carefree charm.

Also, if PvP was enabled, there would also be a) a loss of appeal to younger members due to violent themes, and/or b) "trolling" involving attacking and possibly killing anyone who is not in "Free Play" mode.

Interesting topic though.

Title: Re: Opinions on Hunting and the Like
Post by: Citiescapes on June 13, 2016, 02:56:32 pm

- Fireboss:
This is true, but there's always the fact that personal maps aren't the most popular things of FH. I imagine some people would prefer hunting and survival situations to be in the actual game itself. Then again, it's impossible to cater to everybody, so you do have a very large point.


- Scuttlebutt:
While I do agree 100% with Feral Heart being better off without it, there's always the other people who would disagree. I was thinking of ways for both audiences of the game to be happy and pleased with wherever the hunting idea would go.

Title: Re: Opinions on Hunting and the Like
Post by: Hakumi on June 13, 2016, 05:25:29 pm

First I would like to say that this a very interesting topic and I love how you included the flaws in your point so good on ya c;

But Now For My Two Cents

Now you say you would like to please both audiences, and that's a pretty good thing, but in all honesty, personal experiences and just looking around in general, I don't think that'll be an easy task and here's why to be simply blunt

We Can't Please Everyone

Even with the update now, there will be those that will try to find some way to complain about it instead of being grateful for what they received.

Quote from: Scuttlebutt on June 13, 2016, 02:45:12 pm

Hunting isn't so bad of an idea per say, but personally I believe FeralHeart would be better off without it. It's more of a 3D chatter and community based game, rather than for survival. I feel like hunting to "survive" would cause the game to lose it's casual and carefree charm.

Also, if PvP was enabled, there would also be a) a loss of appeal to younger members due to violent themes, and/or b) "trolling" involving attacking and possibly killing anyone who is not in "Free Play" mode.

Interesting topic though.

I Agree.

Although some will like the idea, you got to keep in my mind that others will not, which you have of course, and that other will simple find a way to complain about it, that's just how it is. Being able to hunt and do all that will be like some of the other known games out there like Dragon's Den ( IT Server ), Wolf Soul , Wolf Quest, etc. and users are free to play those games instead during their own free will of course.
As for the multiple servers part, that could be trouble y'know? Staff would have to monitor the users of course and they might have to work just as hard on the 'survival' server just to make sure nothing gets out of hand, regardless if PvP was implemented or not. Someone will find a way to abuse such privilege / Power and that alone could stir trouble.

In short, Feral-Heart is just fine without the survival/hunting /fighting sort of thing. If this was implemented, SOME and let me say this again, S O M E users might not feel so safe and might feel uncomfortable about this. People's mind works differently along with their views and such. Feral-Heart is just fine without it, if users want a game where they could do all of that stuff, they can look around the internet and find one or even go to a game store of some kind and find something to their liking. Just because other games have this sort of gameplay, doesn't mean Feral-Heart needs it to. Roleplaying fights like how it's happening now is just as fine. If you don't like how someone did it, block them or even walk away from the situation. And as Scuttle said, this is like a 3D chatter & community based game.

So all in all, Feral-Heart is doing alright without these.

Again, VERY interesting Topic ~!

Title: Re: Opinions on Hunting and the Like
Post by: BradiBytes on June 13, 2016, 07:34:08 pm

 To keep my opinion short and simple;
It's not like the idea of hunting is bad, but I got to agree that it would take away the feel of the game. Yes, it could be fun to some, but I don't think FeralHeart is the place for it.
If you're looking for a survival game, go on WolfQuest or Impressive Title. Both of which have the base of this game, but with the hunting.
I think just roleplaying like you're hunting or surviving is better than actually having it as a feature.

Title: Re: Opinions on Hunting and the Like
Post by: Kynvuu on June 13, 2016, 08:03:30 pm

Hmm, I have mixed feelings about this idea. Although it would be cool to implement hunting and such, I think it would overall detract from the experience of FH. And not to mention that it might discourage role-play and imagination. I think this type of feature would be more suited for a game that focuses on quests and gaining XP, as there is really is no benefit to hunting/killing enemies in a video game but besides to gain something like XP or an item.

Although your idea of having two separate serves would be a nice option, to buy/rent a separate server would be incredibly expensive, as most game hosting servers cost anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to a couple grand, the more expensive ones with more capacity ranging from 10-40 grand. I'm afraid that with the scale FH is on now, such an investment would be almost impossible for such a small demographic. Though it is a very creative idea, and I'm sure there may be other solutions to please the majority with this proposition c:

Title: Re: Opinions on Hunting and the Like
Post by: ArcticGalaxy on June 13, 2016, 10:45:26 pm

This is a very interesting idea. But the thing is, we bring in hunting abilities...we just end up like Dragon's Den or something. I honestly like FeralHeart the way it is, relaxing and just....a good place to sit and chat. If I ever wanted to do a hunting or fighting roleplay with actual game play, I would just go and play Dragon's Den. But that is just me.

Title: Re: Opinions on Hunting and the Like
Post by: Wyldercat on June 14, 2016, 02:20:27 am

Quote from: Hakumi on June 13, 2016, 05:25:29 pm

As for the multiple servers part, that could be trouble y'know? Staff would have to monitor the users of course and they might have to work just as hard on the 'survival' server just to make sure nothing gets out of hand, regardless if PvP was implemented or not. Someone will find a way to abuse such privilege / Power and that alone could stir trouble.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot about the servers. I agree very strongly with Hakumi here. As of right now, our Admin Raz devotes nearly all of his time to keeping ONE server up. It can be very taxing on not only one's computer, but on one's schedule to run a 24/7 server that can support 500+ floofs. Not to mention all the extra staff that would be needed to keep them all under control and techies to resolve the now multiplied server errors.

Title: Re: Opinions on Hunting and the Like
Post by: WolfQueen on June 14, 2016, 02:53:02 am

Hunting will definitely make the game more fun, and it's a feature that many people have suggested in the past. However, it will seem like an updated version of an IT server (FH technically is, but it is still an original game) and I agree that it will get hectic quickly. Adding a hunting mechanism will take out the simplicity of the game we all love, and the original concept would soon fade away. It sucks when that happens in multiplayer games. In my experience, no one will get along ether.

short reply is short. just wanted to get my two cents in here.

Title: Re: Opinions on Hunting and the Like
Post by: Nephrite on June 19, 2016, 06:50:45 am

I've always thought being able to hunt in FeralHeart would add a nice touch to the game, as well as making roleplay more realistic and fun for its users. I would discourage the idea if you had to hunt to "survive" in the game, but what if you were able to hunt without worrying about your character going hungry? People hunt during roleplay all the time, and it would be nice to have a visual to go along with it.

Hunting should be an option in maps, just as being able to fly or having an ocean/water in the map are. Mapmakers could also be able to choose what creatures can be hunted and be able to download meshes for new prey. In more social areas such as The Grounds or areas like Lonely Cave, you wouldn't have to deal with the annoyance of bunnies or deer running around. And for computers who can't handle prey running around (or users who get annoyed by it) there should be an option in the settings to hide prey.

The idea of hunting all together may be a bit far fetched, but I think it could add dynamic to the roleplay -- as long as nothing is taken away in return.

Title: Re: Opinions on Hunting and the Like
Post by: Galaxyshadow on June 19, 2016, 07:06:01 am

I think it would be a great idea to add hunting and what not. but we could do without food and water bars, because many players would just argue about food being stolen and complain when their character dies of hunger or dehydration.

PvP, I was thinking this would be an amazing idea. But I think that there should be a setting so that you can turn it off and on. When off you cant get killed or kill other players. When on you can kill and get killed by other players.

Prey. Prey should be small. I mean maybe limit it to birds, rabbits, and overall smaller species. Because I dont know I just feel larger animals will just become a nuisance of some sort

Title: Re: Opinions on Hunting and the Like
Post by: Legendary~Grace on June 23, 2016, 12:04:40 am

If you haven't seen my post in the fighting idea thread I mentioned hunting in there. Not a lot about it, but I mentioned it. I was going to make a thread and expand on that, but I won't do this because there is this thread! Also, going with what the thread creator said, do not bash me for the ideas I express. I understand the source code in not within the power of the current staff.

I think that you all have great points and opinions. Now, I'd like to share my opinions...

I think that if hunting and surviving was added to the game it should indeed be an option. I don't think it should necessarily be two different servers but an option in the one game. Going between the games would divide the average in-game population and would be difficult for me personally to use. I'd constantly have to change or get confused. The option could be a sort of "on" and "off" switch. Maybe linked to the icons in the character information that enables survival and hunting. But, can be turned off when need be. Though, I can see a problem developing with this one. People would abuse it in many ways. Maybe there can be a time limit for each time you can switch were you have to wait to switch again. An alternative way, is only allowing the switch in certain situations. So, you cannot switch out during a hunt.

As for the hunting, as similar to my post about fighting, there should be a system of permissions or areas where it's just hunting. When a character enters and area or map only used for hunting, a hunting mode is enabled. An alternative and personally a better option in my eyes, is just having a system. Maybe in the Character window when you click on people or yourself, it bring up another option called hunting/survival mode. If clicked it would ask the person if they agree to switch to that mode.

To add other people to a hunt, the host or people already in that exact hunt will have to invite others in order for them to join the hunt. This would prevent trolling and unwanted visitors. Strangers not in the hunt should be able to watch but not effect the hunt. It would function like a party chat invite.

Now to the hunting mode specifically...

In the hunting mode, the character should be able to use keyboard commands to preform actions such as bite, claw, and other things like that. Depending on character qualities, the hit points will range. I explained this in my post about the fighting idea. But, basically I said characters should be designed so that hit points and certain abilities differ. So that, small and skinny canines and move faster but have low hit point average and big and strong characters are slow but have a high hit point average. It would also make things more realistic and fair. This could also prevent over powered characters.

Furthermore, there should be a health icon for both your character and the prey which should actually show up to be hunted. There should also be a endurance icon for both too. Character designs would effect these... Go to my post in the fighting thread for more. Basically, the longer the hunt goes on, the more depleted the endurance gets. As for the health, each hit would decrease the health for either one. Some prey can fight back.

As for the survival half of this topic, I think hunger is a big part. But, I already explained what I wanted to explain there, above. But, basically a character could starve to death and just re-spawn in Lonely Cave. I do like the idea of Scavengers too, but I think that should use a permission system to prevent abuse of the action.

Illness and disease could also play a role in the survival part of things. Realistically, I know that wolves normally can't "heal" themselves but that could be an option. I might make a thread on that, now that I think about it.

The need for water could play a role also. Maybe an icon in character information can display a bar that shows whether the character needs a drink or not.

I might add more to this later because I feel like I forgot to add something but I can't think of it right at this moment.

Title: Re: Opinions on Hunting and the Like
Post by: Siarczek on June 23, 2016, 03:23:00 am

I feel Feral Heart would no longer be Feral Heart if hunting was implemented into the game. FH is meant to be a laid-back game. However, having two servers would definitely be cool- I just can't imagine that ever happening, not only because the mods lack the source code, but also because it would probably be very difficult to properly maintain two servers.

Title: Re: Opinions on Hunting and the Like
Post by: DarkLustyHumor on June 23, 2016, 04:24:09 am

Although this would be a good idea for other games, a game like Feral Heart where imagination is really important for it, I don't think this would work too well. Plus we would have people trying to steal each other's kills and more trolling. Not to mention the game would get really laggy. For other games like Wolf Quest and Impressive Title servers it works, but not really for Feral Heart, and even in Impressive Title servers there tends to be a lot of fighting about lack of spawns or issues with people stealing kills.

Title: Re: Opinions on Hunting and the Like
Post by: kinoei on June 25, 2016, 03:49:22 pm

I wouldn't mind it, but the huge problem would really be the trolls and such who will steal your kills, loots, take the last hit, etc.