Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your input (on the game)

[Phineas]

Hello folks, it's me again, your intrepid game programmer.

I am currently tearing my hair out (well, not really, but you know) over how to implement the Game Show Host in this game thingy. I have two methods, either of which could work;

1) A full-body character, drawn as a caricature. I'm not going to use an actor for the host because all game show hosts are inherently phony anyway (plus I don't think I could get one who looked as corny as I'd like).

2) A "face-in-the-monitor" style like Max Headroom. This would require a *lot* less memory and animation frames. It also means he couldn't directly tickle the contestants, as he has no arms.

Either one is inherently doable, I just can't decide which to use. Whaddaya'll think?

 

[TickledToDeath]

Hello folks, it's me again, your intrepid game programmer.

I am currently tearing my hair out (well, not really, but you know) over how to implement the Game Show Host in this game thingy. I have two methods, either of which could work;

1) A full-body character, drawn as a caricature. I'm not going to use an actor for the host because all game show hosts are inherently phony anyway (plus I don't think I could get one who looked as corny as I'd like).

2) A "face-in-the-monitor" style like Max Headroom. This would require a *lot* less memory and animation frames. It also means he couldn't directly tickle the contestants, as he has no arms.

Either one is inherently doable, I just can't decide which to use. Whaddaya'll think?

So , who is it that actually "tickles the contestants" then?

IF it is the HOST that actually tickles the contestants on screen, then the full figure host will be the way to go.

Otherwise, what ever works best.


TTD

 

[Phineas]

the contestants are going to get it from a variety of sources, including Fiendish Devices(tm), the Fickle Feather of Fate, the audience(!), other contestants (maybe) and potentially the host. The host's lack of tickling ability won't impede the game one way or another, I just want to know which would look better from a player's point of view.

 

[TickledToDeath]

How about half a view, like Alex Trebeck behind the podium on Jeapardy?

TTD

 

[Phineas]

that one won't work because of the screen format I've chosen. :/

 

[TickledToDeath]

Well, then my vote will go to the full character as opposed to the Max Headroom version.

TTD

 

[ktickler]

Hmmm.... I am having a hard time trying to visualize the game. So, I am going to give it my best shot.

Is the host behind a desk or something? Is the host going to be in the same field of view as the contestants or is the view going to switch from host to contestant?

If the host is going to be alone in the frame, then the head is fine. Otherwise, I think the full body is better.

Bye,

Knight Tickler

 

[Phineas]

Perhaps it's time to get to work on that design document.

okay, well the main screen is going to be three contestants behind their podiums, like on Jeopardy, but the podiums have stocks in them so the contestants' feet are visible. (this is only during normal play; the contestants will wind up in differing positions during the bonus rounds for normal tickling.)

the host will "pop in" to say stuff and offer commentary, and won't be visible otherwise; I hadn't thought about using cutaways but it might work.

I'm leaning more toward full-body myself; now if only I can find a friggin' artist...

 

[TicklingDuo]

One plus of having a full body host would be the ability to program in more of a personality where he might sneak in a tickle or two now and then. As for artist...there are several excellent artists here on the forum. You may want to think about posting something to them in the requests section and see what response you get. Just a thought.

Ann

 

[Phineas]

you're right TD, I'd been thinking along those lines for the full-body stylings myself.

strangely enough, I have actually contacted several of the artists on this forum already, and not a single one has even written back, including an individual who I wrote to specifically because he offered to help. 😕 perhaps I need to try again.

 

[David Tyler]

Host for tickling game

Have you considered an animated character more in the style of that b***h from 'The Weakest Link' instead of a male 'Trebeck' character? If not that, then how about a funny little alien character in a bow tie and suit?

Just some thoughts.