[IDEA][FANGAME] TMNT: Retro Rumble

[Kosheh]

Help. I have this really amibitious project idea in my head and I can’t do any of it, except
write it out for everyone to see
(HEY UBISOFT, READ MY POST)
I can dream, OK What have I got to lose?
Think of this post as "I have this really friggin' neat idea for a game I wanna make, so I'll make this post with a 'I'll make it sometime, no rush' vibe." I just wanna...get it out there. :V
Also I wrote this post at like 9AM when I went to sleep at like 3 the previous night. So it's somewhat half-baked and tangented all over. :/

A foreword by Kosheh

So I had this idea burning a hole in the back of my head for months now, and now I’ve finally got some sit-down time to write a post about it. YES. Only problem is, I lack a lot of skills in the game-dev department. I can’t offer my spriting ability, musicmaking ability, or programming ability. ;___;
But what I CAN!! do is throw all my ideas out on the table, and draw some mockup doodles to give you an idea of what I’m looking for! Yeah, that’ll work and with the amount of AWESOME pouring out of this topic maybe I’ll be able to get enough help to slap together a mockup!
This is always something I’ve been wanting to make, and if I can get some of my friends to help me pull this idea together, I can die happily. :’)
Anyway, let’s get started. Cowabunga.

Plot

oops I wrote fanfiction – no worries, we’ll have like 5 frames to summarize the story once it gets off the ground

The Turtles are chillin’ in their totally rad sewer safehouse enjoying some sausage, mushroom, and jelly bean pizza when when some butthead appears on a news briefing before “All My Turtles” Fourth of July marathon. April had finally gotten back to her job at Channel 6, doing the prime time news report. “Guys, shut up! April’s on!”

“Hello, and welcome to the Channel 6 Evening News. I’m April o’ Neil, and here’s what’s happening in the heart of New York City.
Today marks the fifth day of the New York Robotics Expo. During the show, Japanese robotics firm Ashimoto Enterprises announced their innovative service robot, the Ashi-2000.”
Donatello was glued to the television.
“Capable of understanding over 50 languages and completing an array of tasks from dishwashing to caring for the elderly to security maintenances, it truly does seem a remarkable step in the right direction for our future. The CEO of Ashimoto Enterprises, Ichiro Sakimoto, did not have much to say to the press however he wanted to formally thank his father in law, Oroku Saki, for his supervision in creation of his robots. Without his help, none of this would have been possible, said Sakimoto this evening…”
Hot tea sprayed all over the back of Michelangelo’s neck, sending him to the floor with scalding burns as Splinter sat motionless with his porcelain mug and its contents sprawled all about the floor, eyes large. The name “Oroku Saki” sent chills down his spine – wasn’t he dead after plummeting from the top floor of the Technodrome in 1992? The Turtles caught on rather quickly, knowing problem was afoot.
“What’s wrong, Master Splinter?” asked Leonardo. No answer. Splinter returned to his living quarters, not uttering a word to his sons.
The other two turtles stayed watching television – apparently during Splinter’s shocking realization, April continued on mentioning that 3,000 Ashi-2000 robots have already been dispatched in the New York City region to select businesses and organizations for a demonstration, as a sign Ashimoto Enterprises’ gratitude for their relationship with their United States shareholders. Donatello furiously stroked his chin. How I’d love to get my hands on one of those, he thought.

“Donny, what the hell is wrong with you? Something about these robots don’t seem right. Who’s gonna give that many robots to New York City for free?” inquired Raphael, the brash brother of the four.” “Those things gotta cost billions…you know what, I don’t believe this. I gotta see this for myself.” Raph got off the couch and headed for his trenchcoat, ready to explore the city and see what’s the story behind these robots. Before he was able to get to the ladder to climb out of the sewers, Leonardo grabbed him by the wrist.

“Raph, didn’t you see anything that just went on? Master Splinter’s clearly having some trouble right now…”
“Yeah, I saw the dive Mikey took. I know, blah blah it’s dangerous Raphie, don’t go blah blah, evil’s afoot blah blah. Yeah whatever, seeya in the morning.” Raph quickly climbed up the ladder, throwing his bandana off as he climbed. It landed onto the dirty floor of the sewers.
“Raph! Wait!” Leonardo exclaimed, following his brother up the ladder before getting a foot to the face and getting thrown down the ladder. Raphael adjusted his fedora and ran off into the dark depths of the city to satisfy his impulsive sense of curiosity. Leo grumbled, swiping his red bandana off the ground and returning to the Turtles’ safehouse.

Raphael never did return home that night.

The Turtles didn’t really see this as a problem when nothing was going on – though it annoyed Master Splinter to high heaven…until they woke up the next morning. Michelangelo switched on the TV, rubbing the crust out of his eyes and then picking the turtle wax out of his nose. He nearly went into shell-shock when the loud BREAKING NEWS THE CITY EYE REPORTS blurted out of the TV. This surprised the other turtles who had also been sleeping on the couch last night. Another newscaster onscreen stood before the city in the background as robots passed and the cries and shouts of people were heard in the background. “This just in – New York City in bedlam due to massive robot assault! Fleet after fleet of Ashi-2000 robots deployed last night in New York City have begun to turn on their owners, and anti-robot riots have begun in various area of the city! Nursing homes, museums – even police stations are in danger due to the threats posed by the Ashi-2000 robots – our streets are no longer safe, New York! Channel 6’s own April O’ Neil—“ The broadcast was cut short by some buckethead wearing cheese graters on his wrist counting down to his broadcast standing next to a man with a….wiggling brain in his stomach.
“Aw man this ain’t –“ Michelangelo’s whining was cut short by Leonardo.
“The Shredder…” The man onscreen turned to cameras and began his lengthy, run-on lecture.
“Ha ha ha! I’ve finally done it - my dreams have finally been realized! The Ashi2000 robots aren’t service robots – they’re my old attack robots!”
“They were robots in disguise…hee hee heee…”screeched the abdominal brain next to him.
“Not now, Krang,” interupped the Shredder, “I’ve conquered the city, and there’s nothing you can do to stop me! I’ve got it all under my control – the police force, the Coast Guard, even the libraries! There’s nothing you can do to stop me now! In fact…”

The camera panned over to a woman wrapped in ropes, mouth covered in duct tape, eyes blindfolded. She wriggled around angrily. She knew well what was going on…because the Shredder didn’t shut up about it during the highjacking of the studio. “I’ve seized this Channel 6 Studio here in Manhattan and I’ll just be taking over the broadcasting on this airwave for now. I’ll be showing all the cooking shows and horror movies in the studio respository – my two favorites! And if anyone tries to stop me in these studios or take back my broadcast – even those meddling Turtles, you’ll be able to watch her LAST BROADCAST on this station!” Shredder proclaimed and heartily laughed, striking fear into the hearts of all New Yorkers within the region.
“Her last broadcast? He’s forcing her into retirement?” Michelangelo scratched his head. Shredder wasn’t very clear on that last claim.
“No, Michelangelo,” Donatello replied, “he’s going to kill her on the air.” Michelangelo’s eyes grew to silver-dollar diameter.
“This…is not what I had in mind for today,” sighed Leonardo. “We’ve gotta discuss a plan here.”
Donatello grabbed some blueprints and Michelangelo grabbed another pizza out of the fridge.
This was going to be one long Sunday.

In-game plot so far

The remaining Turtles plan out their course of action. Donatello unveils a new surveillance tool he originally designed for the sewers but can mobilize it; however he needs specific parts to do so. So he’s sent to investigate. While out investigating, he runs into Bebop and Rocksteady, who kick Raphael out of a truck forcing him who, under the influence of a judgement-altering drug, forces his brother into a fight. Donatello gets his ass kicked, kidnapped by Bebop and Rocksteady who mumble about “kidnappin’ the wrong toitle” and Raphael is abandoned. The effects of the drug wear off, and Raphael, unarmed and not wearing any…thing, flees back to the sewers. Leonardo and Michelangelo are completely confused, throw their plans out the window and opt for an all-out assault on the Foot.
Meanwhile, Donatello is held captive by Shredder and forced to assist in the creation of microchips and other Foot technology.

Overview
JESUS that plot was long. Read it if you want. But basically it’s another “Shredder takes over the city, turtles gotta save the city from Shredder”. But it’s MORE SERIOUS! And the Turtles are IN CHARACTER!! So I’m maintaining CHARACTER DEPTH in a game that doesn’t NEED ONE!!

But YES the topic title is exactly what it says. It’s a TMNT game based on those TMNT games you loved the hell out of as a kid. Except with a buttload of things that builds upon the games you loved as a kid [simple but solid gameplay] and more like a game you’d play now [nostalgia + more game depth]. The result is a game with a freaking amazing concept and feel that you’ll be able to play with friends near and far.
Now, I’m shooting for a totally different atmosphere with this game that you’re used to with something say, Turtles in Time and the original 1989 arcade game. This also takes elements from the 2003 GBA game based on the movie…and even some River City Ransom thrown in there, too but there’s also a good dose of originality. Also expect some nice elements from the TMNT fighters too, lol
Okay, I'm being too vague. I’m going for a unique atmosphere that evokes mostly the turtles you remembered as a kid crossed with some of the badassedness you wanted to know the Turtles for in the B/W comics of 1988. In other words: Bright colors, bright atmosphere, the Krang, Bebop and Rocksteady, and the Foot Clan.

And a level where you fight dinosaurs.

I'm not sure where to go with the overall style of the game...it's weird. I want to use sprites from Hyperstone Heist but rather than use the awesome Konami-style music from the TMNT games I want like...aggressive rock chiptune to suit the atmosphere. ;
But I've gotta make a game first before I worry about the music ingame lol.

Most places you’ll visit ingame will have resemblances to real places in New York

Spoiler

THE PLACE WHERE YOU FIGHT DINOSAURS RESEMBLES THE MUSEUM OF MODERN HISTORY
YES AND THERE WILL BE A STATUE OF LIBERTY LEVEL IF YOU GUYS WANT

However, the ways you deal with the sea of Foot Clan soldiers will be MUCH DIFFERENT from what you remember.

Gameplay/New Elements
Well, it’s pretty much standard coin-op Ninja Turtle fare, with a twist. But I’ll start by saying it’s classic TMNT. Go through levels, fight the Foot, pick up pizzas and fight the boss at the end of the level. You have four main buttons: Jump, attack, and two new buttons for the new gameplay elements I’ll get to later. I’m hoping for shortcut buttons but…psh that’s easy.
Now, that’s simple enough. Cool, but there’s a ton of new elements that give the game considerably more replayability and also more fun to have co-op play.

-Leveling system
Not a whole lot of levels, but their main purpose isn’t giving you MORE HP or MORE POWER, it’s for learning new attacks! You start with the basic TMNT ones, then as you level up you’ll be able to utilize more commands that are more appropriate for a modern beat’em up.
They aren’t required to beat the game; they just help. These include blocking, multiple dash attacks, headstomps, and multiple specials [hi Tournament Fighters]

-A story???
Between levels, there will be cutscenes. And there are some levels that can only be played with a certain character. i.e. the first level upon its first playthrough (story mode) can only be played as Donatello. Revisiting the level allows the other Turtles to be used (the ones you have in your group at the time)

-More environment interactions.
Yeah, you probably remember the old-school game letting you pop open fire hydrants (cool off, sucker) and knock sewer covers back at the foot. Yeah, I wouldn’t want that to change, but you know what ELSE would be cool? Using parts of your environment. Surrounded by a mob of Foot in the streets of Manhattan? Rip a mailbox out of the ground and beat them with it! Stuck in the museum with nowhere to run and Foot gaining on you? Pick up a dinosaur fossil and bludgeon ‘em with it!

-Items!!
Pretty straightforward; more food drops, battering items and…some collectible items that will garner you some rewards

-Two fighting styles for each character
YES YOU READ THAT RIGHT. OH MY GOD
Each playable character will have two different gameplay styles: Weapons drawn and unarmed fighting.
When weapons are out, it’s the typical Ninja Turtle gameplay. However, hit that button and your Turtle puts their weapons away and puts their fists up. :0
Each turtle has a unique fighting style when their weapons are away, and their stats also change as well. For example, Raphael is a rather speedy character with very limited reach and isn’t very powerful (due to his sai). But put the sai away and he becomes a grappler, suplexing his enemies, elbowing them in the face, and using the Foot as weapons!
So you’re really getting two characters for the price of one!

Characters
Seriously?
Leonardo
Leads. Dual-wields katanas and is an all-around character. Put away the swords and you’ve got a karate master with decent range kicks, with awesome specials including projecticles. Good for beginners.

Donatello
Builds machines. Self-reserved and very knowledgable on many subjects. A bit more of a pacifist compared to his brothers. Carries a bo staff – but has a bad habit of nightly binge eating with Michelangelo and not working out, which results in rather subpar foot speed but excellent reach with his staff. Put away the bo and Donatello is a very powerful aikido user, luring enemies in, parrying and countering them, often using their own strength against them.

Raphael
Cool but rude. Has an attitude problem. The fastest of the group, however those sai have horrible reach. But that’s okay – put the sai away and he becomes just as fierce as his personality, wrestling and grabbing his enemies. Extremely ruthless – he’s not afraid to elbow someone in the face, suplex them or even toss them into the wall by their heads.

Michelangelo
Is a party dude. Very relaxed and often binge eats but is so damn hyper that he usually just runs it off. Has some of the most powerful attacks of the group. However, the other turtles can’t disagree that Mike is a little slow…he’s not as fast as Leonardo and has probably the slowest attack speed of the bunch. Things change when Michelangelo puts away the nunchuks though, because he’s completely unpredictable! Michelangelo’s hand-to-hand combat mixes dancing with combat, using a mix of kicks and breakdancing to take out foes. He also has the best hand-to-hand combat reach out of all his brothers.

There’s also a fifth unlockable character but…uh, I’ll just say it depends on the items which you collect ingame. B)

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So if you wanna slam some dinosaurs to the floor by the face as a pissed off Ninja Turtle, this is the game for you! =D

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In the meantime though I’m gonna look into this OpenBOR thing – it looks like the thing I should probably use if I end up making it myself.
Everything’s up in the air at this point; there’s tons of discussion to be had, like graphic style, music stuff, extra mechanics - if you’d like to help out…go ahead, jump on the project bandwagon. Or post.