Taylor on 13/2/2021 at 11:05
Okay here are mine:
- Keeping balance. No I don't mean the Keeper stuff :) I mean the ones others already mentioned.
Difficult, but not too difficult.
Complex enough, but not that complex that you players get totally lost after 2 minutes.
A good story can make up for a mediocre mission, but over-reliance on readables can't save the scene.
Enough loot to feel rewarded, but not an absurdly high amount, which looks good, but raises the question (if Garrett really got this much money, why on Earth does he not retire and buy himself and island?)
For equipment I'm fine with scarce though. It feels rewarding to find something useful but I'm sure I'm not the only one, who finished say Kidnap with 60 water arrows and 9 gas arrows in his pocket :sweat: i.e. if 95% of the equipment were missing I could still perform the same outcome.
- A good story. This makes fan missions a lot more enjoyable. I especially love unrevealing mysteries, some humour and/or some sarcasm. But sometimes it's just a nice touch to read the (made up) everyday problems and stuff of random servants/citizens etc. Nevertheless, a really absorbing story can make an already great FM into a super-duper excellent FM.
I especially prefer if the story either could be placed into canon Thief storyline (i.e. the dead/alive status of people matches; background/etc. information, visiting places is restricted to stuff Garrett does not seek during the main storyline, at least prior the time he already done it; Garrett does not have to kill someone because of "Let's kill someone!" -- if you've read this quote in Cicero's voice cookie for you :cool:) or does not mess with the elements of the main storyline.
Though I really value creative using of characters from the original storyline :)
- Cozy places. I love nice and cozy places. Probably others too, since mansion missions are rather popular and those tend to create a friendly environment (thinking strictly about architecture and object placement, not the storyline). A place where the player also feels safe, despite possible guard patrols and stuff. This could be a whole mansion, or a secret retreat of someone even in a haunted place, I love to venture into places like these.
- Nice architecture. Usually makes a fan mission better, the kind that makes the "Whoaa... this looks good!" feeling. In my opinion it doesn't even have to be a geniously stunning and complex brushwork. Sometimes some really simple even crude pieces can give you this feeling.
- Good ambience. Long ago I didn't care about it too much in FMs, but it can really much enhance the athmospere.
Probably there are a few point I could add for myself, but my brain just shut down after this much of babbling :cheeky:
So have a nice day and stuff! :)
Psych0sis on 13/2/2021 at 15:46
I have a couple things I usually get excited to see.
- A really well written FMInfo file, especially if the briefing written there really does a great job at setting the story for the mission, helps me get really immersed in what's about to happen in the mission. Please please PLEASE don't underestimate these things, authors!
- Weather... All of it: rain, snow, and especially FOG. Fog can create such a dense level of atmosphere and immersion when used correctly and I wish more authors would try to try it out.
- Very vertically built City missions. Thief has such a fantastic movement system IMO and it should be used to it's full effect. Rope arrows, tight jumps, mantling between ledges and objects are all things I just find so fun. Bonus points if all the areas you can enter have at least 2 or more entry points. Going in and out the same door/window you walked in can get tedious, but this can open up so much gameplay possibilities it's great!
- Hammerite Compounds. Any mission on a church grounds instantly gets a lot of bonus points from me. I just love their whole theme and aesthetic. Same for Mechanists but only if its a more "gritty" or "industrial" version of them, not that fluffy artdeco stuff :D !
- Colorless lighting. This sounds weird, but I just love how it looks when paired with the original Thief 1 textures. It's very nostalgic and cozy.
vincentlancon on 14/2/2021 at 05:46
Besides the standard good atmosphere / level design ... I love a good story with an unexpected twist at the end... being blindsided in a good story is always a welcome addition.
