I''m putting out a "feeler" to see if anyone is interested in working on a new internet gaming project... probably open source but yet to be decided. ABouT ME: I have over 15 years experience in programming, databases, design, and my company owns a web server already. We also run several popular RPG web sites (accounting for 3 million banner displays a month). Our most popular site is already host to a unique Java virtual table-top application called "WebRPG Online" and has over 80,000 users! See URL''s in signiture below. THE CONCEPT: "An internet turn-based fantasy strategy/RPG gladiator game." - ok that''s a mouthfull... but the concept is rather simple: an isometric view with modifiable camera, a player party with strong role-playing character development, tatical battle maps with treasures and powerups, multipler mode over the internet to battle other player parties or gladiators, and a strong story line. Players take turns moving/actions/attacking against other player parties (good or evil) or computer AI monsters. The beauty of this style of game is that its realitivly simple yet fun and rewarding. SIMULAR TO: This concept is simular to some older play station games like: "Vandal Hearts" http://www.epinions.com/game-Titles-Consoles-SonyPlaystation-All-Vandal_Hearts or "Final Fantasy Tactics" http://www.epinions.com/game-Software-All-Playstation-Final_Fantasy_Tactics (I highly recommend you try them). As well as adding some elements from "Hero''s of Might and Magic" and "Rage of Mages". One could also say its like a "Warhammer 40k" game of "Fanatasy General". One of the founders of this game category: Ogre Battle is now prepairing a new release on the N64: http://www.atlus.com/ogre_battle_64.htm THE HOST: A game like this can be done without publishers and offered from a web site that has a server to manage games and player rankings and scheduling duels and the like. I already run a server simular to this at WebRPG.com so the concept is sound. Offer the software for free up front - generate a lot of usage - sell ads for the usage and then a preimium membership for more options/armies. WHATS NEEDED: - Developers, artists, modelers, sound engineers, the works... - An Engine to start with - suggestions? WHATS IN IT FOR YOU? Well it''s a fun hobby without a ton of presure as I know we''re all busy people - but a site like this can easily generate well over $2000 a month in ad revenues alone (WebRPG again is proof of that) and there can always be premium memberships too. Of course all this would be shared after the operating costs. The idea of being involved is more for the joy of being involved and learning new things then the dollars REVENUE MODEL: Free download to play: - advertising banners - play alone or against others - online game challenges - chat rooms / online community Membership: - additional spells and units and weapons - rankings and tournaments - more parties stored on server Feedback, comments, ideas are all welcome! James Minion Development Corp. RPG Host Webmaster WebRPG Webmaster webmaster@rpghost.com webmaster@webrpg.com -------------------------------------------------- PC Game Watch Webmaster SavedGame.com Webmaster webmaster@pcgamewatch.com webmaster@savedgame.com -------------------------------------------------- RPG Host - FREE Role-Playing Aids: http://www.rpghost.com PC Game Watch - Gateway to Future PC Games: http://www.pcgamewatch.com SavedGame.com - Game Saves, Trainers, Cheats, & Walkthroughs: http://www.savedgame.com WebRPG - FREE Tabletop Gaming: http://www.webrpg.com

Ideally I would like to try to implement this inside a 3D engine using Visual c++ and script all the model animation. A straight Isometric engine could also do the trick, but I think a lot of the 3d lighting effects of 3D engines would really add to the combat animations. Genesis3d.com looks like the forerunner here - but again not sure...

Right now I''m just brainstorming and seeing if there is any interest in this. I don''t even have a website or name for it We have though, implemented a message board to continue the discussion of this... please head on over to:

http://www.pcgamewatch.com/FantasyGladiators

(Just a working name for now)

James

RPG Host Webmaster WebRPG Webmaster
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PC Game Watch Webmaster SavedGame.com Webmaster
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RPG Host - FREE Role-Playing Aids:
http://www.rpghost.com

PC Game Watch - Gateway to Future PC Games:
http://www.pcgamewatch.com

SavedGame.com - Game Saves, Trainers, Cheats, & Walkthroughs:
http://www.savedgame.com

WebRPG - FREE Tabletop Gaming:
http://www.webrpg.com

Check this out, it''s "little bit a like that" game made by some finnish guy. It''s called "ARENA III". and you can find it from www.finnishgames.com (or .org), and check under RPG or something... it''s pretty cool and fun singleplayer game, where player has to coach his gladiators, buy weapons, arrange fights, and then fight against other gladiators in Ultima 5- stylish birdperspective UI! It''s fun