[Idea/Request] Improved Stealth Gameplay

Post » Sat Nov 13, 2010 3:27 am

I've been trying to make this mod in the GECK since Fallout 3, but due to time constraints and lack of GECK knowledge (this concept is probably not the best place to start for a new modder), I've only been able to create crude proof of concepts. Hopefully someone will be able to take this idea and make it into a reality.

Idea/Concept

The concept of this mod idea is to bring elements and mechanics from classic stealth-based games into New Vegas and implement them somewhat seamlessly into the game. I realize that the Gamebryo engine has limitations, but I am reasonably confident that these types of features could be implemented.

Mechanics and Changes

  • Better Non-lethal and silent weapon options – In one of my favorite games, Deus Ex, it is possible to beat the game without firiing a shot or killing any NPCs. I’d love to see this type of gameplay in New Vegas – this would primarily be achieved by adding or rebalancing/tweaking existing weapons – the Police Baton, for instance, should knock NPCs out instead of dealing damage. I think the Caddle Prod already does fatigue damage (at least looking at the scripts it does) and I have attached a script to the Baton and achieved a similar effect, if a rather crude one.) I’d also love to see the Dart Gun implemented, with tranquilizer darts as an option for long distance – but not immediate takedowns. Other weapons, like pepper guns, smoke and gas grenades would help deal with large groups of enemies. Other tweaks and additions would be backstabs with knives, poisoned food, poison/sedative syringes, and maybe piano wire (I know these may require new animations and so on…)
  • Dead/unconscious Bodies alert NPCs – Something that has bothered me to no end since Oblivion – you can knock out or kill an NPC, and then run around holding their dead body, and no one seems to care at all. I don’t know about you, but if I came across a dead or unconscious NPC, I’d at least start yelling or alerting other people nearby.
  • Hiding options for the PC – This is one part I’ve actually been able to code myself, although only to some degree and not very functionally. In games like Metal Gear Solid and Hitman: Blood Money, you’re able to hide in human sized containers, and this is the exact type of thing that would work in New Vegas. The PC could hide in things like dumpsters and lockers to evade or hide from enemies.
  • Hiding dead/unconcious bodies – To go along with the dead/unconscious bodies alerting NPCs – being able to stash or hide bodies in dumpsters or lockers would allow make the player a bit more aware of leaving bodies just lying around. To go along with this, grabbing bodies should slow the PC significantly, since realistically, you wouldn’t be able to run around while holding a 130+ pound
  • Destructable Light Sources – Think about Splinter Cell games – you shoot out lights and suddenly combat is on your terms. I’m not sure how plausible this is in the Gamebryo engine, but it would be cool to see.
  • Other stealth based tweaks – I know there are many mods that do this already (Arwen’s, XFO, etc.) but stealth gameplay needs a bit of a rebalance. Sneaking in Power Armor and heavy armors should be nigh impossible, even with maxed out Sneak. Light sources should have a higher impact on sneaking, and sneaking with a weapon out should make you more exposed.
  • Security/Hacking Overhaul/Changes – I’ve seen a couple of mods that change this, but adding in lockbashing/explosive entry at the cost of damaging items inside of containers or alerting nearby NPCs would be a welcome addition. Real time lockpicking would also be a nice change in terms of realism (lockpicking causes everyone to stop shooting at you?)


Technical Considerations and details

This section is just for technical considerations – ie. Existing mods that do similar functionality, etc.

  • Syringes – Fallout 3 had Better Living Through Chems which added fillable Syringes as weapons. (http://fallout3nexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1745)
  • Dumpster/Locker Hiding – Activating the container should make the player unable to move and turn them around (functions in the GECK: DisablePlayerControls and SetAngle?) – as well as playing the “container open sound”. When inside of the container, a HUD Overlay could be put on screen to simulate looking out of the dumpster or locker (see also Fallout 3 Helmet POV/Project Nevada’s Helm POV : http://fallout3nexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=11474)
  • Dart Gun/Poison Darts - http://www.newvegasnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=36887 , http://www.newvegasnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=36456
  • Destroyable Statics - http://newvegasnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=37501


While many of these ideas/mechanics may require NVSE to be developed much further, the mod could be released in a modular format (one ESP for weapons, one for balance changes, etc.)

Gameplay Examples

Gameplay videos from related games will go here (when I'm not at work!)
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Lauren Graves
 
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