Concept Art Speculation, Analysis of our gallery Options

[Ren]

Note: As the Gallery page states, according to Jagex the vast majority of Tom W's and all of Kristian F and Samantha H's posted artwork is not for MechScape, but Darren B's is.

Pick one or more interesting images from the gallery and tell us what you think it could mean for MechScape.
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The purpose of this thread is to discuss the MechScape Concept Art gallery and the various images in it created by Jagex employees.

Specifically it is to discuss:
* The likelihood that a specific image or group of images were created for MechScape.
* The nature of what a picture represents, and what this could reveal about MechScape.
* How different images relate to each other. Are there common themes, similarities, things which can be discerned from looking at the gallery as a whole?

Anyone in or interesting in joining the Research & Information team would do well to participate in this thread, as it is a good chance to show off your skills. I'll pitch in with my thoughts at some point.

Note: If you know a particular image is for something other than MechScape then post about it on this thread.

Note: As the Gallery page states, according to Jagex the vast majority of Tom W's and all of Kristian F and Samantha H's posted artwork is not for MechScape, but Darren B's is.

[Max]

I noticed two big trends and they are that there is a culture that is biological and the other technological. What I mean by that is you have this image that is built from materials like building a how today. On the other end you have something that is grown or living like this similar to the Flood in Halo or Zerg is StarCraft. While it's two different authors making the images it could either say that one or the other is MechScape. But it also could just simply mean that there is at least two sides in MechScape. One based on biology and the other technology. This could build on the idea were Ren was suggesting that there would be possible alternate tutorials when the game begins due to what race or alignment you choose.

Looking future at the buildings I come to this image titled Pliiai Research Creature. (not sure about the first word) It have dimensions marked down that it is 4 by 4 and goes in the center of a 8 by 8 room. This is suggesting that the game will be tilled like RuneScape. Another interesting part is that the brain has in parenthesis 'upgradable'. Now back to the title we see the word research. I'm thinking it suggests that there will maybe be some sort or research skill or the game is influenced on this in some way.

might do more later...

[Ren]

Some good observations. I agree that there seems to be two themes, one technological and one biological.

Quotes from Darren B's concept art:
* Denaco Crater Banks Miner Vehicle (inc. Mining Lasers)
* Pliigi tutorial Level 0 Land Vehicle (inc. Central Organic Track)
* Pliigi Tutorial Caravan (Base) - has comment "where ships emerge"
* Pliigi Tutorial Caravan Variations 2
* Pliigi Research Creature
* Pliigi Aberrations Creatures 1 (inc. herd creature)
* Malju'nik Pliigi Houses 1
* Malju'nik Pliigi Houses 2
* Malju'nik Pliigi Buildings (inc. Temp Research Station, Work Benchs, Bio Containment)

Also popular are coloured vertical beams: #1 (Tom W), #2 (Darren B)
Also worth comparing these structures: #1 (Darren B), Tom W: #2, #3, #4

[Max]

I think I can prove that there will be a mining skill or some sort of activity. This concept suggests this in plain view. Following up with my last mention of the grid this is 1 by 1... so a lot smaller then the research drawing on my previous post. It looks as if the driver is sealed inside completely to avoid poisons and the other dangers of mining. There are two lazers on this suggesting that instead of the player doing it by hand there will be several types of vehicles used instead of doing it by tool in hand in RuneScape.

Looking back at the research building versus this image you notice that the first word of the title are words that don't really exist. Maybe these are two factions or races in the game? Denaco and Pliiai. The Denaco looks to be the technological race while the Pliiai is biological oriented.

Looking back at this concept art which suggests a tutorial style beginning to the game. The 'pore' areas have a label that says this is where the ships enter into the base. This gives us an idea of the size of this. Instead of maybe the size of a person it would be changed to at least a large building or possibly a skyscraper sized building.

Again you see in the title the word Pliiai suggesting that this is a race. So if by chance these were MechScape concept arts I can say is confidence that there is at least two races that are about opposites.

Because it is also suggesting a tutorial is taking place here it opens up the door that this is a playable race or faction. Since we don't have a Denaco race or faction 'tutorial' base then we still cant completely assume that there will be more then one tutorial variation but it doesn't look like it wouldn't be too far away either. It would be more likely for Jagex allowing us to play human character instead of an alien character so if we were able to play an alien character (the Pliiai) then we can also assume that the Denaco race is more human like... what we usually invision our future to be is somewhat like this or at least is technologically based rather then biologically.

For the amount of rockets, guns, and other weapons that are suggesting that this is going to be a lot of combat or at least it will be a large part of the game. Since there is going to be a lot of fighting because why would they make guns and not use them? So I'm thinking that the game will be somewhat (or totaly) Pliiai vs Denaco.

Going back to the tutorial base, it also suggests that there will be some part of flying. For instance one of these three ships could be flying in and out of the tutorial base. Although it looks as if there ships are Denaco style.

again, might do more later...

[Ren]

If you look at Samamtha H's work (based on a Jagex sample sheet) there seems to be quite a lot of variety in characters. The ones with hats look like a magic race (some with swords and others just hats), then there are mechs (bipedal and tripedal), then there are trolls (some with spears) and perhaps also warrior human-like characters.

I think I can prove that there will be a mining skill or some sort of activity. This concept suggests this in plain view

Yes, I agree that there seems to be some sort of mining activity on a crater - that was the inspiration for my story Welcome to Denaco Crater.

Following up with my last mention of the grid this is 1 by 1... so a lot smaller then the research drawing on my previous post. It looks as if the driver is sealed inside completely to avoid poisons and the other dangers of mining. There are two lazers on this suggesting that instead of the player doing it by hand there will be several types of vehicles used instead of doing it by tool in hand in RuneScape.

While there is no indication that the user will participate in the mining, it would make sense that they'd be user-controlled - especially considering each one is only 1 block square in size. Considering there is a cab it seems that the user would actually get in the vehicle to control it as opposed to remote control, although on the other hand there is also a camera.

Looking back at the research building versus this image you notice that the first word of the title are words that don't really exist. Maybe these are two factions or races in the game? Denaco and Pliiai. The Denaco looks to be the technological race while the Pliiai is biological oriented.

I am fairly sure that it is Pliigi not Pliiai. I am fairly sure that Pliigi is a race (as there are talks about a "pliigi dude") and Malju'nuk could be a place inhabited by the Pliigi, but am not as convinced by Denaco being a race. The only thing we have for them is "Denaco Crater Banks Miners Vehicle" which could be referring to the crater Denaco as opposed to the race, and could even be trying to say that Banks is the name of the race (although I doubt that). I do however agree that there is most likely at least one technological race and one biological race.

Going back to the tutorial base, it also suggests that there will be some part of flying. For instance one of these three ships could be flying in and out of the tutorial base. Although it looks as if there ships are Denaco style.

Well, a "space base" with corridors and creatures was mentioned in a Jagex interview.

[Max]

I am fairly sure that it is Pliigi not Pliiai. I am fairly sure that Pliigi is a race (as there are talks about a "pliigi dude") and Malju'nuk could be a place inhabited by the Pliigi, but am not as convinced by Denaco being a race. The only thing we have for them is "Denaco Crater Banks Miners Vehicle" which could be referring to the crater Denaco as opposed to the race, and could even be trying to say that Banks is the name of the race (although I doubt that). I do however agree that there is most likely at least one technological race and one biological race.

Thanks for clearing it up. I wasn't sure if it was pliigi, pliiui, pliiai or whatever.

As for the Denaco... yes it is probably a location now that you got me thinking about it. A geological location such as a crater gives to mind that you will be either (or any comination) on the surface of at least one planet, moon, or asteroid. Since there is space craft and bases I'm starting it think that this will be oriented in space and on the surface of some planets. There isn't much to support this so I'm not going to go into too much.

Another possible miner vehicle, although extremely more likey it is used for moving materials, is this image. You don't see a cab on this one and it could just as well be a robot but then notice that the size of this is huge. You see two small people drawn it between its legs. This is also another trend I see a lot. The fact that some vehicles are extremly larger then the people themselves. This is a land based vehical or maybe is used in the bases. Since we don't know the actual size of the base we can only see this is used to move things. Any other uses aren't known. So the size rules out that this is a miner vechical but shows us that there will be both very large and somewhat small vehicles.

A small thing that doesn't really mean too much but might be a little interesting is that the machine appears to have a face.

Don't forget "space bases" with corridors and creatures were mentioned in an interview.

In what interview?... I'm not sure I remember this one.

In the case that there will be places to travel in space bases you can consider the fact that possibly there will be things like traveling from one base to another. I'm not sure if they will do some cheesy action cut deal and you travel instantly like in RuneScape but it possibility is out there.

This image suggests that MechScape will probably be placed in space. Although stars or space like elements aren't drawn in it appears to be a docking station. Either way this supports the fact there will be space vechicals used in MechScape.

[Cursed]

...
Also popular are coloured vertical beams: #1 (Tom W), #2 (Darren B)
...

Yeah another image to help support this can be found here.

They obviously must all be related in some way shape or form for the beams and sci-finess if you will.

[Ren]

Yeah another image to help support this can be found here.

They obviously must all be related in some way shape or form for the beams and sci-finess if you will.

If you compare the one you posted with Darren's they are quite similar. Both feature a stylised fortified structure with light emanating from a central entrance with vertical beams of the same colour on the edge of the structure and a clear limited path to get to the entrance.

[Max]

Why would be put them in \'natural\' structures?
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This appears to be an actual render from Jagex\'s homebrewed software.
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Can anyone read the writing on this? Looks to be a combination or variants of the same type of vehicle.



This post has been edited by Max: Nov 17 2008, 04:08 PM

[Cursed]

How do you know he put them in natural/ directory?


Plus,

I think the middle image (the center one that has text) I think it says "Continues from water style" or something.

[Max]

How do you know he put them in natural/ directory?

My computer acted up. I'm talking about virtual beams occurring in nature.

[Asfastasdark]

To revive this: The beams. The way they stand out and reach out into the sky like a never-ending reverse waterfall gives me the feeling that they may be some sort of "aura" or a "substance" that emits some sort of... something. I don't know what, but the first thing that comes to mind is that it reminds me of the rune essence mine in RuneScape, those large towering rocks and their mystical powers. Though I don't think MechScape will have a very mystical/magical theme to it at all, I do think that this is supposed to emit some sort of something. Really, I don't know what that something is supposed to be.

http://www.mechscapeworld.com/forums/index...=si&img=108
See how it says "Market Stall" and "Lights"? I also think this Pligii race (I do believe it is a race) is biological, but through this, also more humanlike in that the biological world strives for symbiotic relationships like trade among the people, helping each other in very simple ways. The Pliggi Tutorial Caravan for example, might be like a way of public transportation and a mobile "town center" at the same time. Then the ships entering and leaving the "pores" shows the trade that thrives and that these Caravans are metropolises of the Pliggi. Back to the link I gave you at the beginning of this paragraph. It also shows "produce" and "bio containment." This seems like they are also a very agricultural and worldly (as we know it, the world) society, but using technology (though not as much as the Denaco... whatever the Denaco may be, race, society, company?) to advance such as these greenhouse-like structures. Additionally, of all of the Pliigi vehicles I've looked at, they each seem to imitate some animal. They seem to have used nature for their own needs. But going along with the "extreme" (discussed later) sci-fi theme, this may be either a crazy genetic engineering feat by the Pliigi or a crazy genetic mutation, which people use and even live in, all going along with the insane post-industrial society theme.

http://www.mechscapeworld.com/forums/index...=si&img=170
That right there doesn't look like a character or a vehicle; no, it looks more like a building. But what could it be? It's so gray and somber, contaminated looking, like a dead city. Reminds me of Ukraine, Moldavia, etc. Those ex-Soviet countries that through poverty have become lands of the chemical factories and all the nature has turned into a bleak land of barren trees and gray grass, and in the background you see high towers emitting white clouds of chemical waste. This is a factory, most likely. It reminds me entirely of the big old factory in the game Syberia. In that game there was this huge, mechanical factory, completely empty, and very dark. I think this is part of either the Denaco, or of some other undiscovered (to us non-Jagex people) race/society. It seems to me that this is going to be a very industrial side of things.

Now what I'm thinking is that the "mining skill" discussed will be different than you guys think, judging by the way everything else is looking in terms of complexity, originality, and sci-fi. I think that the mining vehicle will rather be used for some sort of exploration of some sort to go along with the Interior (see the pictures of the factory-like building in Thomas Woode's gallery) pictures. It does give me a "mine" vibe, but different than in the sense of retrieving ores and smelting them or whatever. These Interior pictures look more like a nuclear factory, or maybe a factory of weapons or some other "extreme item" that is being mass-produced. When I say "extreme item" I'm referring to the things that I was interested in that you didn't hear a lot about like nuclear energy or other things that are only used in sci-fi games... The weapons would go along perfectly with Kristian F's gallery here:
http://www.mechscapeworld.com/forums/index...q=sc&cat=15
Those two tank-like vehicles with the rocket-like points on those platforms gives me the idea that this is a new group, a combat-like race.

Speculating about all this is very interesting...

This post has been edited by Asfastasdark: Dec 30 2008, 05:54 PM

[Ren]

Some interesting speculation there Asfastasdark.

(though not as much as the Denaco... whatever the Denaco may be, race, society, company?)

Denaco could be related to the crater itself. Either the name of the rock, its class (like M-class planet) or its location (a crater in the Denaco nebula).

That right there doesn't look like a character or a vehicle; no, it looks more like a building.

Its description is "A new sci-fi building".

[Asfastasdark]

Some interesting speculation there Asfastasdark.

(though not as much as the Denaco... whatever the Denaco may be, race, society, company?)

Denaco could be related to the crater itself. Either the name of the rock, its class (like M-class planet) or its location (a crater in the Denaco nebula).

That's very possible what you're saying there Ren.

That right there doesn't look like a character or a vehicle; no, it looks more like a building.

Its description is "A new sci-fi building".

I wish there was a facepalm smiley on this forum... I just realized how stupid it was for me to point that out. I didn't even look at the description...


Edit:

OK, some more speculation for ya... We've only really talked about the Pliigi and Denaco but not these folks.

They look like the army to me. I think one of the goals Jagex is trying to accomplish with these "races" is to have certain "categories" that players will fall in. If that speculation is correct, then all the players that just love combat and fighting would choose to be one of these. Then whatever the Pliigi specialize in (maybe skilling, getting farming/growing crops) would be where all the players that like their style would fall in. Now I'm not sure that this theory is correct because it would seem strange for Jagex to give players the opportunity to only do one thing at a time, but it might be correct if they twist things a certain way so that everyone can still do the same things, but that they (perhaps) specialize in their one "job"--that is, their "race"'s job or skill of specialization. This would lead me to say that this game will have a much more civilization-style approach rather than the RuneScape-style, whatever that may be. I've always found (though I haven't really played any other MMORPG or MMO before) that RuneScape has a really... sucky society. For the most part, everyone just works for themselves and goes about their own business, skilling themselves, and very isolated from everyone else, barely any groups. So I think that maybe, but again, this is way to early to say, I'm just letting my mind wander, that maybe Jagex is trying to create a game in which everyone functions like in a real civilization, to get a solid community going.
http://staff.orcsd.org/tallen/ten_characte...f_civilizat.htm
I'm just using this as an example, and in a game environment, numbers 2, 3, 8, and 9 can be disregarded. So if my theory is correct then people of each "race" would really fulfill number 6 on this list, and through what they do interacting with other social classes or "races" they would fulfill number 5. Maybe Jagex is trying to turn this into a great game not just gameplay-wise but also community-wise.

Just speculation, and really vague and unsupported too... but it might spring some discussion, who knows.

This post has been edited by Asfastasdark: Jan 1 2009, 12:01 AM

[mesheke]

ok if yall would read my other thread i meantioned this too these army men dudes may be recruitible mercenarys that u can use to aid u in like a clan war or something like cabals nation war

[mesheke]

soz bout the duble post but this just dawned on me if anyones ever heard of darkfall this may b somewhat like what theyre trying to do one world but u pick a class that makes it seem like u have to do things theyre way but its more of like a cultural thing something to add to the story

[Goldflame]

I am sure that I will miss quite a few points here - if I do, please point them out to me.

Similarities between these images and other games - Some of these images seem to have been copied off of, or inspired by other games. There is, of course, the chance that these are simply random coincidences. These are:
A Tank(suggested to be part of a combat race, I'm thinking human) - is almost a straight up rip-off of the Whirl Wind from Warhammer 40K.
Pliigi Research Creature - which looks a lot like a Seeder from Gears of War 2, although in Gears it is used as a type of artillery, so they're not completely similar.
Caravan - looks like a Nemacyst(bad picture).
Environmental_13, 1193229488 Lastly is the question of the structures shooting coloured beams into the sky. There are a few possible reasons for these. One could be that they are a form of communication, with slight variations in them carrying messages(sort of like a high-tech version of Morse Code - communication at light speed. They could also be radio waves, etc.. Another possibility is that they are a form of anti-orbital weapon, although this seems unlikely because they are constantly firing. Personally, I think they may be waste products from energy production.

Also, I think that there are probably going to be around 4, maybe more races.

Pliigi - The most well-documented one, biologically based. They are comparable to the Zerg, as well as Locust. There's not much to be said that hasn't been said already.

Tau - From the Thomas Woode Portfolio - The race here seems to be a Tau-like society. I say this based on the colouring scheme as well as the model shapes. The one in particular that really seems like the Tau to me is http://www.mechscapeworld.com/forums/index...=si&img=144. It reminds me of a Tau BattleSuit. The Tau are futuristic, sleek, but physically weak. They are VERY technologically adept.

Humans - Also From the Thomas Woode Portfolio - There is most likely going to be a human race. Most sci-fi games have a human race to give people something to compare against, etc. This would be the balanced society, which is involved in everything, and is generally a beginner's group. I was looking at this when I wrote this part up. I believe that the following images are human - Tank, Machine Gun and Rocket Anti-Air and(maybe) Anti - Infantry Turrets

Also from the Thomas Woode Portfolio - Some sort of golden mushroom. I have no clue what these are... some sort of growable energy source?

And, again, if I missed any arguments that contradict my points, please point me to them and I'll see what I can figure out. This could be a good opportunity for a discussion.

This post has been edited by Goldflame: Jan 3 2009, 12:26 AM

[Ren]

Similarities between these images and other games - Some of these images seem to have been copied off of, or inspired by other games. There is, of course, the chance that these are simply random coincidences.

The ones where you think it is a direct copy belongs at this thread. The similarities between the fighting units and 40K units is quite plain, and could mean that the artwork was drawn as modelling tests or portfolio work as opposed to for MechScape. As I discuss in my 2008 review article the best hope we have in terms of it being likely to be from MechScape is the Darren B artwork as this seems much less derivative and much more like concept art than any of the others. This probably followed by Samantha H's work which we know wasn't made specifically for MechScape but was based on Jagex briefs for Jagex. Oh, and the Tom W work with Jagex copyright on it seems like it could well be MechScape too.

Lastly is the question of the structures shooting coloured beams into the sky.

Some interesting ideas about the beams there. My initial thought was that they were power related.

[mesheke]

i still think theyre part of something like nation wars or capture the flag were u capture the beam sections allthough that is a huge area but if u look at how many people participate in cabals nation wars its like a cuple million

and from my post before hers a link to what i mean http://www.darkfallonline.com/races/ look under features and FAQ for more

This post has been edited by mesheke: Jan 3 2009, 12:52 AM

[Asfastasdark]

Goldflame: Nice find on that WH40K tank! It's like completely the same, including the tire pattern and the missile arrangement and everything!
As to the Pliigi creatures: I think they are more nature-inspired (especially algae and other small marine creatures) then anything.

In response to Mesheke's post: I have already had the feeling that Jagex turns some portions of RuneScape into a complete "game" rather than a real "fantasy medieval world," for example in castle wars or gnomeball. Now since this game is supposed to be for a more mature audience and knowing the nature of a few other science fiction games, I wouldn't say that this is some sort of mini-game, I'm thinking either power, communication, or defense or keeping the planet atmosphere in control or something.