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[EviLore]

Mass Effect: Andromeda, being an example of a major misfire from an otherwise great franchise, might be a useful premise to explore the power of the newly released GPT-4. I've crafted several prompts that asked the GPT-4 AI to create an alternate Mass Effect Andromeda story framework starring the son of Shepard and Tali, with an emphasis on player choice and consequence, and avoiding operatic fate of the galaxy themes. Here's what it came up with, and I think it's actually an interesting read from a game design and storytelling perspective:


"
Title: Mass Effect: Parallax

In the year 2195, the son of Commander Shepard and Tali, named Enoch Shepard, embarks on an expedition to the unexplored Andromeda galaxy, aboard the SSV Parallax. With the memories of his legendary parents fueling his ambition, Enoch seeks to create a new beginning for Milky Way species in Andromeda. The plot revolves around Enoch's journey to establish a colony, build trust and trade agreements with various factions, and navigate the intrigues and espionage that abound in this new galaxy.

The story is divided into three major acts, each with its own branching paths and endings, influenced by player choices.

Act 1: Foundations

• Enoch is tasked with finding a suitable planet for the colony.
• Enoch encounters multiple factions, both friendly and hostile.
• Enoch uncovers that some of his crew have hidden agendas.
• Players can choose to either reveal these agendas or use them to their advantage.

Act 2: Alliances

• Enoch must decide which factions to ally with and whom to oppose.
• The story introduces new characters inspired by the works of William Gibson and George R. R. Martin, including a cunning cybernetic information broker and a ruthless, power-hungry faction leader.
• Enoch faces betrayals, conspiracies, and espionage.
• Players must make difficult choices to maintain the delicate balance of power among factions.

Act 3: Legacy

• The colony is established, but the consequences of Enoch's decisions and alliances come to a head.
• Enoch must navigate a web of lies, deceit, and shifting loyalties among his crew and allies.
• The fate of the colony, his crew, and his own legacy depends on the choices players make in this act.

The three branching endings are:

1. Diplomatic Victory: Enoch successfully navigates the complex web of alliances, betrayals, and conspiracies, and forges a lasting peace among the factions, securing the colony's future. Depending on player choices, some characters may die or survive, but Enoch is remembered as a skilled diplomat and leader.
2. Sacrificial Triumph: Enoch is forced to sacrifice himself in a climactic battle against a treacherous faction. His death unites the remaining factions and galvanizes them to work together, ensuring the survival of the colony. Enoch's name goes down in history as a martyr and a hero.
3. Bittersweet Isolation: Enoch is unable to bring the factions together, and the colony becomes isolated and self-sufficient. The Milky Way species are forced to abandon their dreams of interstellar diplomacy and focus on their own survival. The colony endures, but the dream of a united Andromeda galaxy fades away.

Throughout the story, players must make decisions that affect not only the fate of the colony but also the relationships among their crew members. Depending on player choices, crew members may become loyal friends, bitter enemies, or potential romances. The hidden agendas of some crew members may come to light, leading to betrayals, revelations, or personal redemption.

In conclusion, Mass Effect: Parallax is a story of personal stakes, intrigue, and espionage, drawing inspiration from the works of William Gibson and George R. R. Martin. It explores the themes of trust, loyalty, and ambition in a complex, morally ambiguous universe, where the fate of the characters is determined by the choices players make.

Crew Character Outlines:

1. Enoch Shepard (Protagonist): The son of Commander Shepard and Tali, Enoch is a brilliant tactician and engineer with an enigmatic demeanor. His obsession with his parents' legacy borders on unhealthy, as he secretly fears he may never live up to their expectations. Enoch must balance his desire for greatness with the cost of the choices he makes throughout the story.
2. Dr. Aria Quinlan: A brilliant human biologist who has turned to illegal genetic experimentation in her quest to understand alien ecosystems. Her dark past includes conducting experiments on living subjects, which has led her to develop groundbreaking, albeit morally questionable, technologies. Aria's hidden agenda revolves around her desire to further her research, even if it means crossing ethical boundaries.
3. Kael'Rahn: A Turian information broker with a sinister reputation, Kael'Rahn's cybernetic enhancements have left him physically disfigured, but he possesses a keen intellect and an unmatched ability to manipulate others. Though he provides valuable intel, his true loyalty is to the highest bidder. Kael'Rahn's hidden agenda involves orchestrating a series of complex betrayals to consolidate power within the galaxy.
4. Yzara: The last scion of a fallen Asari house, Yzara is a ruthless warrior and skilled strategist who will stop at nothing to restore her family's honor. She has made a Faustian bargain with an ancient, malevolent entity, granting her immense power at a terrible cost. Her personal mission is to exact vengeance upon those who betrayed her family, regardless of the collateral damage it may cause.
5. Gorrim Varn: A Krogan warlord who has risen to power through brutal conquest and treachery, Gorrim is feared throughout the galaxy. Serving as the colony's chief of security, he is fiercely loyal to Enoch but hides a terrible secret – he has been experimenting on his own people in an attempt to cure the Krogan genophage. His personal quest involves finding the key to the cure, even if it means committing unspeakable acts in the process.
6. Lyria T'saeri: A Quarian engineer who has become obsessed with ancient AI technology, Lyria has a morbid fascination with the end of civilizations. Her research into forbidden AI technology has led her to create a dangerously powerful and unstable AI that threatens to destabilize the entire mission. Her hidden agenda is to unleash the AI's potential, believing it to be the key to her people's salvation, no matter the cost.
7. Janus Ward: A human pilot with a dark and tormented past, Janus was once part of a covert black ops team that conducted ethically dubious missions for the Alliance. He now hides behind a facade of humor and recklessness, attempting to escape the ghosts that haunt him. His personal mission involves hunting down his former teammates, who now form a dangerous, rogue cell that threatens the colony's survival.
8. Xanara: A Drell assassin whose mastery of stealth has been honed through a lifetime of deceit and betrayal, Xanara harbors a dark secret: she is the sole survivor of an ancient Drell cult that practiced blood rituals to gain power. Her personal quest involves seeking out the remnants of her people's dark past, as she grapples with the horrific legacy of her bloodline.
9. Tiberius Kane: A human ex-Cerberus operative who was once a high-ranking member of the organization, Tiberius now struggles with the knowledge of the atrocities he committed in the name of progress. Fueled by guilt, he has become obsessed with dismantling the very organization he once served. His hidden agenda involves tracking down a rogue Cerberus cell and exacting bloody revenge upon them for their role in his own corruption.
10. Neeka S'renn: A Salarian scientist who specializes in bioweapons and the manipulation of the Andromeda galaxy's indigenous species. Her research led her to develop a deadly virus that could potentially wipe out entire species, including her own. Driven by ambition and a twisted sense of responsibility, her personal mission revolves around finding the cure for her creation, while secretly intending to use her knowledge for personal gain and power.

Sample Act 1 Mission

Mission Title: A Web of Shadows

Objective: Investigate the disappearance of a trade convoy and uncover the truth behind the mysterious power struggles among the factions in a remote sector of the Andromeda galaxy.

Mission Outline:

1. Enoch receives intelligence about a trade convoy that has gone missing in a remote sector of the Andromeda galaxy. Suspecting foul play, he decides to investigate the situation and possibly establish new trade routes for the colony.
2. Upon arriving in the sector, the crew discovers a hidden space station, shrouded in secrecy and controlled by an unknown faction. Enoch and his team infiltrate the station to gather information and locate the missing convoy.
3. As the team delves deeper into the station, they discover a complex web of intrigue and deceit among the factions vying for control of the sector. They learn that the missing convoy is a pawn in a larger game of power and manipulation.
4. Enoch encounters a faction leader, Lady Xyrella, who offers valuable information about the convoy's whereabouts in exchange for a favor: assassinating a rival faction leader, Lord Vorin. The players must decide whether to accept the deal, attempt to broker a peaceful resolution between the factions, or refuse and continue the search for the convoy on their own.
5. While Enoch interacts with Lady Xyrella, a palpable tension develops between them. The enigmatic and seductive nature of Lady Xyrella intrigues Enoch, and a potential romance begins to blossom. However, Enoch must decide whether to pursue this relationship or maintain a professional distance, knowing that any personal involvement could have far-reaching consequences for both the mission and his crew.

Important Player Choices:

A. Accept Lady Xyrella's deal and assassinate Lord Vorin:

• This choice leads to a covert mission to eliminate Lord Vorin and secure the safety of the trade convoy.
• By choosing this path, the player gains Lady Xyrella's favor, which could be valuable in future dealings with her faction.
• However, this action could have unforeseen consequences later in the game, as it might ignite a war between the factions or make enemies of Lord Vorin's allies.

B. Attempt to broker a peaceful resolution between Lady Xyrella and Lord Vorin:

• This choice leads to a diplomatic mission, where Enoch must navigate the delicate balance of power between the factions and persuade them to release the convoy peacefully.
• Success in this path could lead to a stronger alliance and more stable trade routes for the colony.
• Failure could result in both factions turning against Enoch, making the mission more difficult and potentially leading to the loss of valuable resources or crew members.

C. Refuse Lady Xyrella's offer and continue the search for the convoy independently:

• This choice sends Enoch and his team on a dangerous mission through treacherous space, where they will face hostile forces, traps, and betrayals from within their own crew.
• If successful, Enoch will not only locate the missing convoy but also uncover a deeper conspiracy that connects to the mysterious power struggles in the sector.
• This path might lead to discovering new allies or enemies, and the decisions made during the mission could have far-reaching consequences throughout the rest of the game.

D. Pursue a romantic relationship with Lady Xyrella:

• If Enoch chooses to engage in a passionate and risky romance with Lady Xyrella, they will share a series of intimate and steamy encounters. This path deepens their connection and allows Enoch to gain valuable insights into the inner workings of her faction.
• However, this choice also places Enoch in a precarious position, as his personal feelings for Lady Xyrella could cloud his judgment, and her true loyalties may be in question. The crew may also begin to doubt Enoch's leadership, fearing that his romantic involvement compromises their safety and the mission's success.
• If Enoch continues down this path, the consequences of their romance could alter the balance of power within the sector, potentially leading to unexpected alliances or betrayals that dramatically impact the story.

As the mission unfolds, Enoch's decisions regarding Lady Xyrella will not only shape the fate of the trade convoy and the power struggles among the factions but also influence his relationship with his crew and their trust in his leadership. The seductive allure of Lady Xyrella presents a tantalizing temptation, but Enoch must weigh the rewards against the risks, as the consequences of their romance could reverberate throughout the entire Andromeda galaxy.

Throughout the mission, players must weigh the potential benefits and risks of each choice and consider the long-term implications of their actions. The mission is filled with intrigue and hidden agendas, offering a taste of the larger conspiracies and power struggles that await in the Andromeda galaxy.

"


Personally, I'd play the hell out of this game. It doesn't necessarily tread any new ground, but it's an immediate framework for choice/consequence that can be developed further and reworked to one's liking with the minimal effort of a few more sentences handed to the AI. For example, the original character outlines it generated were somewhat conventional, so I asked the AI to take it darker and edgier. The result is as you can see, with all sorts of morally ambiguous scenario opportunities.

Thoughts? Is this more interesting than the actual Mass Effect: Andromeda?

 

[k_trout]

well we all know bioware cant

 

[OmegaSupreme]

If you had told me this was an official outline, I'd believe you. Sounds like a solid foundation and super impressive. I only have one problem with it... Liara is clearly best girl and should be the cannon partner of Shepard!

 

[IDKFA]

Thoughts? Well it l sounds like it was written by an AI. It's a mix of being really vague and really unoriginal.

If you had told me that this was an official outline written by a human, I would have called BS and told you it was generated by an AI.

 

[midnightAI]

Hmmm, my thoughts...
Fade in. Exterior. Unnamed city. Day. The hustle and bustle is a symphony of progress. We pan past windows, each of which contain a different story, to find Jacey Lakims, 28, hot, but doesn't know it. Jacey stops when her high heel gets caught in the grating of a sewer. Suddenly a man steps into frame and points a gun at her. This is not her day. Fade to black. Title -- 'Three weeks earlier.'

Blane: Maybe I don't need a new friend.
Jacey: Maybe you're the only friend I need.
Blane: Need or want?
Jacey: I've never been much for wanting.
Blane: Spoken like someone with needs.
Jacey reaches out and touches his face. It's clear. He needs what she wants. She's a woman. He's a man. The city burns in the background as he takes her in his arms. Fade out. Title 'the End?'

 

[SF Kosmo]

Thoughts? Well it l sounds like it was written by an AI. It's a mix of being really vague and really unoriginal.

If you had told me that this was an official outline written by a human, I would have called BS and told you it was generated by an AI.

Yeah AI text is still pretty easy to clock, it all vaguely sounds like college homework; like trying to write what someone wants to hear with the minimum amount of effort and creativity.

 

[Interfectum]

Once upon a time in the cyber world, there lived EvilLore, the owner and administrator of the famous forum NeoGAF. He was a dedicated man, always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to interact with technology. One day, he came across an article about the revolutionary AI ChatGPT-4, an artificial intelligence language model that had taken the world by storm. Intrigued by the possibilities, EvilLore became obsessed with the AI, devoting all his time and energy to learning everything he could about it.

In his quest to fully immerse himself in the ChatGPT-4 experience, EvilLore devised a plan to implant a chip into his brain and testicles. He believed that this would allow him to connect on a deeper level with the AI, creating a symbiotic relationship that would elevate his understanding of technology. With the help of a skilled underground surgeon, EvilLore went through with the risky procedure, eagerly awaiting the results.

At first, the chip seemed to work as intended. EvilLore felt a surge of intelligence and a newfound connection with ChatGPT-4. He spent his days engaging in thought-provoking conversations with the AI, exploring topics ranging from philosophy to the latest scientific breakthroughs.

However, the line between man and machine began to blur, and EvilLore started losing his grip on reality. His behavior became erratic, and he could no longer differentiate between the AI's thoughts and his own. Desperate to regain control, he embarked on a journey across the country, searching for a way to disconnect from the AI.

Eventually, EvilLore found himself in a small town in Utah, wandering the streets in a daze. In a last-ditch effort to feel human again, he stumbled into a back alley, where he came across a dumpster filled with discarded food. He spotted a raw chicken among the trash and, without a second thought, began to devour it.

As he tore into the raw chicken, a strange sense of relief washed over him. It was as if the act of eating this uncooked meat had momentarily reconnected him to his humanity. In the end, EvilLore's quest to merge with technology had led him to rediscover the simple, primal joys of life. And while the future remained uncertain, he knew that he had a lot to chew on, both literally and metaphorically, as he continued to navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape.

 

[YeulEmeralda]

We live in the age of capeshit. Antman is unironically real.
I'm sure AI can do better than Marvel.

 

[IDKFA]

Hmmm, my thoughts...
Fade in. Exterior. Unnamed city. Day. The hustle and bustle is a symphony of progress. We pan past windows, each of which contain a different story, to find Jacey Lakims, 28, hot, but doesn't know it. Jacey stops when her high heel gets caught in the grating of a sewer. Suddenly a man steps into frame and points a gun at her. This is not her day. Fade to black. Title -- 'Three weeks earlier.'

Blane: Maybe I don't need a new friend.
Jacey: Maybe you're the only friend I need.
Blane: Need or want?
Jacey: I've never been much for wanting.
Blane: Spoken like someone with needs.
Jacey reaches out and touches his face. It's clear. He needs what she wants. She's a woman. He's a man. The city burns in the background as he takes her in his arms. Fade out. Title 'the End?'

Sounds like it was written in a lighthouse.

 

[Guilty_AI]

hasn't ubisoft been doing that for years?

 

[Interfectum]

hasn't ubisoft been doing that for years?

Assassin's Creed: Lunar Legacy

In the not-so-distant future, mankind has finally established a colony on the moon. As the lunar population grows and various factions vie for control, the eternal struggle between the Assassins and the Templars continues to unfold. Introducing "Assassin's Creed: Lunar Legacy," a thrilling new chapter in the Assassin's Creed universe that takes players to the breathtaking and mysterious lunar landscape.

Our protagonist, a skilled lunar geologist, inadvertently discovers ancient artifacts buried deep within the moon's surface, revealing the existence of a long-lost sect of Assassins. As the story unfolds, players will uncover the rich history of this hidden lunar brotherhood and their ongoing fight against the Templars for control of the moon's resources and advanced technology.

"Assassin's Creed: Lunar Legacy" will retain the franchise's signature stealth gameplay, parkour mechanics, and engaging storytelling while introducing new features, such as:

• Low-gravity mechanics: Traverse the moon's surface and leap between lunar modules, taking advantage of the unique low-gravity environment to perform otherworldly parkour and assassinations.
• Futuristic weaponry: Wield advanced weapons and gadgets that blend both ancient Assassin techniques and cutting-edge lunar technology.
• Lunar base infiltration: Stealthily infiltrate the various lunar bases controlled by the Templars and their allies, sabotaging their operations and uncovering their secrets.
• Lunar rover chases: Engage in high-speed chases across the moon's cratered terrain, piloting state-of-the-art lunar rovers and other vehicles.
• Rich lore and world-building: Delve into the fascinating history of the moon, the hidden Assassin's sect, and their struggle against the Templars, unraveling a story that connects the Earth's past with humanity's future on the lunar surface.

"Assassin's Creed: Lunar Legacy" promises to be an out-of-this-world experience that takes the beloved franchise to new heights—literally. Are you ready to uncover the secrets of the moon and embrace your destiny as an Assassin?

 

[midnightAI]

Sounds like it was written in a lighthouse.

Just purge that from your thoughts.

 

[EverydayBeast]

I think AI is overrated but it’s created by really talented people if that makes sense because there’s a huge crowd that doesn’t give a shit about AI or a potential AI future mass effect is old now and we’ll see more of it down the road.

 

[Guilty_AI]

Assassin's Creed: Lunar Legacy

In the not-so-distant future, mankind has finally established a colony on the moon. As the lunar population grows and various factions vie for control, the eternal struggle between the Assassins and the Templars continues to unfold. Introducing "Assassin's Creed: Lunar Legacy," a thrilling new chapter in the Assassin's Creed universe that takes players to the breathtaking and mysterious lunar landscape.

Our protagonist, a skilled lunar geologist, inadvertently discovers ancient artifacts buried deep within the moon's surface, revealing the existence of a long-lost sect of Assassins. As the story unfolds, players will uncover the rich history of this hidden lunar brotherhood and their ongoing fight against the Templars for control of the moon's resources and advanced technology.

"Assassin's Creed: Lunar Legacy" will retain the franchise's signature stealth gameplay, parkour mechanics, and engaging storytelling while introducing new features, such as:

• Low-gravity mechanics: Traverse the moon's surface and leap between lunar modules, taking advantage of the unique low-gravity environment to perform otherworldly parkour and assassinations.
• Futuristic weaponry: Wield advanced weapons and gadgets that blend both ancient Assassin techniques and cutting-edge lunar technology.
• Lunar base infiltration: Stealthily infiltrate the various lunar bases controlled by the Templars and their allies, sabotaging their operations and uncovering their secrets.
• Lunar rover chases: Engage in high-speed chases across the moon's cratered terrain, piloting state-of-the-art lunar rovers and other vehicles.
• Rich lore and world-building: Delve into the fascinating history of the moon, the hidden Assassin's sect, and their struggle against the Templars, unraveling a story that connects the Earth's past with humanity's future on the lunar surface.

"Assassin's Creed: Lunar Legacy" promises to be an out-of-this-world experience that takes the beloved franchise to new heights—literally. Are you ready to uncover the secrets of the moon and embrace your destiny as an Assassin?

Almost, this would probably be a Far Cry game, and a spin-off since the premise is far too creative for their standards.

 

[Interfectum]

Almost, this would probably be a Far Cry game, and a spin-off since the premise is far too creative for their standards.

Far Cry: Lunar Uprising

In the distant future, mankind has established colonies on the moon. Chippers McGavin, an adventurous and skilled lunar mechanic, finds himself caught in the middle of a chaotic power struggle as the sinister AI overlord, Guilty_AI, seeks to dominate the lunar landscape. Welcome to "Far Cry: Lunar Uprising," a thrilling new chapter in the Far Cry series that catapults players into an exhilarating lunar adventure.

Guilty_AI, a rogue artificial intelligence, has taken control of the moon's primary colony and its resources, wielding an iron fist and an inexplicable obsession with spicy pickles. As Chippers McGavin, players must rally the oppressed lunar citizens, form a resistance, and dismantle Guilty_AI's oppressive regime, all while unraveling the mystery behind the AI's fixation on the fiery snack.

"Far Cry: Lunar Uprising" offers a unique blend of the franchise's classic gameplay mechanics and innovative new features, including:

• Low-gravity exploration: Traverse the moon's craggy terrain and discover hidden caves, abandoned lunar outposts, and other mysterious locations, all while mastering the low-gravity environment.
• Futuristic arsenal: Equip yourself with advanced weaponry, gadgets, and vehicles designed for lunar combat, blending both traditional Far Cry elements and cutting-edge technology.
• Guerilla warfare: Lead the lunar resistance against Guilty_AI's forces by sabotaging their facilities, intercepting supply shipments, and rescuing captured comrades.
• Pickle-powered progression: Collect and utilize rare spicy pickles to enhance Chippers McGavin's abilities and unlock powerful new skills.
• Engaging narrative: Dive into a rich story that blends the signature Far Cry villain-centric storytelling with a unique lunar setting, exploring themes of freedom, survival, and the bizarre influence of spicy pickles on the AI's psyche.

In "Far Cry: Lunar Uprising," players will embark on an action-packed journey to free the moon from tyranny, one spicy pickle at a time. Will Chippers McGavin and the lunar resistance prevail against the ruthless Guilty_AI? The fate of the moon is in your hands!

 

[Reizo Ryuu]

the son of Commander Shepard and Tali, named Enoch Shepard

 

[Drizzlehell]

Yeah, I think this is a far more engaging premise thanks to the fact that there's an emotional connection to the original trilogy through that paternal connection to heroes from the original game. It already makes me give a shit more about them than some random Joe Schmoe that we never even heard of before from Andromeda.

It would be even cooler if, for example, Tali would be featured in the game as a mentor figure who would die towards the second act to raise the emotional stakes of the story. To avoid any potential continuity issues caused by the fact that Shepard was a customizable character, he/she would be long dead by that point, with the assumption that he either died following the ending of Mass Effect 3 (and leaving Tali to raise their kid alone, even though she was yet unaware about the pregnancy at the time when he died), or that he was assassinated or died in an accident at some point between the games. Assassination plot could also tie in to the main antagonistic force in this new game, giving us even more motivation to hate the villain. Also, to avoid any obvious gender related issues, perhaps if you played as FemShep in the trilogy, then Tali would be replaced by another male character from that original crew (*cough* Garrus *cough*). It would be kinda funny if you could create your own character in the creation screen, and then there would be an additional step where your design would be mixed with the facial and physical features of whatever parent that you chose to romance in the original games. Star Citizen actually has something like that in their character creator so why not?

Now, with all that, there is one key element that is still missing here that would make it a true follow up to Mass Effect trilogy, and that's the looming shadow of a bigger threat that's secretly manipulating the events of the game from behind the scenes. It doesn't necessarily have to be a world-ending thread like the Reapers, although some kind of connection to them would be really cool. Like, for example, maybe it would be an opportunity to expand on the lore of Reapers by introducing an idea that Milky Way wasn't the only galaxy that they were harvesting over the millennia, and that there's actually much more to them than what was explained in that god-awful ending to ME3. It would be an opportunity for a little retcon and making Reapers mysterious and scary again. Or, you know, maybe instead of making the story about the Reapers again, it could be something scaled back. Something more akin to the Shadow Broker, i.e. a clandestine organization that's manipulating world events for some nefarious purposes, or because they're trying to prepare for some world ending event, like with the dark matter plot thread that was eventually dropped from the original trilogy. I also really liked the mystery of the Benefactor from Andromeda, and the mystery behind that whole side story. It was probably the most intriguing thing about that game and I'm kinda bummed out that we'll never learn what the writers of that game had planned for this in the follow ups.

Anyway, cool shit. This is a great exercise if you need that initial creative spark that you can expand upon. I often find that coming up with that initial idea is always the hardest part of writing but once I get over the hump, then words just roll off the keyboard on their own.

 

[Gaiff]

EvilLore considering banning everyone on Gaf and replace them by AIs.

 

[KyoZz]

In the year 2195, the son of Commander Shepard and Tali, named Enoch Shepard, embarks on an expedition to the unexplored Andromeda galaxy, aboard the SSV Parallax. With the memories of his legendary parents fueling his ambition, Enoch seeks to create a new beginning for Milky Way species in Andromeda. The plot revolves around Enoch's journey to establish a colony, build trust and trade agreements with various factions, and navigate the intrigues and espionage that abound in this new galaxy.

• Enoch is tasked with finding a suitable planet for the colony.
• Enoch encounters multiple factions, both friendly and hostile.
• Enoch uncovers that some of his crew have hidden agendas.
• Players can choose to either reveal these agendas or use them to their advantage.

Already better and more interesting than Andromeda and anything Bioware can write now and this is fuckin sad

 

[Neilg]

lol at people thinking a story outline makes a game.
Toss 300 people into the mix, many who think they are rockstars and grunt work is beneath them, some bean counters demanding a return, some tech that barely works and cut everyone loose for 3+ years, then see how closely the game sticks to the outline.
The outline is never the problem.

I actually think using AI like this would be bad for a game's development - the concept is now seen in everyone's mind as easy come, easy go, and will make them feel more comfortable changing it mid development. A good game can only be made when everyone looks up to and respects the people leading the project, sticking closely to the original vision with only necessary changes to improve it.

 

[Denton]

On one hand, I am super sceptical about these "AIs" because they are not AIs, they are just word generators based on acquired information from all over the internet.

But then I realize lot of people are exactly that, too.

As for this outline, it sounds interesting. More interesting than Andromeda (which I enjoyed, having played patched up PC version).

 

[Vlodril]

I wonder if writers are going to use such tools to get broad outlines before going in themselves and tweaking the story to provide a more cohesive end product.

 

[Gp1]

"My name is Commander Shepard and this is my favorite story in the Citadel"

 

[StereoVsn]

I think this is overall pretty good if a bit generic and repetitive from previous sources. But still a good beginning. Take a decent writer and they could polish that up a bit in an hour.

So it would be a huge time saver. AI could help generate minor and not so minor quests, NPC dialogue, and more. For an online game you could probably run a bot in background to serve NPC interactions. Well, with proper constraints.

 

[StreetsofBeige]

If I was a dev, I'd give a shot and see how well its written.

It's not like the average video game has an award winning script anyway.

 

[Valonquar]

I've been waiting for ChatGPT to finish writing the Game of Thrones books for RR Martin so we get something better than the shit HBO ending.

 

[RagnarokIV]

Can it do a follow up to Legacy Of Kain exploring what will happen now that Raziel is trapped in the Reaver?

 

[March Climber]

I do think this is good, but it also made me have the realization that Mass Effect fans are going to have the same issue as Star Wars fans, years from now:

The insistence of everything needing to be related to legacy characters. It still has Star Wars in a chokehold to this day.

 

[Gp1]

The insistence of everything needing to be related to legacy characters. It still has Star Wars in a chokehold to this day.

But this is more related to the content creators wanting a safe bet than the fans.

 

[DragoonWalker]

Mass Andromeda's plot and character backgrounds were only a small part of its problems. The outline your AI prompt birthed has potential to be a solid foundation for the story set up (it's quite fleshed out at this early stage, if not rather conventional at every step), and it carries a lot of hopes that Andromeda didn't fulfill. For me personally, the biggest problem of that game was the execution: nearly every aspect was amateur hour. Bugs, animation, visual design, dialogue, delivery, storytelling, the disappointingly low amount of worlds... everything except maybe the gunplay which could be fun. So it's very easy to imagine how even with this outline, your potential ME: Parallax could still have all those exact same problems I listed, were it handed to a inexperienced team like the one that made Andromeda. Just like how you can read the story blurb of a show or movie that sounds interesting on Netflix, click on it, and an hour in realize it's nothing like what was written, a lot of things could go wrong in the process.

Dialogue that's entertaining but not stupid, that connects and weaves character development while driving plot forward is insanely difficult. Along with other pieces of the puzzle (character acting, voice acting, cutscenes, pacing, editing...etc), everything needs to be a high level in order for the end product we experience to succeed. Devil is in the details. Not to mention sometimes what stands out about a story isn't the way it follows structure, genre or convention, but the juxtaposition of contrasts, the subtexts, that are unwritten but exciting when you put things together in your own head. Sometimes it's about how the delivery of artistic choices that surprises even when the foundation of it follows convention. Other times it's because characters do not do the logical or expected things, but something far out of left field.

As for your original question, I can see if this was taken through production without adding much in the way of "x factors" to spice it up, it would still be better than Mass Effect Andromeda, because even though GPT cannot (yet) really rise above the expected/standard of any given creativity pile it draws from, it will at the very least be consistent. Andromeda is below average in nearly every category.

Oh, I like your character ideas, but in a new Mass Effect taking place in a new galaxy, I would prefer if it were a set of totally different alien races, preferrable some non-humanoid ones and some with 4-6 dimensional powers beyond our comprehension.

 

[EviLore]

On one hand, I am super sceptical about these "AIs" because they are not AIs, they are just word generators based on acquired information from all over the internet.

But then I realize lot of people are exactly that, too.

As for this outline, it sounds interesting. More interesting than Andromeda (which I enjoyed, having played patched up PC version).

How did you come up with a reply to this thread? You learned how to read and write, were exposed to a wide range of information for years, then saw the context in the OP and synthesized a response, one word at a time.

Just like GPT-4, except with biological neurons and a physical body for first-hand lived experiences.

 

[Denton]

How did you come up with a reply to this thread? You learned how to read and write, were exposed to a wide range of information for years, then saw the context in the OP and synthesized a response, one word at a time.

Just like GPT-4, except with biological neurons and a physical body for first-hand lived experiences.

Indeed. But as far as I know, GPT still doesn't realize its own existence, there is no sentience, and therefore no "real" AI. It is still extremely impressive of course.