Battlezone 1

Battlezone is one of those games that, while it was a pretty significant success, never *really* got the attention that it deserved... I have a lot of fond memories of this game and I'd like to give back by utilizing my talents to help the community further. I'm kind of a no-name, i've produced some crappy BZ maps and a few mods but never really delved in as deep as I would have liked or was able to... I made maps like W.O.D, desertDM (the textures make my eyes bleed!), Supersoldiers, DMers vs Stratters, Infantry Strat.

Anyways, I'd like to produce what I call an "Overview Video"... for Battlezone 1, its primary purposes would be as follows:

1) To introduce new players to the game without requiring them to install or play it (so they can gauge interest conveniently), and refresh old-timers who may have forgotten about game details.
2) Highlight where this game really stands out... yeah, it'll be hard to narrow this one down.
3) Outline information that really isn't made obvious in the game itself... in essence, like a visual game-manual only more concise and to the point. For instance, a beginning player may be confused as to how the APC operates (I remember thinking "how do you reload these things? Why do their command numbers turn grey?").
4) Maybe a few not-so-obvious tips and tactics that everyone agrees are good/interesting to know (IE: equipping your mobile turrets with extra minigun).

For an example of work i've done on another game from the same era, check out this overview video I did on a new feature of Asheron's Call (w/ simple 2 minute intro cinematic). I have done many other videos in this style, so I know what I'm doing.

Anyways, in essence, I want to do something similar for Battlezone. Currently, my outline for Battlezone's overview is as follows:

• -Introduction: I was thinking of highlighting Battlezone's unique approach to FPS/Strategy first and foremost, as this is arguably the most intuitive feature of the game. Some good gameplay footage to be gotten here of course.
• -Ken Miller's 1.5 update (dev name used only with permission, and just the major changes) and community hub (this website I guess encompasses all/most of it?).
• -Brief synopsis of story/setting: Not too much detail, just enough to get the jist of it.
• -Explanation of all Buildings and their functions, including the units that some of these can produce and where best they can be used. This will be the largest part of the video, but my intention is to make this interesting with gameplay footage mixed with designed visuals. (NOTE: I will exclude comm sat to introduce it with the STRATEGY segment).
• -Save the armory for last outlining its main function, then using that as a transition to explain the weapons of the game, and again, where best they can be used. Especially outline items with less-than-obvious uses like the MITS mine.
• -BASIC STRATEGY: How it all comes together, how commanding units works in first person, maybe available commands and ideas of usage (IE: have your tanks follow your scavs so they aren't defenseless... they usually travel in groups/chains).
• -BASIC STRATEGY2: Mention some of the key combinations/lesser known mechanisms for commanding/grouping your units, like holding CTRL to select multiple units.
• -BASIC STRATEGY3: But... what if you're away from base? Explain drawback of first person commanding. Explain beacons and their multiple uses, explain comm sat/interface/controls (and radar signature drawback).
• -STRATEGY TIPS: This one's still up in the air... my earlier segments mentioned may actually cover this area well enough to omit this section.
• -Some misc details, such as player-made content, maybe the map editor, etc.
• -Conclusion

... that's my really rough outline so far.

I encourage anyone who has ideas and/or suggestions as to what you think should absolutely go into this video to post in this thread. This is something I'd like to do, but could take upwards of a month or two before it would get published as it is actually the second item in my video to-do list.

Later, I will actually post the entire narrative script of my overview in this thread for everyone's scrutiny... but that will take a bit of time and thought to develop as well.

I think it is a good idea. If it could get more attention on the internet it may even bring more players to this, AMAZING AWESOME BUTT KICKING SUPER... GAME!

I just wish more people knew about it.

I saw your video posted on top of the post and i thought you did a good job. If anyone will do it, I think you can.

Recently - say the last couple months or so - a lot of new faces (names) have been appearing and popping up in the lobby and in games, not to mention the forum also. I noticed a spike in the number of new players soon after 1.5 was completed (around November - December - January time).

I think Battlezone is becoming gradually more and more well known, but I cannot say for sure how busy it is in the lobby for I am in England which isn't really in the peak time of the day to play some BZ. (Guesstimate puts the best time to play somewhere around 6/7pm North American time. Not really any specific part of the USA, just the USA itself). I could be totally wrong about that, but I notice the lobby becoming more busier when I go to bed