Non-Shitty class idea for the Standalone

[GovMcFly 4]

I like the idea of classes/skill system. Not necesarily changing the way people spawn but a skill system makes sense. A good point people have made is that not everyone can do everything.

I like a skill system idea that gradually increases depending on your play style and/or time.

Fear is something I think should be in the game. I.e, if the less time you have been alive the more "shaken" you are by zombies nearby or killing someone. I.e. If I kill someone for the first time, zombies or not, I most likely would be pretty shaken that I just took a life. By the 4th or 5th one I won't care. Granted, this could cause some major greifing by people who no longer care about fear shooting at new players. But does make sense, but may not be possible.

Survivalism: Able to harvest more meat from animals (e.g. less meat when first carving your animals since you would have no idea what you are doing) and I imagine fishing has been discussed as a way to get food. Basically make it easier to survive in the woods and create fires and live off the land.

Medical: Let's face it, unless you are a doctor, chances are healing yourself or doing anything medical related would not be easy and you would have to get better.

Engineering: Should be able to break/fail when repairing vehicles/salvaging. I can gather parts to a car but I sure as hell couldn't fix it.

These are just some quick ideas. Basically if you have a class you would have a slight starting bump in these and would have to learn them in the wild so to speak. Anyone can learn any of them, but some are more adept than others starting off, but no one would receive a significant advantage.

Also, would make sense to be able keep say 50% of your skills from your previous character. (I know this affects realism, but some people would be far better at skills than others at the start of any catastrophic event) Also, there would be a penalty for constant dying and would make more sense to protect your character and identity.

Just my thoughts on the class system..

[VKX 4]

I like it.

I think people are having a knee jerk reaction because you chose to call them 'classes' but a small change to starting equipment and skin type would go a long way to adding variety. Especially when you DIE... instead of "Oh damn, now I have to start over..." you will have players saying "THIS TIME, I'll be a... " . You can compensate for what was bothering you by starting right off with a gun, or not having to worry about finding a backpack and going right into hording loot. Did you bleed to death and get pissed because you couldn't find a bandage? This time you were a doctor before the outbreak and you've got a bunch in your bag going in. You still start with squat overall... but it relieves frustrations, you see?

To all, please note:

would have no effect on skills or late game play, just on starting gear and player skin.

Edited October 22, 2012 by VKX