We made an overview of the currently planned new features. For each of the descriped features we have created a thread enabling you to comment on that feature.

As the "new game features" section tend to be very messy in no time (because there are so many exciting things we could do) we kindly ask you be very concise and stay on topic.

********** Updated 3rdof March 2012 *********** 

New game features in pipeline:
The game is currently in beta meaning it isn’t done yet. The functionality described in the below list are scheduled to be released during the beta development of the game.

More interactive items:
Using a spraycan to tag locations is an example of an interactive item. We are planning to offer many new features.

Using a rope you will be able to climb down hatches accessing sewers, flare guns can be used to lure away zombie hordes from locations which may in the way of you solving a quest step. Binoculars may be used to identify interesting locations nearby etc.

There are a lot of exciting options and suggestions are very welcome. More info will be updated later.

Please note that this concept is different from the upgradeable items where you can combine items to essentially make a new one. (like hairspray + lighter = flamethrower). 

http://blog.zombiepandemic.com/Foru...fault.aspx

Player Vs. Player
Will be implemented to some extend at some point for certain parts of the map. The main focus however will be improving the AI of the zombies which you must co-op with other players about.

Please refer to play as zombie thread for discussion.

Auction Houses / Player trading
We are considering implementing player to player trading facilitated by an NPC shop which could work based on an auction house system. Scarce ressources such as a limited number of items and varying items in a shop from time to time is another option.  

However this is still in consideration and scheduled for much later compared to some of the other key focuses.

There are already some threads on the topic and when we have specified the concept we will start an official thread to collect and consolidate the input.

http://blog.zombiepandemic.com/Foru...fault.aspx">p://blog.zombiepandemic.com/Foru...fault.aspx

 

Zombie AI
We are working on a zombie AI where zombies will spawn from special locations and move in hordes around the map. This will cause a varying threat level at different surburbs and will facilitate co-op and clan quest.

The zombies will also be attracted by human players, noise and will attack barricaded buildings and safe houses to get into occupied buildings. Thus players will need to reinforce barricades continuously to keep them safe.

More info will provided later.

http://blog.zombiepandemic.com/Foru...fault.aspx
 

Plunder graves
You will be able to plunder the graves of players no long active in the game and steal some of their inventory. You wont be able to steal all of their inventory but part of the inventory (similar to scavenging) and the money they were carrying. How about some lucrative grave robbing?

http://blog.zombiepandemic.com/Foru...fault.aspx
 

Zombies - dropable items
We are planning on implementing a feature where a killed enemy will drop an item. The items are planned to be unique for the NPCs meaning that a zombie policeofficer might drop a nightstick f.x. When you have killed the enemy you will search the corpse for loot and similiar to the scavenging there will be a probability of finding different items.

http://blog.zombiepandemic.com/Foru...fault.aspx
  
Perks
Perks and skill which will give you advantages in the game. Develop skills such as building traps, special close combat weapons and hacking electronic equipment or simply getting a bonus used scoped rifles. A current protype of the game is available in the charactersheet.

http://blog.zombiepandemic.com/Foru...fault.aspx

Play as zombie
We had quite a few discussions on the forum whether or not to facilitate zombie play or not. Thus we should start by stating that we want a game which focus on co-op gameplay and not player killing and a game where zombies are inferior to even low level humans.

The current status is that we will allow zombie play at a later stage but only offering some very basic functions and we will make it easy to revived back to human (a player playing zombie can convert anytime back to human by going to special locations on the map). The concept is that when you die you can choose to accept dead and become a zombie instead of being rescued, or if you have been dead and inactive for say 14 days you will turn into a zombie. When being a zombie you can’t use items, you can’t communicate with others, your map markers won’t be available to you but you will be able to attack buildings and players who are not in a “secured” buidling. So playing a zombie will have limited gameplay and they will be inferior to human players but yes we are planning on offering the option.

http://blog.zombiepandemic.com/Foru...fault.aspx">http://blog.zombiepandemic.com/Foru...fault.aspx">http://blog.zombiepandemic.com/Foru...fault.aspx">http://blog.zombiepandemic.com/Foru...fault.aspx
 
 

Upgradeable and breakalbe weapons
We are planning a feature where you can repair, upgrade and modify weapons. Some weapons like a baseball will break over time while others won’t. Depending on your technical skill you will able to repair items and weapons using a workbench which will be available at key locations including safehouses.

http://blog.zombiepandemic.com/Foru...fault.aspx

Features which are implemented or in progress:

New scavenging system
A new scavenging system will counter farming giving everyone the same droprates and an overall higher success of finding items and higher yield. 

More advanced combat mode (updated):
We are planning to upgrade the current combat system. This will include several "enhancements" to the current turn based structure and the aim will be to add more realism.

1. Accuracy: accuracy will vary for each turn depending on range. The further away the lower chance of hitting. However some weapons such as scoped guns and rifles will be more precise in long range where as hand guns and shotguns will be less precise. (implemented)
2. Target body parts: You will be able to target different bodyparts including aiming for head shot, torso or shooting at the legs. Head shots will cause critical damage but require high accuracy. Shots to the legs will cripple the opponent decreasing the agility and move speed.
3. Weapon damage variation and critical hits: Some guns will have “bonus” damage. F.x. shotguns will cause massive damage in close range while critical hits like a shot to the enemies head will be similarly deadly. (Weapon Class Bonus). Rifles will have a penalty at close range, neutral at medium and bonus at long range.Shotguns will have a huge bonus at close range, while a grenade and other explosives will have splash damage. (implemented)
4. More combat choices: different stances will give you different advantages and disadvantages. Proning will for instance increase your accuracy but lower your chances of fleeing.
5. Weapon upgrades and durability. Weapons will need to be repaired over time (don’t worry they will durable) but you will also be able to upgrade them with bayonets, scopes etc.. (Upgradeable and breakable weapons)
6. Quick weapon slots: We are considering offering two or more quick weapon slots to change weapons at no turn cost. This would allow you to equip say a long ranged rifle and a close combat weapon such as a baseball before going into battle.
7. Single shot or burst fire: You will be able to select to fire singleshot or multiple shots on burst fire weapons. (implemented)
8. Heal during combat: You will be able to use certain health items during the combat.
   
   http://blog.zombiepandemic.com/Foru...fault.aspx

Crafting 
Crafting skills enabling you to produce items such as ammo to trade with other players obviously will work well with a more complex ingame economics and player trading enabled by auction houses. This also something which we had frequent requests about and similarly are considering for later in the game.

There are already some threads on the topic and when we have specified the concept we will start an official thread to collect and consolidate the input.

Game events
Unexpected things may occur all of the sudden. Like ”turn cards” in board games. You will be dealt random events which you have to deal with making crucial decisions. For example you may encounter a hurt survivor on your way and will have decide whether to rescue him slowing and endangering you or leave him behind.

Another example could be locate bonus items such as a left behind backpack which you can loot or you notice movement and have to decide whether to keep on trucking or investigate it. 

Safehouses
Yes. You will be able to build safehouses by occupying abandoned buildings. You can choose to keep it for yourself or share your clan or even complete strangers. The number of players occupying the safehouses will affect the security level. Safehouses will offer some different advantages including medical treatment of your character, some storage facilities, defense mechanisms and security from the zombies but alsp training facilities.

We are probably going to add the features in several versions starting with the basics first.

http://blog.zombiepandemic.com/Foru...fault.aspx

Achievements
Achievements will be similiar to the concept you know from say Xbox 360 and you will be able to view other players achievements.

Custom Avatars / Characters:
Custom avatars are essentially being able to customize the look of your character and the equipped equipment/clothes actually showing on the avatar. This has been a frequent request and we are to happy announce that yes this in fact also coming. It’s a very time consuming process as all artwork has to be similar customized and essentially redone so we are probably going to softlaunch starting with rather few equipment options and then expand as we go along. This also explains the fact that some items will be missing, some replaced and new added in the wiki overview of the game items.

http://blog.zombiepandemic.com/Foru...fault.aspx

Blog update:
http://blog.zombiepandemic.com/Blog...atars.aspx

Advanced map
We are considering both a minimap and a "fog of war" functionality meaning that you see where you have been on the map making it much more easy to explore. When you start out - all "squares" on the map will be greyed out and you will have to discover them. That way the map will also keep a record of exactly where you have been.You will also only be allowed to "fast travel" to locations you already visited/discovered. The current map is just the first 3 out of 8 planned map pieces. 

http://blog.zombiepandemic.com/Foru...fault.aspx

Improved ingame communication
We are planning to implement more advanced ingame communication including a more advanced private messaging system, ingame chat function and a players online display box. The features are going to be very similiar to what you know from this community site.

We have also recently introduced the first version of the chat system.
http://blog.zombiepandemic.com/Foru...fault.aspx">http://blog.zombiepandemic.com/Foru...fault.aspx">
http:// http://blog.zombiepandemic.com/Foru...fault.aspx">http://blog.zombiepandemic.com/Foru...fault.aspx

 

Weapon, item and armor balancing:
We get e-mail everyday about either improving or decreasing the stats of certain guns. Besides the fact that keeping everyone happy about the stats of their favorite guns and armor is impossible there is also an issue of balancing realism vs. gameplay and more importantly, the combat system hasn’t been fully implemented. Once the new features such as bonuses for shotguns at close range, higher chance of critical shots from rifles etc., are implemented this will hugely affect the balancing of the guns. So in other words we are planning to make a major update past after having launched the advanced combat system and will all save the feedback we receive until then in a big pile which will be reviewed systematically at that point.

http://blog.zombiepandemic.com/Foru...fault.aspx

Facebook integration

We are planning to offer the game to be playable directly in Facebook as well however the game will still be directly available as www.zombiepandemic.com. 

 

No vehicles????

Zombie play should really be thought about. That should be another half of the game. Some people are zombies, some are survivors. It should not be a jump back and forth from undead to back to life. Just kinda takes the scare out of being turned. It would be crazy if you died and were infected you were forced to play as a zed for a couple days or something. Players who want to be zeds, and start out plays as a zombie, should have all the same style perks and stuff, but just zombie style. I just dont want to see the zombie play be turned into a mini game. It should be an alternate play style. Or to a pro zed player, being a survivor would feel like being in an alternate style.

IMO I think that zed players should be able to communicate with other zed players. As for map locations being erased... I mean I see the logic behind it, but it is kind of a dick move. I mean it is really more annoying than anything. They could just write down the locations and communicate through forums or yahoo or something.

As for any other zed perks, I don't see the need. I mean they have the ultimate perk in the fact that they can pile up enough of their dead bros outside a safehouse and then overrun it. A pile of dead zed players, then they get up, and then they all attack at once. Zeds win. Leaves survivor players really no chance, but to run.

So unless a random respawn point or something is implemented for zeds that have been killed I see no need to give them anymore perks.

Posted By Kurz on 03 Feb 2010 03:04 AM
IMO I think that zed players should be able to communicate with other zed players. As for map locations being erased... I mean I see the logic behind it, but it is kind of a dick move. I mean it is really more annoying than anything. They could just write down the locations and communicate through forums or yahoo or something.

But zombies are stupied, you can't expect them to communicate or write things!

But this seems unfair :once a zed = no head ie no thinking.Supposing zed players are the more advanced version of these mindless hordes Definately there should be som comm available for the zed players(let it be normal for zed players and grouwl & moans for the survivor ,there shoud be a possibility of infection.

@ Shiriru keyword Wasting Away, (The Movie)

but Zeds still need some Negative aspects

Movement and action cost doubled? some bonus for str & constitution ,the usage of simple objects only ( crowbar 2x4 manequins leg?)

Thx Wicked ill check that out.

To clarify: A zed player to a zed Player in the area Message:" Lets attack the cades"
2 Zed Response: Righ away!

What other survivors i n the area see:
(System message of such a text: ) You Hear some moans and growls of the some zeds nearby spotted in the area they are beyond comprehension but you have a hunch that sth is not right.

Maybe.... zombies moving from block to block costs 0 SP. But... they can only travel so many blocks per hour. So they are restricted in real time, so its basicaly as a zed you get movment points. MP You get 1 every 20 min. Up to 40 a day or so. So this way it would take a zombie player a few days to work his way from one side of the map to the other. It would simulate zombies never getting tired, and being very slow. Although, this game does seem to adopt the 28 Days Later style a bit. Zombies that can gets some speed if they really want to. Wich is really scary to think about. But when a zombie is calm, and doesnt see a target, or something to kill, I imagine he would naturaly wander at a slow pace. Even if he could get fast if he tried.

Playing as a zombie should have an entirely different feel. Like you have points that humans dont. (MP) Perks, maybe even some skills changed. Zombies dont need Marksman. xD

Posted by Seth Myrrh

Playing as a zombie should have an entirely different feel.

definately. IDK if Urban Dead changed it a bit... but when i played UD-1 or 2 years ago- i didn't felt much of a difference being human or a zed...

Anything Coming up? I am itching to know.

Wow, I better work on my tech skill!

I'd hate to throw $75,000 down the drain by not being able to repair my gun, when the time comes

Posted By Shiriru on 03 Mar 2010 02:29 PM
But this seems unfair :once a zed = no head ie no thinking.Supposing zed players are the more advanced version of these mindless hordes Definately there should be som comm available for the zed players(let it be normal for zed players and grouwl & moans for the survivor ,there shoud be a possibility of infection.

Look at another popular Zombie Survival Simulation Urban Dead. You can play as a zombie and unlock your own skill set. It would be different, not unfair.

Implementing playable zombies would take a lot of planning, it really depends whether you want a Night of the Living Dead or Land of the Dead [and no one wants that]
As has been said regarding piling up dead bodies to mass attack safe houses, this has happened in UD and detracted from the survivalist object IMHO. Fair enough if it is a horde getting attracted, but to pile up and mass attack without warning is unrealistic for zombies surely. Maybe a maximum number of players should be able to attack areas, e.g. a door is only so big, therefore only 4-5 players could attack full strength with potentially a horde bonus representing the weight of the press of bodies?

"some weapons like a baseball will break over time while others won’t."

Dammit, my baseball broke. Good thing I still have my bat; I'll just use that.

:l Everyone makes mistakes.

Posted By Zyle77 on 22-07-2010 07:03 PM
"some weapons like a baseball will break over time while others won’t."
Dammit, my baseball broke. Good thing I still have my bat; I'll just use that.
:l Everyone makes mistakes.

that why i dont use wooden baseball bats

But zombies are stupied, you can't expect them to communicate or write things!

Obviously you've never been a teacher. Students who compare poorly with zeds are quite capable of communicating with each other. They just can't communicate anything more complicated than "U wanna party 2nite?"

Speaking of teaching, compared to pupils their parents are far worse sometimes -Like Psycho Survivalists "I know what is best for my child why school does not provide this or that."

Mmm Baseball bats of wood break and bats of metal bend, get something more sturdy... like this one

xD

Awesome...

but yeah, ^that thing does IMENSE damage on zeds... he he he

The "Improved ingame communication"-link dont work I guess

How about you play some kind of raiders who can lure the hordes to a safehouse and plunder it? Playing as raider against survivors would be fun too.

this list needs to be up to date... sorry to waste space, but that should be done... things like fog of W/\R already implemented

Storage facilities in safe zones should be added like in the college campus and in safe houses so u can deposit items like weigh u down but u would like to keep say for an ordinary player have 15 spaces for items and premium members probably would have 30.

There should be advantages and disadvantages of being a zombie.

Im glad to see that this game is prospering but grave robbing is a terrible idea, no offence.
SO basically a level 70 can die and then a level 10 walks in and loots a high level mg? Unless you do some massive balancing things it would be difficult to put this in without makeing it to over powered, or to underpowered.

Remember your more likely to loot the level 70's peanuts than his minigun

Ahh, i didn't read that part, but so? Peanuts are far more deadly then a minigun.

Just a suggestion. There should be an option to burn the dead zombie bodies and the dead bodies can resurrect if not burnt. I have thought of this idea because there was a "Dump Outside" option on the dead bodies inside my clan's safehouse after i killed them. Thank you if this suggestion is read.

please hurry with the trading system i am going to be paying my troops in my clan if they succeed in missions and i wanna start soon