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For this month’s Bitmob Writing Challenge, I decided to write a script for a non-existent game called Shinobi Rondo. The game takes place in a world populated by superheroes that has been hit by the economic downturn. No industry has escaped unscathed, and the ninja industry has been hit particularly hard, as their business structure relies on no one actually knowing that they exist.
Protagonist Rick Render (not his real name) was a ninja, until he was laid off. As a laid off ninja, Rick has nothing, no job history, no money, and no credit. All he has is a particular set of skills, and in a world populated by superheroes and villains, the only position available to him is as a henchman.
In this scene, the supervillian Grenada has hired Rick to run interference with the local superhero so that he can rob a bank. The bank is in a dark and gritty city filled with crime, corruption, and urban decay, kind of like Gotham City (but not Gotham City). The local superhero is a crime-fighting vigilante, who has no superpowers, but is an expert martial artist. He is also a detective, who uses gadgets to subdue bad guys. He is kind of like Batman (but not Batman!), but he operates under the mantle of an owl (he’s not Owlman either!), and calls himself, The Owlier.
Rick’s objective is to distract The Owlier long enough for Grenada to successfully rob the bank. At certain points, Rick delivers a bit of narration (think Burn Notice or Bastion) to either point the player in the right direction, or give a bit of insight into the player’s actions.
The game would be played in 3rd person as a sort of action/adventure game with light RPG elements. The city can be scaled, (like Infamous, or Assassin’s Creed). Combat is not advised because you’re playing as a henchman and your fighting superheroes, but it would play like a really good 3rd person game, just kind of hard.
PT 1 - EXTERIOR - Rooftop of building facing Police Station Entrance
RICK (NARRATION)
The best way keep a hero away from a particular target is to create a seemingly larger threat, like faking a prison break, as far away from the target as possible. Luckily, OWLIER’s nemesis, CAT ATTACK was recently apprehended, and is still at the precinct awaiting transport to BANAGER’S ISLAND.
CREATE DISTRACTION (INTERACTIVE)
The player needs to blow up police precinct doors. There are two possible tools to use, a kunai with exploding tag, or C4.
EXPLODING KUNAI USED
RICK (NARRATION)
An exploding tag attached to a kunai is a classic ninja weapon. Though not as powerful as other explosives, it’s more than enough to blow open a door.
C4 USED
RICK (NARRATION)
As a ninja, there are certain advantages to using non-traditional ninja tools. No one would expect a ninja to use C4, not even an obsessed, borderline psychotic vigilante detective.
GRENADA (OVER COMMS)
I’m in! No sirens yet. What about THE OWLIER?
RICK
Don’t worry; I’m taking care of it.
RICK (NARRATION)
An assault on a police precinct currently holding a supervillian should clog up police chatter and attract OWLIER’s attention. But unless I want to duke it out with him on the streets, I had better get back to the roof, and get ready to run.
With the precinct doors blown open, and OWLIER en route, the player has 3 choices, wait for OWLIER, and fight, release CAT ATTACK, or run.
FIGHT OWLIER
Player waits for OWLIER’s arrival.
RICK (NARRATION)
Elaborate distractions, chases, and traps are great for superpowered heroes who can lift cars, fly, and shoot fire out of their hands. But for a hero whose only ability is being in really good shape, the best way to take care of him, is to put him down.
Boss fight with OWLIER ensues. Victory skips to end of scene. Defeat is GAME OVER.
RELEASE CAT ATTACK
INTERIOR – POLICE PRECINCT
RICK (NARRATION)
Although not ideal, releasing a supervillain, especially a hero’s nemesis, is a much better diversion than leading a hero through a rooftop chase. However, supervillains are unpredictably wild, and the future consequences may not be worth the trouble
Player has to defeat police armed with handguns and shotguns, and release CAT ATTACK before OWLIER arrives.
CAT ATTACK
Who are you? I don’t know any ninjas.
RICK
I’m just a guy doing a job for another guy.
CAT ATTACK leaves precinct, and engages OWLIER in battle. The player cannot join in. Skip to end of scene.
RUN CHOSEN
Continue to PART TWO: ROOFTOPS
