Before attempting to form a story for the third installment, I wanted to do an overview of the previous two games, use events, causations, and consequences to set the scene and background for a sequel, and to utilize some plot points as ways to further the conflict of the third game more efficiently, and with continuity. I apologize if anything written here conflicts with the ideas already presented by other members, or if the whole thing itself is not productive because the direction of the game has already been decided in my absence. I wrote this neglecting to read the other topics at hand first.
Let us begin.
Universe/setting:
Characters:
Plot overview:
Certain points ([*]) need to be rationalized in the sequel, and some may be used to create a greater structure for a sequel.
[1] Relatively primitive technology for such a progressive year is not explained, but possible rationalized by the Flood (see [2]).
[2] The Flood is an unexplained causation, must be rationalized in continuity. Is the mass body of water natural? Possible plot point to be used.
[3] Refractor use details and process are not explained; minor fault famed from within underground Ruins unexplained origin, ambiguous connection to Elysium, possibly needs rationalization.
[4] Much larger civilization and available land is an unexplained remedy to flood from first game. Assumption of another faraway location from Kattelox island or different face of the Earth.
-Relationship may be a possible plot point for future.
[5] Barrell's dig in Nino island is roughly outlined in a book, and may be open to expansion.
[6] Oppurtunity to include gameplay segment using a young Barrell.
[7] History of Ancients may need expansion.
[8] Unexplained event/causation: Was Juno placed under Kattelox Island prior to, ab initio, or after the flood. Possibility to use this as revelation for the System of antagonists.
[9] Reason for Mega Man being on Nino Island specifically needs a small explanation.
[10] Unexplained reasoning for why Sera aska Yuna for the Keys to Elysium.
[11] Sera is only able to perform the CRP after the arduous task of getting the keys and accessing the Library. It is asssumed that a Mother Unit is above a Bureaucratic Unit in the System Hierarchy. Unexplained event how Juno might have been able to initialize it himself from Kattelox Island.
[12] Possible plot point to be used as a segment for the sequel.
[13] Alignment parameters offered to the character, but out of reach for the actual player. Possible reason to include an alignment system. Also, ""Destroy the System or defend it," is further justification for this.
[14] Assuming Joe is truly Roll's father, and that he and Matilda disappeared during a dig on the Forbidden Islands, there is a possibility of a side segment.
[15] Needs a little explanation or exploit for plot.
To wrap up the overview, it seems that there are several inconsistencies and/or points that have been found in the previous two games that can require rationalization and explanation,and there are those that can offer opportunities for gameplay sequences, and new plot points to add to the continuity. More importantly, the first two games were driven by its story that gave reason to its core gameplay; dungeon crawling. According to MML1, this was to find refractors to repair the Flutter, and gave way to the Ruins. As it progressed, the Main Gate of the first game set the scene for MML2, and the System. For MML2, the dungeon crawling was given way because of the quest to find the Keys to get into Elysium. To follow this pattern, and provide gameplay, a few ideas can be used together, or alone.
Essentially, MML3 can go many different ways. It can become a game that is strictly a sequel, that offers concepts that justify the past inconsistencies, while maintaining a whole new conflict. It can also become something similar to that of Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep, a prequel game that mainly set the scene for the original game, but is, as of now, the latest release in the series. In the case of Legends, this method can be used to give the players the experience of controlling Mega Man on Elysium, who, under the Master's request, sets out to destroy the System. Side segments can also be stuck into the game with ease.
(1) Prequel segments-- Life on Elysium for Mega Man, and his mission to destroy the System.
(2) Side segments-- Barrell's adventures on Nino Island and the Forbidden Island. Also, using the already created characters Barrel and Aero as The Bright Bats whose actions may transcend into the conflict of the core story of MML3.
(3) Sequel segments-- The main issue presented in the ending of MML2 is getting Mega Man back on Terra, which itself can provide a large portion of gameplay. However, this option is obviously a requirement of the game in any way possible, no matter what direction the game may take, but it does not have to be the main issue. If this were to work into the game being a prequel, it could be anywhere, even as a final cutscene. The System, and an assortment of remnants of the System, such as those like Juno on Kattelox Island can be used as protagonists should there be an extended story from the first game.
As a Prequel:
As a Sequel:
As a Mix:
My final words are that hopefully, people find this post useful. This entire thing is not meant just for my use, but rather for everyone, as a guideline to what exactly I think needs to be played off of or fixed, but how that would happen is up to the writer. These are just simply the things that should be addressed, so that as a narrative, Mega Man Legends 3 can be a success.
Let us begin.
Universe/setting:
- Spoiler:
- Prior to and during original game.
-Year 80XX [1] in Terra, planet Earth flooded with water. [2]
-Kattelox island, main location for the duration of the game. Inhabited by fairly small population. The only available land in the game.
-Civilation thrives off of energy harvested from "quantum refractors," [3] found within Ruins.
--Explorers who traverse ruins are known as diggers (JP: digouters). Diggers are required to have a license given by the city to perform digs.
-Eden, implied location, revealed fully in MML2, as a space station.
During sequel.
-Following some time after initial game. Little or no time skip judging from no significant character growth.
-Society and available land has massively grown; large countries similar to real Earth geography [4].
-Nino, Manda, Saul Kada and Calinca Ruins, and their respective islands are the four major locations for the game.
--The Forbidden Island, the land where Sena is discovered.
-Elysium, home planet to Megaman Trigger, Yuna, Sena, Data, Master, Megaman Juno, Gantz, and Geetz.
Characters:
- Spoiler:
Caskett Family
-Lives as nomads on the Flutter.
Megaman Volnutt: (Age range: 14-16) Later revealed to be Mega Man Trigger, origin from Eden as a "First Class Purifier Unit."
-Discovered as a baby in Nino Island (later revealed in MML2) [9] by Barrell, exploring without permission [5]. Adopted into the family, and is now a Digger and provider to the family.
-Mega Man is a Purifier Unit of the System, a unit meant to detect and do away with abberant units, and friend to the Master.
Roll Caskett: (age range: 14:16) Biological grand-daughter to Barrell Caskett. Spotter to Mega Man and possible love interest. Pilot for Flutter.
-In search of her missing parents, later discovering her mother, whose body is in use by Yuna, in MML2.
Barrell Caskett: Guardian to Roll and Mega Man. Discovered Mega Man on Nino Island [6].
-Works with Werner Von Bluecher in pursuit of the Mother Lode.
Data: Family "pet," and harbor to Mega Man's memories of life on Eden (explained in ending of MML, supported in MML2).
The Bonnes
Tron Bonne: Mechanical genius of the family, implied love interest in Mega Man. Ally to Mega Man on several occasions.
Teisel Bonne: Tactician and leader of the Bonne family. Brother to Tron and Bon.
Bon Bonne: baby of the family, no significant purpose, comedic relief.
Elysium-born
Master: The last living "Ancient." [7]
Yuna & Sena: "Mother" units to Elysium, who oversee the systems of Elysium, and Eden (and others like it).
Gatz & Geetz: Servitor units to Yuna & Sena respectively.
Mega Man Trigger
Juno: Bureaucratic unit that commands Kattelox Island.
Other
Werner Von Bluecher: Former partner to Barrell Caskett, and aid to finding the Mother Lode.
Bola & Klaymoor: Veteran diggers/pirates, working in self-interest.
Glyde: Pirate commander working under Lex Loath (off-screen character from M.o.T.B.).
Matilda: Mother of Roll, whose body is currently in use by Yuna.
Joe: Implied father of Roll. [14]
Plot overview:
- Spoiler:
Scene set by MML1:
The Casket family is introduced with Mega Man on a dig. The family crash lands on Kattelox island, where matters seem mundane; the Bonne family is wreaking havoc with the intent to steal miscellaneous goods.
--Affection between Mega Man and Tron is established.
After fending off the pirates, Mega Man meets Amelia, where he is hinted at the "disaster," that may occur if the Mother Lode is opened. While Mega Man digs for refractors to fix the
Flutter, he gets acquainted with the citizens of the island. During this quest, Mega Man also ventures to discover the cause of growing Reaverbot activity at the request of Amelia. Mega Man gains greater access to the island and its sub-ruins, then discovers and opens the "Main Gate."
In the Main Gate, Mega Man meets Mega Man Juno, a "Bureaucratic Unit," who sees over Kattelox island. Juno reveals to Mega Man the existence of Eden, and his past. Data harbors Mega Man's memories of being Mega Man Trigger. Juno, by default order, beings to activate the Carbon Reinitialization Program, the implied mass murder of the people of the island, in order to restore control. After Juno is defeated stopped, Mega Man leaves the issue behind, and leaves the island with Roll, Data, and Gramps as heroes.
Scene set by MML2:
Barrell Casket and long time partner in digouts, Werner Von Bluecher, aboard the Sulpher Bottom reattempt to excavate the contents of the Forbidden Island in pursuit of the
Mother Lode. During a news conference, Roll's mother, Matilda, appears and warns the people that excavating the Mother Lode will lead to disaster, attacks, and then flees. After the Sulpher Bottom is sucked into the storm, Roll resolves to help Gramps escape. Mega Man and Roll perform a dig on Yosyonke City so they may fuel an escape pod provided by a man named Joe for Mega Man to venture into the Forbidden Island.
While on the Forbidden Island, Mega Man encounters Geetz and Sena, while Yuna and Gantz are watching over them, and make a few unclear revelations at the time. The most notable points are the intentions of Sena, and the significance of the Carbons to the Master. Geetz coerces Werner and Gramps into searching for the Keys for them telling them that they are for the Mother Lode, and is offered their protection.
On Nino Island, if spoken to, the priest makes revelations about the "Two Goddesses," and The Forbidden Island. According to this, Sena is the Sky Goddess who protects the "gates of the sky," and Yuna is the Earth Goddess who protects the Keys to the "Library," on the land. Sena asks Yuna for the keys [10], and after getting into an argument, Yuna seals Sena on the Forbidden Island. Werner speculates the Keys connect to the Mother Lode, which must be on the Forbidden Island, and wishes to attain them.
Mega Man goes on continous digs, on the islands of Manda, Nino, Saul Kada and Calinca Ruins for the Keys in each of their respective ruins, battling the Bonnes, Glyde, and the other veteran Diggers/Pirates along the way. When Mega Man is led back to Nino Island, he has his final encounter against the Bonnes. After recovering the fourth and final key and bringing it to Werner's possession, the narration reveals Sena's plans of retrieving the Master's genetic code which resides within Mega Man, and destroying it. To that end, she was also intent on activating the Carbon Reinitialization Program, which Yuna explains as wiping out all humans living on Terra, and bringing back the Ancients to life [11]. Yuna, out of the restrictions imposed on a Unit under the orders of the System, is able to order Gantz to attack Geetz.
After Mega Man defeats Geetz, he relives his lost memories of the Master, and life on Elysium. The Master explains to Mega Man the lives of the Betas, modified Carbons, artificial beings created by the Ancients, and that the Master asked Mega Man to take him to Terra. It is revealed that Mega Man is in a state of recovery, where Yuna is restoring his body and memories from Data's backup files. The Master realizes the appreciation he has of the Carbon and their lives of trials and tribulation. Because of this, the Master asks of Mega Man to live among them, and to destroy the System, realizing their mistake of making Elysium as a perfect world free of mundane troubles, gives Mega Man a charm, leaves him with a request to destroy the Library, and dies.
Yuna discusses with Mega Man his past intention to destroy the System [12], Yuna's occupation of being in charge of Terra, and Sera's occupation of being in charge of Elysium's systen, and how Sera, by default orders, wants to begin the CRP. The cast of the game realizes they were created, and that their currentl lives, and the Ruins which they work to thrive of off were given to them by the Master. The cast leaves the issue of the fate of the Carbons in Mega Man's judgement [13]. Mega Man resolves to travel to Elysium with the help of Yuna so they he may choose to fight off Sera in her pursuit to activate the CRP.
Now that everyone's resolves have been hardened, except for Mega Man, he goes to Sera to face off. After a few catharsis, Mega Man successfully beats Sera, with her spirit residing in
the vacant shell of Yuna. The only means of returning back to Terra from Elysium, which was Gatz, is now gone, and they are stranded on Elysium. As Data seems to be omnipresent [15], he is back with Roll and Tron, who are working together to make a rocket that will retrieve Mega Man and the other from Elysium.
Certain points ([*]) need to be rationalized in the sequel, and some may be used to create a greater structure for a sequel.
[1] Relatively primitive technology for such a progressive year is not explained, but possible rationalized by the Flood (see [2]).
[2] The Flood is an unexplained causation, must be rationalized in continuity. Is the mass body of water natural? Possible plot point to be used.
[3] Refractor use details and process are not explained; minor fault famed from within underground Ruins unexplained origin, ambiguous connection to Elysium, possibly needs rationalization.
[4] Much larger civilization and available land is an unexplained remedy to flood from first game. Assumption of another faraway location from Kattelox island or different face of the Earth.
-Relationship may be a possible plot point for future.
[5] Barrell's dig in Nino island is roughly outlined in a book, and may be open to expansion.
[6] Oppurtunity to include gameplay segment using a young Barrell.
[7] History of Ancients may need expansion.
[8] Unexplained event/causation: Was Juno placed under Kattelox Island prior to, ab initio, or after the flood. Possibility to use this as revelation for the System of antagonists.
[9] Reason for Mega Man being on Nino Island specifically needs a small explanation.
[10] Unexplained reasoning for why Sera aska Yuna for the Keys to Elysium.
[11] Sera is only able to perform the CRP after the arduous task of getting the keys and accessing the Library. It is asssumed that a Mother Unit is above a Bureaucratic Unit in the System Hierarchy. Unexplained event how Juno might have been able to initialize it himself from Kattelox Island.
[12] Possible plot point to be used as a segment for the sequel.
[13] Alignment parameters offered to the character, but out of reach for the actual player. Possible reason to include an alignment system. Also, ""Destroy the System or defend it," is further justification for this.
[14] Assuming Joe is truly Roll's father, and that he and Matilda disappeared during a dig on the Forbidden Islands, there is a possibility of a side segment.
[15] Needs a little explanation or exploit for plot.
To wrap up the overview, it seems that there are several inconsistencies and/or points that have been found in the previous two games that can require rationalization and explanation,and there are those that can offer opportunities for gameplay sequences, and new plot points to add to the continuity. More importantly, the first two games were driven by its story that gave reason to its core gameplay; dungeon crawling. According to MML1, this was to find refractors to repair the Flutter, and gave way to the Ruins. As it progressed, the Main Gate of the first game set the scene for MML2, and the System. For MML2, the dungeon crawling was given way because of the quest to find the Keys to get into Elysium. To follow this pattern, and provide gameplay, a few ideas can be used together, or alone.
Essentially, MML3 can go many different ways. It can become a game that is strictly a sequel, that offers concepts that justify the past inconsistencies, while maintaining a whole new conflict. It can also become something similar to that of Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep, a prequel game that mainly set the scene for the original game, but is, as of now, the latest release in the series. In the case of Legends, this method can be used to give the players the experience of controlling Mega Man on Elysium, who, under the Master's request, sets out to destroy the System. Side segments can also be stuck into the game with ease.
(1) Prequel segments-- Life on Elysium for Mega Man, and his mission to destroy the System.
(2) Side segments-- Barrell's adventures on Nino Island and the Forbidden Island. Also, using the already created characters Barrel and Aero as The Bright Bats whose actions may transcend into the conflict of the core story of MML3.
(3) Sequel segments-- The main issue presented in the ending of MML2 is getting Mega Man back on Terra, which itself can provide a large portion of gameplay. However, this option is obviously a requirement of the game in any way possible, no matter what direction the game may take, but it does not have to be the main issue. If this were to work into the game being a prequel, it could be anywhere, even as a final cutscene. The System, and an assortment of remnants of the System, such as those like Juno on Kattelox Island can be used as protagonists should there be an extended story from the first game.
As a Prequel:
- Spoiler:
- Should the game take this course, it may be of relatively short length. Basically, it would be a greater expansion on what was only spoken of in MML2. The gameplay may not only focus on Mega Man, but on other units found on Elysium, and even Barrell as a side segment, also to bridge certain events, or to just offer more gameplay. Put together, this could make up a good portion of the game, as having a sequel segment is a must, to some degree, due to the cliffhanger in MML2. The character concepts of Barrett and Aero of the Bright Bats can be utilized to this effect. Of course, building this story around the core gameplay of the previous two games, such as going on hunts, side quests, and dungeon crawling may prove to be difficult. After all, the Legends games would be nothing without the adventure of building Mega Man.
My interpretation of a prequel game would be heavily story based. There are many things about Elysium, and the life of Mega Man Legends that we do not know about. There were even 3000 years that the Master was alive. There is very much to work with here. Progression of the story may be slow, but focused on the conflict within the System, as Elysium is a perfect world for the Ancients where they should not encounter conflict. It is very possible to formulate new elements to the world, mainly to take place on the artificially created worlds like Terra. Ultimately, the game would lead to Mega Man's attempt at destroying the System, leading to his near destruction and loss of his memories. The conclusion would have to be the conclusion to the ending of MML2 with getting Mega Man back on Terra. Making this game primarily a sequel would cut off the game at this point.
There are a few advantages to making a prequel game; the main reason being that it's much easier. We're simply filling in the blanks that Capcom left with us with the original games. Plus, it's also easy to make something out of nothing. There was a lot not explained about the world before Legends takes place. Higher lineages, more races, even going further back
in time.
As a Sequel:
- Spoiler:
- It's easy to be flexible with this option, as after all loose ends of the previous games have been tied, new elements can be introduced with ease, such remnants of the System. Once again, side segments can also be used freely, if only just to offer more time of gameplay, and bridge some gaps, and tie up loose ends. This is the easiest aspect to interpret, and is up for much expansion. Also, the idea of an Alignment system can be used. MML2 frequently gives off flags for alignment, and even offers the Light and Dark Mega Man
system.
My interpretation of a sequel is fairly easy and it should be everyone's, because MML2 has already set the scene for a sequel. Because of this, it's obvious that we should stick
to what's been presented. That means that the point of everything I've written would be to fix a few points that I wrote off as inconsistent, and to use other plot points as side segments to support the story.
With the remnants of the System, it's very easy to create a long running sequel that matches the core gameplay of the first two game. If it were up to me, I would write half of the game to be the quest to getting Mega Man back on Terra. This would include separate gameplay segments to and from the characters of Terra (such as Barrett if we were to revive him from the graveyard of the project), and those still on Elysium. After all, Elysium is an ambiguous world that can be expanded to our liking. Perhaps with the disappearance of the Master, and the overwatch of the Mother units, Elysium could itself have become abberant, and cause havoc, to which Mega Man must fend off or solve while waiting to be rescued by Roll. Meanwhile on Terra, the remnants of the System must be the antagonists, and should be the main conflict. Until Mega Man can return to Terra to save them, they must fend them off as long as they can. This would be an easy task for the Bright Bats. Also, the alignment system can be implemented, where the player can truly choose whether or not to destroy the System and
Elyisum for good, or revive it back to the way it was before the Master asked him to destroy it.
As a Mix:
- Spoiler:
- Of course, there also remains the option of making the storyline a hybrid of all three. In either a linear or a non-linear narration, the game can offer the player the experience
of going through all the events presented in the Mega Man Legends universe, in one game, and then setting out on the new adventure presented by the conflict made for a sequel. This
perhaps be the wisest option, as it fills all gaps, ties all loose ends, and offers the most gameplay.
However, this would probably be the hardest option. It contains the most content, and it is the longest option, obviously. It requires the most work for all characters, new and old,
and would probably need a lot of time invested in it.
My final words are that hopefully, people find this post useful. This entire thing is not meant just for my use, but rather for everyone, as a guideline to what exactly I think needs to be played off of or fixed, but how that would happen is up to the writer. These are just simply the things that should be addressed, so that as a narrative, Mega Man Legends 3 can be a success.
Last edited by Suda on Fri Feb 03, 2012 11:38 pm; edited 4 times in total (Reason for editing : Increased readability, and a few minor writing errors fixed)