Interactive Apocalypse: A Reflection

[Batbrick]

Hi guys, I'm taking a break with IA for now, as I have decided the next part would be too anticlimactic compared to the cliffhanger of part 5 and the Battle. I'm not sure if I'll make a second season, if I don't, I'll wrap it up in a couple of extra parts with one more creation.

First of all, let me say a big thankyou to anyone and everyone who ever commented on my IA project, it means a lot to me. This was definitely my vehicle to becoming a better builder, I look back at part one and think I've come a long way. I feel that post-apoc get a lot of undeserved heat as a theme, as a few mocers (not from EB mind you) tend to just throw bits together and claim it as such. So I really wanted to show myself that the theme (one I love) can have good creations even from an newcomer builder like I was at the time of starting it. What I found was that it really did help me improve, and the comments you posted really made it worthwhile. A member even told me he joined EB because of IA, so that made my day. I'm not pretending to be a great builder, I'm just a good builder who likes to use his imagination, so a massive, massive thankyou to all who followed this and helped me grow as a builder and a member

I posted this thread to get feedback for more than just the creations and current story. I really want to know where I should go with this, as it has been a fun experience for me. As IA is decided by the members, I felt I should let you guys have a say. This thread is basically a look back at the entirety of IA. I don't really want any praise, I'm looking more for criticisms and reflection on what was successful and what wasn't, be it the story, characters, creations or ideas.

Just to jog your memory here is the main creation from each part:

The Base

The Base 2.0

The Deadzone:

Dragonator's Outpost:

Xenu's Sea Fortress:

Dragonator's Army:

Also, I'm free to answer any question you have regarding IA. Anything, be it the production, idea, vote making or anything else, I'll answer. Basically, whatever you want to say, ask, criticise (constructively of course), summarise and of course state what you put in the poll, please do, I'd love to see what the readers think of certain parts I'm not sure on, and where this should go. I'd also love to hear which parts you think was least successful and most successful so that I may improve and focus. So anything you want to post regarding IA, post it here, I'd love to see where I can improve and where you think this should head.

Thanks do much for reading guys, and thanks for all the comments you've made, you make me feel really at home here

Batbrick Away!

[Dragonator]

No, you can't take a break, I won't let you! Please?...

But seriously, everyone needs a bit of time out, even someone who has been building an awesome story that I really don't want to see stop. And that is not just because it has me in it.

Batbrick, I have really enjoyed watching and voting in your IA. It has been tremendous fun, and a great experience. Looking at those MOCs, it is clear you have vastly improved over the course of the series, with that amazing Death Roller being the height of your work, in my opinion. But I want to see more!

For me, I voted positives for everything. This has been well thought out, easy to follow, with some awesome characters (especially that evil Genocidal Homicidal Maniac of a Lord, I want his autograph), and amazing scenery. Not to mention all those brick-built creatures! It was a tough choice to make on that voting option, for what I want to see more of, as I want to see more of everything, but i was the brick-built creatures that won. Every time I saw a new IA instalment, I would always look for the brick-built creatures, as they are always unique and nicely built. Keep making those! But keep making everything else as well. The scenery has all been well thought out, I would quite like to see these mountains and some places there...

Right, so I've had a habit of writing to much in response to these in the past, so I'll try and wrap up quickly now. I think we, the EB community, should be saying a big thank you to you, for providing us with these quality MOCs and an awesome story line. Here it is:

Thank You!!

I look forward to all the future instalments and season 2.

-ator

[Inertia]

I thought the IA series was excellent and really cool. I always read it as soon as I saw the post and always voted.

It was excellent, The Death Roller and the Cage truck being my favorites . I hope that we can witness another IA storyline but I loved the first

I agree with Dragonator

THANK YOU!

[Batbrick]

Sinking faster than the titanic I see!

Thanks guys, I'mreally gld at your responses, thanks. I'll retun to it later after a rest, and this month is Indina Jones month so I'll have to do more on that theme anyway. More brickbuilt creatures it is then, I'm glad you like them dragonator

Batbrick Away!

[iamded]

Nooo! Keep I.A. running!!

I voted that I.A. was very much successful, and that I felt I (and us other voters) determined the outcome of each episode and that there wasn't a predetermined plot form the beginning. Just imagine how it would have turned out if we went to the mountains instead of the Deadzone back then.

The next question was quite a difficult one, The Deadzone was truly a marvellous, dark, twisted creation, one of my favourites. Dragonator's Death Roller was the big, climactic creation of doom, so clearly that's also a favourite. Xenu's Sea Fortress was so worth it after the wait, such an awesome creation, so very post-apoc. But I voted for Lord D's Outpost, it looks so flimsy yet so sturdy, I've never seen a more creative and awesome use of those gate pieces, and of course the chains were fantastic! Truly great creations, Batbrick!

I.A. is really awesome, and I definately think you should continue it. Season 2 ON!

Bases and creatures would be an awesome thing to see more of, and creature's bases is very intriguing, however I love your landscaping and I really want to see the Mountains, so I voted landscape.

And lastly, I.A.'s storyline was indeed successful, I could remember the characters well and thought it truely turned out well!

Looking back at your original base, which was awesome, and seeing how much you've progressed as a builder, well, it's stunning! Great job, Batbrick, truly great, maybe I should try an Interactive Medieval Adventure.

~Peace

[Inertia]

Looking back at your original base, which was awesome, and seeing how much you've progressed as a builder, well, it's stunning! Great job, Batbrick, truly great, maybe I should try an Interactive Medieval Adventure.

~Peace

I was thinking of that... Oh well,

Mind-reading over the 'net seems to be pretty common place now...

[Clonecommando007]

I would like some other member (if not you) to run some interactive theme; not necessarily Apocalypse, but some other theme. Like maybe Kdog could run a Classic Space Interactive!

[Asuka]

It´s an impressive and inspiring work for sure!

What I voted for:

I think the interactive part´s very successful and a neat idea. Although.... I guess it´s pretty much additional work for you,

and I wouldn´t bother if you decide to continue the story up to your own likings alone....

I liked Xenu's Sea Fortress the best, I simply like the waterside environment and all these nifty little crafts....

I think indeed that there´re a lot of possibilities with this theme.... but of course it depends on you to continue.

A cool finale could be interesting, too. It seems like the story´s approaching some climax anyways....

Landscapes.... or some nifty base with a different and exciting landscape, perhaps some nice mountain scenery....

And yes, it´s a really great story and very well done indeed. Thank you for all these fine MOCs and dioramas, you really did

a marvelous job on the Post Apocalyptic theme!

[zero1312]

It was a great success and I'd love to see more from this.

Batbrick to the rescue!!!

[The Joker]

IA was on of the reasons why I joined EB aswell, I followed the story long before I joined. Anyways

you did a awesome job from episode 1 to where we are today. I would defintley want to see this

continue as you made great outposts, monsters, giant rolling machines and a great story line. My favourite MoC was the Deadzone, very evil and what drew me to this story. I sure hope that this isnt the end of IA. If it is, a conclusion would be nice.

Edited June 4, 2008 by The Joker

[Sandy]

I like the Mad Max-feel in your Interactive Apocalypse MOCs, and the interaction part really worked well. The story could've been a bit deeper, though, and the characters more fleshed out. Many of them just died or vanished right after being introduced, only to be replaced by new ones. Many of the characters were fun, so I would've liked to get to know them better.

I'm definitely looking forward to a continuation, though. Maybe there will be more interactive stories from other themes by other members in the future as well.

[Batbrick]

Thanks guys!

I would like some other member (if not you) to run some interactive theme; not necessarily Apocalypse, but some other theme. Like maybe Kdog could run a Classic Space Interactive!

I'd ove o do this as well, when I finish IA (sooner or later) I'm going to do Interactive Space or Castle or something.

I like the Mad Max-feel in your Interactive Apocalypse MOCs, and the interaction part really worked well. The story could've been a bit deeper, though, and the characters more fleshed out. Many of them just died or vanished right after being introduced, only to be replaced by new ones. Many of the characters were fun, so I would've liked to get to know them better.

I'm definitely looking forward to a continuation, though. Maybe there will be more interactive stories from other themes by other members in the future as well.

Thankyou Sandy, I'm very welcome to criticism, so thanks. I'm not sure what you mean by a deeper story, but I agree I should flesh out the characters, i might make some bios on them in the next part. Thanks for that, I'll definitely get onto improving that aspect, so thanks again!

I'm getting very scared here though, everyone wants to make their own Interactive adventure, I dn't want my baby to leave just yet!

Batbrick Away!

[Sandy]

I'm not sure what you mean by a deeper story, but I agree I should flesh out the characters, i might make some bios on them in the next part.

Well, now your story focused largely on the technical side of survival (scavenging and fighting and running etc.). If you want a deeper story, you should perhaps add some dialogue with some emotions in it. How do the characters feel about the situation? What's the background of it all? Will they try to find out what caused the apocalypse? That's depth for you. ;D But of course it's your choice to make your story whatever you want it to be.

I'd like to see biographies, that's a good idea.

I'm getting very scared here though, everyone wants to make their own Interactive adventure, I dn't want my baby to leave just yet!

Don't worry, yours will always be the original one.

[WhiteFang]

Hey Batbrick,

I am sorry. I was not able to keep up with your entire IA stages. Well, from many viewers' comments, I can see that you have done a very great job to retain them throughout your stages. Great job!

In your earlier topic, I did not particpate in the votes earlier, because I don't think its fair to cast my vote when I do not know the entire flow. I really do hope a second comeback of your IA, and hope to give my comments as well in the future.

I'd ove o do this as well, when I finish IA (sooner or later) I'm going to do Interactive Space or Castle or something.

Did you just mention Interactive Castle?

I will be looking forward to it. The idea sounds yummy to me.

Edited June 6, 2008 by WhiteFang

[brickbreaker]

please, never ever stop!

interactive apoc is the best thing ever, you must continue

oh, and can i be in it?

[filefolders]

A member even told me he joined EB because of IA, so that made my day.

Aw, shucks... I'm glad that meant something to you.

I've really liked Interactive Apocalypse. I would like to see more landscaping. I just love LEGO landscaping. I also would like more of a back story and have it affect the game like avoiding radioactive areas or people with the neo-plague. I'm really a fan of post-nuke stories myself and think it would be cool if the party could travel to the rubble of cities or raid fallout shelters.

Whatever you decide to do, thanks for the great time Batbrick.

[Eilif]

I hadn't looked at IA before this topic. I was very impressed by it, and just read it all the way through. Sorry if this is an older thread, but as a conclusion to IA hasn't come yet, I will offer the following suggestions.

1) Smaller, but more installments. Keep the installments shorter, and reveal fewer new charachters, creatures and vehicles with each installment, and take less pictures. With shorter installments and more installments you could:

-have more actions and scenes in each location

-have installments more often to keep interest up

-do less work per installment

-have less new stuff (creatures, charachters, etc) to keep track of with each installmetn

-give you the chance to focus on charachter development.

2) Don't separate installments into #, and #.5. It makes for alot of repitition, and more work, for you, and less meaningfull installments. Think of it as a choose your own adventure book...

3) Whatever you do, don't leave us hanging. It seems like you may be tiring of this storyline, but IMHO you owe it to your readers to give some conclusion. Rather than a definate ending, or a definate conclusion, you could conclude this particular story line, and leave the posibility open for a future one to continue the saga.

Again great work. Some delightfully unique MOC's came out of this project.

[Batbrick]

Aw, shucks... I'm glad that meant something to you.

I've really liked Interactive Apocalypse. I would like to see more landscaping. I just love LEGO landscaping. I also would like more of a back story and have it affect the game like avoiding radioactive areas or people with the neo-plague. I'm really a fan of post-nuke stories myself and think it would be cool if the party could travel to the rubble of cities or raid fallout shelters.

Whatever you decide to do, thanks for the great time Batbrick.

Thanks filefolders, I thought you might've been the one. Thanks for your compliments, I suspect the next part (which is still a while off) will only include a little landscaping, but I assure you my focus on it will increase, thanks. Unfortunately I do not have the bricks for a destroyed city, but I am making a run down building as the next bit.

I hadn't looked at IA before this topic. I was very impressed by it, and just read it all the way through. Sorry if this is an older thread, but as a conclusion to IA hasn't come yet, I will offer the following suggestions.

1) Smaller, but more installments. Keep the installments shorter, and reveal fewer new charachters, creatures and vehicles with each installment, and take less pictures. With shorter installments and more installments you could:

-have more actions and scenes in each location

-have installments more often to keep interest up

-do less work per installment

-have less new stuff (creatures, charachters, etc) to keep track of with each installmetn

-give you the chance to focus on charachter development.

2) Don't separate installments into #, and #.5. It makes for alot of repitition, and more work, for you, and less meaningfull installments. Think of it as a choose your own adventure book...

3) Whatever you do, don't leave us hanging. It seems like you may be tiring of this storyline, but IMHO you owe it to your readers to give some conclusion. Rather than a definate ending, or a definate conclusion, you could conclude this particular story line, and leave the posibility open for a future one to continue the saga.

Again great work. Some delightfully unique MOC's came out of this project.

Thanks Elif, I agree I probably should make less with each installment. My installments will always take a while, as of now i am still on planning hiatus from Season 1, Season 2 is in the works. Thankyou for reading through them, and for your suggestions too. I am also no longer keeping a separate poll thread given the success of the last two parts which had a poll and new creation.

As for leaving you hanging, don't worry, I won't. I love making IA, but at the moment I am just expanding my Batverse. I already have planned the first bit, which takes place roughly a year of two after the cliffhanger battle. I do owe it to the readers, and I assure I will get back to Season 2, but I just wanted a break after such a long haul with all those constructions. Thanks for your comments very much!

Batbrick Away!

[Inertia]

Thanks Elif, I agree I probably should make less with each installment. My installments will always take a while, as of now i am still on planning hiatus from Season 1, Season 2 is in the works. Thankyou for reading through them, and for your suggestions too. I am also no longer keeping a separate poll thread given the success of the last two parts which had a poll and new creation.

As for leaving you hanging, don't worry, I won't. I love making IA, but at the moment I am just expanding my Batverse. I already have planned the first bit, which takes place roughly a year of two after the cliffhanger battle. I do owe it to the readers, and I assure I will get back to Season 2, but I just wanted a break after such a long haul with all those constructions. Thanks for your comments very much!

Batbrick Away!

Sounds Awesome, I can't wait for the next season.

Season 2 sounds pretty action packed, so I guess it's worth the wait