NPCs need Madlibs

M0b1u5

M0b1u5
A Madlib is a sentence constructed from a random set of words, which are added to a basic sentence structure. One of the funniest little computer programs of all time, back in the 1980s, created "Madlib Stories" based on words you entered. It was hilarious. This was the early 80s - OK?

Anyway, the current system of NPCs using the EXACT same phrase EVERY DAMN TIME is wearing thin really fast. In a year from now, I'll probably just be murdering every NPC I meet, because their inane drivel will have driven me mad.

The phrases that are used in-game, need to be "Madlibised" as quickly as possible. Not only will this make NPCs cough up different actual phrases for the same question or statement (or expletive), it will make them amusing, and worth reading.

So, instead of having a sentence like: "Hello pilot, what are you hauling?"

The structure of the sentence is; "Hello" + PilotHail +", what are you" + carryWord + date(Rand) + "?".

Where pilotHail has values like "spaceworm", "honourable trader", "trash pants", "flatlander", "station mouse", etc. etc.

You build a database of words for each space in the phrases you want to create, and randomly call on them and build up a phrase each time. It will mean never seeing the exact same phrase 6 times in a row, from the same, lame NPC.

You make damned sure that you insert some mild expletives, and some funny words, and have enough randomisation to ensure the phrases don't get stale.

Please Braben!
 

jadefriendly

jadefriendly
very much yes to this.

these are the kind of things so many players have been repeatedly asking for.

variety. personality. LIFE
 

TruffleSnout

T
M0b1u5 said:
A Madlib is a sentence constructed from a random set of words, which are added to a basic sentence structure. One of the funniest little computer programs of all time, back in the 1980s, created "Madlib Stories" based on words you entered. It was hilarious. This was the early 80s - OK?
Click to expand...

Computer program? Computer program?

Am I that old?
 

CMDR RAY-ZOR'SHARP

CMDR RAY-ZOR'SHARP
M0b1u5 said:
A Madlib is a sentence constructed from a random set of words, which are added to a basic sentence structure. One of the funniest little computer programs of all time, back in the 1980s, created "Madlib Stories" based on words you entered. It was hilarious. This was the early 80s - OK?

Anyway, the current system of NPCs using the EXACT same phrase EVERY DAMN TIME is wearing thin really fast. In a year from now, I'll probably just be murdering every NPC I meet, because their inane drivel will have driven me mad.

The phrases that are used in-game, need to be "Madlibised" as quickly as possible. Not only will this make NPCs cough up different actual phrases for the same question or statement (or expletive), it will make them amusing, and worth reading.

So, instead of having a sentence like: "Hello pilot, what are you hauling?"

The structure of the sentence is; "Hello" + PilotHail +", what are you" + carryWord + date(Rand) + "?".

Where pilotHail has values like "spaceworm", "honourable trader", "trash pants", "flatlander", "station mouse", etc. etc.

You build a database of words for each space in the phrases you want to create, and randomly call on them and build up a phrase each time. It will mean never seeing the exact same phrase 6 times in a row, from the same, lame NPC.

You make damned sure that you insert some mild expletives, and some funny words, and have enough randomisation to ensure the phrases don't get stale.

Please Braben!
Click to expand...

A great but simple idea, like you I find the dumb speak so dull I no longer even even try and read anything anymore.
 

ParaB

ParaB
I'd very much like to see that.

Reminds me of the sometimes hilarious planet descriptions in the original Elite.

:D
 

Eros

Eros
I saw a mudcrab the other day

Yes! Terrible Creatures

Goodbye

Best conversation ever had by two NPCs in every town ever in Elder Scrolls :D

We definitely need more spam ;)
 

Guidebot

Guidebot
Very much yes. Great idea. Also opens the door some hilariously quirky rando-generated AI madness, which everyone loves. And if you don't, then we found you out machine.
 

Darth Ender

D
i'd appreciate some AI responsiveness rather than useless verbiage.

Things like, requesting assistance when being attacked and then thanking you if you destroyed the attacker.

Police ships commenting on your bounty hunting success in a given instance and decreasing in numbers if "you got this handled" pretty much and likewise ...noting when you're getting slapped around.

Bad guys correctly being snotty as they attack you (referring to your ship type, loadout and performance)

Miners complaining about crap rocks. etc.

Basically, stuff reflecting the active actual environment rather than canned madlibs.
 

simulacrae

simulacrae
M0b1u5 said:
A Madlib is a sentence constructed from a random set of words, which are added to a basic sentence structure. One of the funniest little computer programs of all time, back in the 1980s, created "Madlib Stories" based on words you entered. It was hilarious. This was the early 80s - OK?
Click to expand...

Reminded me of ELIZA

Would be awesome to get interdicted by NPC Eliza and then have her try to psychoanalyze me. Used to love messing around with that program.

Hi. Im Eliza, what do you want to talk about? :)
 

Sentience

Sentience
Fairly easy suggestion, since voice acting isn't needed, just a database of text.

Don't see why they couldn't do it, maybe after a bunch of the core stuff is fixed.
 
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