Script Example

Cyberstrike, 2024 Script - End of level cinematic.

Context

Game Narrative (high-level):

Players take on the role of Themis, a newly commissioned Paragon tasked with maintaining order in the sprawling metropolis of Novathens. As Themis patrols the neon-lit streets, players witness the stark divide between the privileged elite and the downtrodden masses. But when Themis uncovers his own tragic past as a victim of the corporate regime, he embarks on a journey of redemption that will change the course of history.

Intent:

This narrative is a critique of the evils of private healthcare, late stage capitalism, authoritarian rule and how inaction in the face of injustice becomes being complicit in injustice.

Backstory:

In the year 3009, humanity exists in a dystopian corporatocracy ruled by THE FIVE, a Megacorp composed of AETHERION: Specializing in advanced energy solutions, including fusion technology, zero-point energy, and space propulsion systems, HELIOS: Leaders in genetic research, bioinformatics, and gene editing therapies, with a focus on curing genetic diseases, OLYMPUS: A leading provider of cybernetic enhancements, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality technologies, aimed at enhancing human capabilities, AEGIS: Defence Systems: Experts in defence technologies, manufacturing state-of-the-art weapons systems, armoured vehicles, and military drones, and CHRONOS: Innovators in time manipulation technology, temporal engineering, and quantum chromodynamics, with applications in both science and industry.

Humanity is plagued by a widespread illness called XEROPHYTUS or XER-0 that leaves them weak with malaise. Individuals are forced to rely on expensive medication available only through pharmaceutical subscription services. With many too poor to afford healthcare, they are left to rot in the lowest rungs of society, selling their bodies for medical testing/cybernetic enhancement studies.

The power structure is upheld by cybernetically enhanced enforcers, known as Paragons, who possess the legal authority to convict, sentence and execute citizens. Paragons are products directed by AEGIS, but OLYMPUS are responsible for their creation.

Paragons live in relative paradise amongst the corporate elite and are only required to descend into the bowls of society when there is justice to distribute.

Amidst this oppressive regime, a group of rebels emerge, dedicated to developing a vaccine to cure the sick and liberate society from corporate control.

Themis, a newly made Paragon, is tasked with destroying the rebellion at its root, but in his journey discovers that he was once one of those suffering under the current regime and was turned into a Paragon when he was no longer able to pay his medical bills.

He then attempts to buy the rebellion time to finish the vaccine, and begins an assault on THE FIVE, using his status as a Paragon to cause as much damage as possible while the vaccination is finished and distributed.