Knuckle Cracker

Particle Fleet => Gameplay Discussion => Topic started by: steelwing on October 01, 2016, 10:12:03 PM

Title: Interesting ending [spoilers]
Post by: steelwing on October 01, 2016, 10:12:03 PM
Great job tying in the storyline to the CW series.  I was wondering how the two would be connected.
So...
Spoiler

The prologue is actually the "present" and the whole rest of the game was essentially Ticon Corp's mission log in flashback?
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Title: Re: Interesting ending [spoilers]
Post by: weekendgamer on October 01, 2016, 11:54:00 PM
Spoiler
It seems likely. Although it could also be really a prologue with a different Varro Hale, the story did say that the names repeated a lot. And Dagr mentioned one previous crew that sent a final transmission.
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Title: Re: Interesting ending [spoilers]
Post by: Tarmandan on October 02, 2016, 08:57:12 AM
Spoiler
The ending surprised me a little. I really was expecting to witness the founding of the mighty Ticon Empire.
Also the Varro in the prologue should be the one from the epilogue. After all he specifically searched for a data cache and apparently had its exact location.
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Title: Re: Interesting ending [spoilers]
Post by: planetfall on October 02, 2016, 10:34:54 AM
I think there's more to it than that.

Spoiler

The initiating event of Ticon's story was recieving a message from Redacted Space. The first time through, the prologue would seem to imply that the message was sent by CEO Varro.
What clues me in to something more going on is the presence of a shield module on the Varro. When you find the CClass, Ana says of the shield "I've never seen an operational module of this type and I'm not sure how it even works." This is the same woman who was able to create an accurate simulation of the particulate based only on the aforementioned signal from Redacted Space, so it's not like she's "too stupid to know how a shield works" (that dubious honor probably goes to Thoth and Danu). This module simply has been completely lost to time, and the only place one can get a blueprint for it is in Redacted Space.

So, long ago, Varro's grandfather ends up going to Redacted Space. Since he was a ship designer, he had whatever GalCorp credentials are needed to create new ship schematics. His crew probably found another CClass, and he created a ship using the shield tech. They were eventually destroyed, but were able to send home a signal... you probably know the rest. And since GalCorp has sealed all knowledge of Redacted Space, these missions are probably unknown to the masses and, since Varro was very young when his grandfather's journey occurred, he probably didn't know about it either.

After finishing the story, the prologue takes on a new meaning. Instead of this being the message that Ticon talks about in mission 1, Varro has just completed a similar journey to Ticon's, and is relaying the truth back home. But the message still gets sent to the "Ticon Archive." CEO Ticon probably had relatives back in Non-Redacted Space... maybe children or grandchildren...

So my idea is that both of these families keep sacrificing themselves into Redacted Space. Whether they get the info cache slightly closer with each turn of the cycle or whether it's all for nought is anyone's guess. But, I suspect the entire thing has been orchestrated by GalCorp. Theyre the ones keeping RS a secret, they're the ones lying about the history, and we learn that both the Ticon and Hale lines have some kind of link to House Abraxis - and Ticon says in mission 11 that if he had known that, he would have focused his efforts on overthrowing GalCorp. So, the grand mystery of Redacted Space, the cycle of messages - all of it is a scheme by GalCorp to dispose of political enemies.
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Title: Re: Interesting ending [spoilers]
Post by: Tjgalon on October 02, 2016, 03:11:04 PM
While I liked the ending, seem like these games sorta have these downer type ending, and such. Though just makes me want to try much harder too, lol
Title: Re: Interesting ending [spoilers]
Post by: Koder on October 02, 2016, 06:36:37 PM
Spoiler
Regarding the ending, has anyone found any alternate endings/easter eggs? I've tried different ways of getting creative and trying to get that info cache differently on mission 16 (there is a gap just large enough for a lathe just to the right of where it scans the ship), to no avail. I liked how there were multiple endings in CW3.
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Title: Re: Interesting ending [spoilers]
Post by: Xeneonic on October 03, 2016, 05:10:36 AM
I'd like to point out that GalCorp started out as a "just" company that got corrupted over time. It sounds a lot like Abraxis turning into Loki the more he discovered over time. Just saying...
Title: Re: Interesting ending [spoilers]
Post by: Tarmandan on October 05, 2016, 04:39:01 AM
Something I thought of in the Creeper vs Particulate topic
Spoiler
If you remember, in CW 3 only two civilasitions are named, the Seloi (aka "The Precursors") and the Ticon Empire (Which I strongly believed to be founded at the end of the campaign till I saw the ending). I had always wondered, why the Ticons held on the longest while the Seloi clearly were more advanced. My guess is that Ticon corporation manages to overthrow GalCorp and somehow manages to utilize the Particulate to an extent, fighting a long, long war. The Seloi did not resist till the end, if they did they probably would have lasted the longest.
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Title: Re: Interesting ending [spoilers]
Post by: Chimera27 on October 31, 2016, 01:17:53 AM
Quote from: Koder on October 02, 2016, 06:36:37 PM
Spoiler
Regarding the ending, has anyone found any alternate endings/easter eggs? I've tried different ways of getting creative and trying to get that info cache differently on mission 16 (there is a gap just large enough for a lathe just to the right of where it scans the ship), to no avail. I liked how there were multiple endings in CW3.
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Spoiler

Nada. Tried beating it without using the final ship, but nothing changed about the ending
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Quote from: Tarmandan on October 05, 2016, 04:39:01 AM
Something I thought of in the Creeper vs Particulate topic
Spoiler
If you remember, in CW 3 only two civilasitions are named, the Seloi (aka "The Precursors") and the Ticon Empire (Which I strongly believed to be founded at the end of the campaign till I saw the ending). I had always wondered, why the Ticons held on the longest while the Seloi clearly were more advanced. My guess is that Ticon corporation manages to overthrow GalCorp and somehow manages to utilize the Particulate to an extent, fighting a long, long war. The Seloi did not resist till the end, if they did they probably would have lasted the longest.
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This was explained in-story. The Seloi almost beat the Creeper completely by creating their own Arc, but surrendered at the request of the Loki for unknown reasons.
Title: Re: Interesting ending [spoilers]
Post by: 4xC on November 07, 2016, 11:54:19 AM
Spoiler
Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't some dialogue imply that Ana is Aliana?

Also, Graphically, I'm losing track, Is redacted space a certain distance or part of the Milky Way or is it another dimension?

And is it implied that somehow, the Loki corrupted the original particulate and converted it to Evil Red? Or is their origin not fully known yet?

As for the ending, despite it being rather melancholy, it would have been rather cheesy if it ended on a high note since this is only one PF game. The possibility of a sequel or two is just too obvious if you ask me.
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Title: Re: Interesting ending [spoilers]
Post by: planetfall on November 07, 2016, 06:00:40 PM
Quote from: 4xC on November 07, 2016, 11:54:19 AM
Spoiler
Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't some dialogue imply that Ana is Aliana?
As for the ending, despite it being rather melancholy, it would have been rather cheesy if it ended on a high note since this is only one PF game. The possibility of a sequel or two is just too obvious if you ask me.
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Spoiler

The save file extension is pf1.
Just sayin'.
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Title: Re: Interesting ending [spoilers]
Post by: Relli on November 08, 2016, 09:05:14 AM
Quote from: 4xC on November 07, 2016, 11:54:19 AM
Spoiler
Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't some dialogue imply that Ana is Aliana?
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Spoiler
I thought the same thing the instant I saw Ana (not falling for that one again!), and yet the dialogue actually implies the opposite. The details of the family tree are lost on me, but it seems like Ana is simply descended from Aliana, not Aliana herself. The same goes for Dagr Ticon. And sure, she could be further lying, but I don't believe that's the case, especially considering the ending.
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Title: Re: Interesting ending [spoilers]
Post by: harrymcb on November 09, 2016, 12:42:03 AM
here are my thoughts.
Spoiler
we know that abraxis, and probably aliana from CW is basically immortal, and capable of shape-shifting and brainwashing himself into believing/doing certain things. it is no coincidence that abraxis was in the right place at the right time in CW1 and 2. add on top of that his and aliana's ability to time travel, i think it is highly likely that ALL of the abraxis and aliana/ana's are the same 2 people. the biggest wrench in my idea that i see is that varro and ticon are also big names. my guess is that a sequel will solve that mystery.
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aside from all i just said I'm adding my opinion, that has been said before, that the story for knuckleCracker games is never what i would call wonderful. the games are amazing, the story... not so much. the story is often nonsensical. so there may be NO solution to these questions.

it is fun to talk about and speculate though ;D.
Title: Re: Interesting ending [spoilers]
Post by: cecel123 on November 11, 2016, 09:28:55 PM
Indeed. One of the most interesting things to do outside of PLAYING the game is filling in the blanks that Virgil has left for us. Until he fills in those blanks himself, there will always be a theory. A GAME THEORY!

Sorry, but not sorry.
Title: Re: Interesting ending [spoilers]
Post by: ShadeOfRed on January 23, 2017, 09:43:22 AM
I actually prefer games that leave things a little vague and open to interpretation.

Which is why Dark Souls lore has interested me long past my burning passion for playing those games has waned a bit.

Same thing here...bits and drabs and dribbles of information slowly building, answering this question but creating three more...It's a really good way (if you like the idea of lore) of keeping people interested.

Another reason, as a child, I was so enamored with Star Wars...I plainly remember asking my parents where the first 3 movies were, being told they weren't ever made, having it explained to me kind of why, then letting my imagination run wild.

(until George lost his freaking mind and made the first 3, that I have mostly deleted from my memory due to the trauma of watching them)
Title: Re: Interesting ending [spoilers]
Post by: GoodMorning on January 23, 2017, 04:26:40 PM
Another one that drip-feeds information is Don't Starve.

Regarding PF, CW3 implied that Skars and Aliana weren't humans. At that point, speculation becomes futile.
Title: Re: Interesting ending [spoilers]
Post by: Mischief Maker on March 18, 2017, 04:45:14 PM
I just finished this campaign after finishing CW3.  Here's my interpretation of the ending:

Spoiler
The Seloi and Ticon Empire are the two most prominent human empires in CW3, with the Ticons being the most militaristic and longest lasting against the creeper.

The Seloi is the first human civilization whose leadership doesn't hide the fact learned from ancient records that the creeper is eventually coming to destroy them.  The entire civilization works together and figures out that the creeper is an information-gathering device used by the Loki to help them isolate the Arc.  The Seloi decide the only way to save themselves from the Loki is to find the Arc first, so they develop their own version of creeper: the particulate, and evacuate redacted space so the particulate can cause its creeper-like devastation without harming humanity.  Just when the Seloi are on the verge of finding the Arc before the Loki, they find out that if they discover the Arc before the events of CW3 they'll cause a cataclysmic time paradox since Platius would have never existed.  They surrender to the Loki and the creeper and leave their info caches behind warning about the coming of the creeper, but not to spread knowledge of the Arc lest humanity get close to screwing up the timeline again.

In Particle Fleet a Galactic Corporation rules in the aftermath of the Seloi and keeps knowledge of the Creeper hidden from the public.  The protagonist goes to redacted space, finds out the creeper is coming, and sends a message for his friend to go on a suicide mission and leave a trail of relays in riftspace to get the records of the Seloi back to civilization.  His friend succeeds.

After the campaign, the info ends up in the archives of the protagonist's adopted family, the Ticon.  Spurred on by the info they stage an uprising against the Galactic Corporation for keeping the creeper secret and create the Ticon Empire where knowledge of the coming creeper threat is widespread, but not about the Arc.  Instead of trying to beat the Loki to finding the Arc, the civilization develop many mighty weapon technologies to fight the creeper and manage to last the longest before the creeper subverts digitalis and destroys them as well.
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Title: Re: Interesting ending [spoilers]
Post by: knucracker on March 20, 2017, 10:14:24 AM
That is nearly spot on and a better summary than I could have written :)
Title: Re: Interesting ending [spoilers]
Post by: Scarpath on April 22, 2017, 01:40:05 PM
Quote from: virgilw on March 20, 2017, 10:14:24 AM
That is nearly spot on and a better summary than I could have written :)

*Insert corny Wheel of Time reference here*
Title: Re: Interesting ending [spoilers]
Post by: rer24 on January 01, 2018, 02:17:47 PM
This means. that the timeline relies on the Ticon becoming so militaristic to slow down the Loki, ensuring that Skarsgdar finds the Loki minutes before they reveal the Arc.