That's the "game" in a nutshell. However, the actual engine itself comes into another description.
The actual Trascendence Engine is a customizable XML-based system that uses TransLisp for added functionality beyond <tag> scope. TransEngine allows people with next to no programming experience to very easily mod the game, allowing everything from introducing new items, levels and ships into the existing world, to creating a whole new universe by way of "Adventure Extensions", which can be as long or longer than the actual game of Transcendence itself.
So, what George has actually done, is create a massive Level Editor, that happens to ship with a fantastic, mind-blowing game. And with a little perseverance, skill and foresight, it is not inconceivable for the Transcendence Engine to be turned into a Medieval-themed RPG, or even a naval themed adventure like Sid Meier's "Pirates!".
Transcendence is actually rather similar to "Egoboo" (google it), a 3D Nethack styled game that ships with several "adventures" but mainly allows for users to create their own adventures. Trans allows just that, but in far, far greater detail -- allowing the user to mould the existing engine into their own.
Above Prophet asked why there are not more Adventure Extensions, like (shamless plug
) Hell's Trinity? Well, that comes down to the fact that the actual games itself, Transcendence, is really, really good. It is in and of itself, complete. It is a whole game, not merely a small, bite-sized chunk of fun, like the adventures in the aforementioned Egoboo. Because Trans is so wonderful, most mods focus only on "tweaking" it to suit an individual's tastes or to have a moment of ill-won joy by nerfing the Iocrym Boss ship.
So, in that regard, Adventure Extensions aren't really needed to "extend the life" of Trans. Very few are the modders who want to completely Overhaul a game -- even in triple-A games, TotalConversions are nowhere near as common as simple tweaks; TesNexus is a prime example of that.
Now, none of this is to suggest that George should suddenly make the Stars of the Pilgrim (the main game) very bad; we all love Trans and we dearly want to continue the adventure to the Core.
Because, if anything, that will just give all of us more juicy stuff to sink our teeth into; more ships, more stories, more stations, more - everything!
Well, that's just my ten credits. Transcendence.exe, is more than just a game; it is a fantastic space game that trumps even commercial games in its wealth of items, stations and stories, but it is also an engine, a tool with which to create things, be they an overpowered thermo cannon upgrade, or a whole new adventure to complement the existing, substantial meal we have been served.
Good work George - don't stop working towards the Core. Because hey, when we get there, maybe Domina won't be there. Maybe, just maybe, we will all find something much greater there, much more wonderful than we ever imagined........
Edit: Wow, I think I just got all emotional. Rather unlike me to post something so long too!
