AE Story Arc Recommendations


Alari_Azure

 

Posted

Lately I've been very frustrated by good story arcs getting griefed by 1 or 0 stars. I've dwelled on how annoying and wrong it is and ranted about ways it should be fixed. I'm through with all that now and I've decided instead to take a much more positive approach to the AE System!

It's time to counteract the griefers by promoting Arcs that deserve praise and play! So this is it: my own personal hall of fame. My list of all the arcs I enjoyed playing and ones that have qualities that merit experiencing. This is a list of Arcs that I feel people will be interested in playing and ones that should be getting more attention. They are well written and have good or interesting game design features.

This isn't a review thread and I don't want any self-promotion or requests here. But if you have played Arcs by other people that are high quality--have good writing, plot and design--feel free to list them! No spoilers and no reviews please, just the name of the arc, the author and a brief summary of why you liked it or what style it is.

Here's my list of Favorite Arcs. I'll be adding to it as I play more. Give these ones a try, you won't be disappointed!


~~ HEROIC:<ul type="square">[*]Duality by @DK242-B (#84105)
Dark street crime, horror-mystery story.[*]The Best of the Rest of What's Left by @Twoflower (#2539)
Heroic reality TV![*]Trademark Infringement by @Wrong Number (#2220)
Funny story with great custom character design.[*]Kitty Hate Hat - The Catpocalypse by @Kepa (#99831)
Insane, funny writting and story![*]The Dead and the Damned by @Found Boy (#87912)
Great design and writting. Excellent for low levels.[*]Teen Phalanx Forever! by @PW (#67335)
A fun adventure comic book style![/list]~~ NEUTRAL:<ul type="square">[*]Time Loop by @Bubbawheat (#137561)
Very clever mission design. Rewards the player that reads the clues and text closely.[/list]~~ VILLAINOUS:<ul type="square">[*]Gang Land Series by @Jake Summers (#4424 and #123551)
Part 1: The Tesla Fidelity Cannon and Part 2: Army Building for Dummies
Fun and well written arc with much evil world dominating! Great for low levels.[*]Mercytown: The One With All The Fish by @Frija (#6017)
Good atmosphere and creepy final mission.[/list]If you haven't already, join the "MA Arc Finder" channel in-game. Its a great place to learn about good arcs!


 

Posted

Ran Time Loop and it was fun

Will try some of the others as well.


 

Posted

In b4 "The Footsteps Initiative". Sorry, don't know the arc number, but it was funny stuff.


 

Posted

Neutral:

Avert the Trojan War @Daria Arc #188152

3 missions, well-written. Great dialogue, nice custom mobs, short, dramatic. Very worth your time. It was also virtually unplayed (!) when I tried it.


Questions about the game, either side? /t @Neuronia or @Neuronium, with your queries!
168760: A Death in the Gish. 3 missions, 1-14. Easy to solo.
Infinity Villains
Champion, Pinnacle, Virtue Heroes

 

Posted

Two excellent heroic arcs I played yesterday:

Attack of the Space Gremlins by @AlwaysAPrice (#4077)
Probably the most fun I've had in a player-created arc yet. Well, written, engaging and dynamic story.

The Science of Eternity by @Wonderslug (#123178)
Great high-level story arc involving a canonical low-level villain. Brilliantly written dialogue throughout.


 

Posted

The one and only arc I'd recommend so far for Devs Choice:

Grim Riddles by @Mantid

Great adaptation of a genre archetype, the "mad puzzler" (here known as Grim Grin). Thoroughly enjoyed it.


And for a while things were cold,
They were scared down in their holes
The forest that once was green
Was colored black by those killing machines

 

Posted

Tahlana,

Thanks for recommending one of my arcs! Nice to know people are playing and enjoying them.

WN


Check out one of my most recent arcs:
457506 - A Very Special Episode - An abandoned TV, a missing kid's TV show host and more
416951 - The Ms. Manners Task Force - More wacky villains, Wannabes. things in poor taste

or one of my other arcs including two 2010 Player's Choice Winners and an2009 Official AE Awards Nominee for Best Original Story

 

Posted

I would recommend arc 9744 Mender Stygian task force. Interesting time travel plot. A visit to Brass Monday. And a nice custom group. The first mission is a defeat all but it's an easy one.

And of course I have to recommend @gadgetdon's "Butterfly Effect" which did make dev's choice. Plus the two sequels 2974 and 88842


Don't count your weasels before they pop dink!

 

Posted

I've played a lot of good arcs, for this thread, I'll list all the ones I've given 5 stars to:

37636: The Missing by ShadowRush
Great mystery of a story.

110723: Females for Hire by @suedenim
great customs, interesting and funny story.

143017: Digital Transition by @Heroic
Great contact with The Computer and a great story.

1388: Celebrity Kidnapping by @PW
Funny arc with excellent use of AE features.

159672: The Omega Reports: Scavenger by @Luminara
Excellent mystery with unique mob groups.

2622: A Tangle in Time by @jjac
Great writing for a time loop mystery.

156389: Kiss Hello Goodbye! by @kitsune9tails
Awesome film noir detective saga.

I feel like I'm forgetting a couple more, but hopefully I'll remember before the edit window is up and I'll just add them. And thanks for the two votes for Time Loop, I appreciate it!


 

Posted

My favorite arcs so far are

10619 - IMPOSSIBLE KUNG FU MISSION - don't let the name fool you.

98943 - Invasion on Earth BX1132! - the penultimate mission alone makes this great.

17032 - Adventures of the Space Marines - unfortunately, I think this one got invalidated and hasn't been fixed yet. I haven't been able to find it recently. But I highly recommend it.

These are the ones I gave 5 stars to. There are a lot of other ones I enjoyed.


bababadalgharaghtakamminarronnkonnbronntonner-
ronntuonnthunntrovarrhounawnskawntoohoohoordenenth ur-
nuk!

 

Posted

I just tried "Kiss Hello Goodbye". I give it high marks for overall narrative. He really needs to make the narrative and dialog text different colors though to differentiate. The story suffered from a couple continuity issues and a chaotic ending map that didn't make much sense. I also didn't appreciate the overpowered trigger spawn in the first mission that sent me to the hospital. I gave it four stars. With a few tweaks, it could be a great arc.


131430 Starfare: First Contact
178774 Tales of Croatoa: A Rose By Any Other Name ( 2009 MA Best In-Canon Arc ) ( 2009 Player Awards - Best Serious Arc )

 

Posted

I just finished playing @MrCaptainMan's "The Audition", #182289. This is a humorous arc that brilliantly pokes fun at some of CoH's mythology and conventions, without ever devolving into complete absurdity. I like to call it "Synpase's Incompetent Task Force." The sense of humor is witty and irreverent. There's a musical subsection, and you even get a chance to cheer up a depressed Lord Recluse!


 

Posted

Hi, thanks for including my mission arc in this list. What an honor!

I've played most of the other mission arcs you've listed here, but there are several here that I have yet to enjoy. I will remedy these oversights!


 

Posted

[ QUOTE ]
and you even get a chance to cheer up a depressed Lord Recluse!

[/ QUOTE ]

That part earned an audible "D'oh!" from me.


 

Posted

Let's see. I'll only promote my own because my sig appears, but here are some others:

Heroic:

Footsteps Initiative by @Muu (#2291)
The Footsteps Initiative exists to partner up established Heros - like you - with a group of youngsters, thereby allowing the newer Heroes to benefit from your wisdom and experience. Registering with Footsteps is your chance to help shape the next generation of costumed vigilante.


A Tangle In Time by @jjac (#2622)
In an Oranbegan ruin, untouched for hundreds of years, lies a fragile relic that can bend the very rivers of time. Your mission is to tamper with it.

Uncreation by @Muu (#6832)
It is possible - through no fault of your own, and due to circumstances completely out of your hands - that you are about to destroy the Universe.

LOST DOG by @6x (#9500)
A young boy has lost his dog Scruffles, can you help track him down?

Time and Time Again by @Doc Photon (#43060)
There is disloyalty and betrayal in the Council. Mutiny is in the air! But what do the Nictus and a myserious time traveler have to do with it? Contains one climactic AV fight.

One Million Eyes by @minimalist (#71933)
Sign up with MetaConnect, the hot new social networking site for hero-watchers and hero-wannabes! Find out where your favorite heroes have been spotted, and keep tabs on villainy in your neighborhood!

Spring is in the Error by @Witch Engine (#26811)
Spring is in the air and the birds are chirping. It's a time for romance and courtship. Obviously, there's only one thing to do in this situation: help the Kraken find true love in this crazy rough-and-tumble world of ours. (This arc is designed for characters level 5-14.)

Blight by @Witch Engine (#140423)
Someone has been spreading biohazardous material around Atlas Park. You're on the case, but cleanup may not be as simple as it first appears... (WARNING: Contains an EB, and 2 AVs - with AV allies to help you. Designed for high-level characters.)

Okay. I'm getting bored sorting these out. These are some of my faves, though.


 

Posted

I'm glad to see these arcs are getting more plays! I'm looking forward to trying the ones everyone else is listing here too

Here's a few additions to my list. No Arc can appeal to everyone, but these are ones that have stood out to me lately:

~~ HEROIC:
<ul type="square">[*]The Audition by @MrCaptainMan (#182289)
I know its hard, but don't die while trying to sing along! (like I did )[*]Turg Fiction: Ghost in the Machine, Act II by @Turgenev
Edit: my apologies, this arc is not yet finished! Final arc ID coming soon! (Go play the first one in the mean time )[*]Astoria in D Minor by @The Cheshire Cat (#41565)
Very dark horror (not for everyone).[*]Fames in Victus by @Copse (#6467)
Humorous with many a pun.[*]Amazon-Avatars by @FemFury (#5909)
Has some great boss fights and interesting use of mythology.[/list]
~~ NEUTRAL:
<ul type="square">[*]Wicked, Wicked Wonderland by @AncientSpirit (#1224)
Alice and the Queen of Hearts![*]Paradox: Crisis on Infinite Girls @Paradox Girl (#97027)
There's so many of them! Amusing arc with some great mission designs.[/list]
~~ VILLAINOUS:
<ul type="square">[*]Assault on Aru Prime by Aisynia (#174586)
Very dark and evil sci-fi (not for everyone).[/list]


 

Posted

Tahlana,

Thank you for recommending "Wicked, Wicked Wonderland." I'm glad you had fun playing it.

(And my sincerest apologies to Lewis Carroll who, because of this arc, is now spinning in his grave.)


 

Posted

[ QUOTE ]
I'm glad to see these arcs are getting more plays! I'm looking forward to trying the ones everyone else is listing here too

Here's a few additions to my list. No Arc can appeal to everyone, but these are ones that have stood out to me lately:

~~ HEROIC:
<ul type="square">[*]The Audition by @MrCaptainMan (#182289)
I know its hard, but don't die while trying to sing along! (like I did )[*]Turg Fiction: Ghost in the Machine, Act II by @Turgenev (#174557)
Sequel to the Dev's Choice arc...hurry up and write Act III!!![*]Astoria in D Minor by @The Cheshire Cat (#41565)
Very dark horror (not for everyone).[*]Fames in Victus by @Copse (#6467)
Humorous with many a pun.[*]Amazon-Avatars by @FemFury (#5909)
Has some great boss fights and interesting use of mythology.[/list]
~~ NEUTRAL:
<ul type="square">[*]Wicked, Wicked Wonderland by @AncientSpirit (#1224)
Alice and the Queen of Hearts![*]Paradox: Crisis on Infinite Girls @Paradox Girl (#97027)
There's so many of them! Amusing arc with some great mission designs.[/list]
~~ VILLAINOUS:
<ul type="square">[*]Assault on Aru Prime by Aisynia (#174586)
Very dark and evil sci-fi (not for everyone).[/list]
[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks for adding The Audition! I currently can't access CoH so I won't be able to respond to any in-game feedback until I get my new PC, probably at the weekend, but if anyone wants to leave feedback in my thread on it here , that would give me something nice to help pass the time till I can login again

Eco.


MArcs:

The Echo, Arc ID 1688 (5mish, easy, drama)
The Audition, Arc ID 221240 (6 mish, complex mech, comedy)
Storming Citadel, Arc ID 379488 (lowbie, 1mish, 10-min timed)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Samuel_Tow View Post
[The Incarnate System is] Jack Emmert all over again, only this time it's not "1 hero = 3 white minions" it's "1 hero = 3 white rocks."

 

Posted

[ QUOTE ]
<ul type="square">[*]Turg Fiction: Ghost in the Machine, Act II by @Turgenev (#174557)
Sequel to the Dev's Choice arc...hurry up and write Act III!!![/list]
[/ QUOTE ]

I didn't know Act II was out! *runs to play*

[ QUOTE ]
<ul type="square">[*]Astoria in D Minor by @The Cheshire Cat (#41565)
Very dark horror (not for everyone).[/list]
[/ QUOTE ]

This was one of the best arcs I've run. Really well-done.


 

Posted

Some of my faves:

Heroic
-------
The Bestest Radio Mission Ever - #1526 Recommended for anyone who's played more than a few radio missions.

The Sleeping Star - #53951 What begins as a simple search for a lost girl turns into a far-reaching conspiracy with dire consequences for the entire world.

The Invasion of the Bikini-Clad Samurai Vampiresses from Outer Space! #61013 B-movie funny!

Neutral
--------
Paradox: Crisis on Infinite Girls - #97027 Who knew a villain group of one could be so deadly?


Villainous
-----------
Through Rose-Tinted Glasses - #101681 Uncover a secret from the Rogue Isles' past. Get mistaken for Manticore.

Becky's Revenge - #60197 and Becky and Mandy: A Tale of Two Mistresses - #175000 Becky may just be the most memorable player-created character in the AE system.


AE Arcs: #10482 N00b Rescue Duty, #164100 The Four Treasures of the Tuatha De Dannan

 

Posted

[ QUOTE ]
Becky may just be the most memorable player-created character in the AE system.

[/ QUOTE ]

If that's Becky the Tarantula Mistress, she's not player-created. She appears in one of Vernon Von Grun's missions redside. But she is definitely awesome...I used her in one of my arcs too.


99458: The Unbearable Being of Lightness
191775: How the Other Half Lives
My Webcomics

 

Posted

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Becky may just be the most memorable player-created character in the AE system.

[/ QUOTE ]

If that's Becky the Tarantula Mistress, she's not player-created. She appears in one of Vernon Von Grun's missions redside. But she is definitely awesome...I used her in one of my arcs too.

[/ QUOTE ]

She's like... Totally cool!


Players' Choice Awards: Best Dual-Origin Level Range Arc!

It's a new era, the era of the Mission Architect. Can you save the Universe from...

The Invasion of the Bikini-clad Samurai Vampiresses from Outer Space? - Arc ID 61013

 

Posted

I have not spent as much time in MA as I would like, but have come across a few I would highly recommend.

<ul type="square">[*]Death to Disco! by @Wrong Number (#84420)
Saving Rock and Roll from Disco was very fun and satisfying. Creative story and characters.
[*]The Easter Basket by @Simplify (35355)
Really, fun and humorous one mission arc. The Playtime bunnies were great.
[*]The Monster Hop by @Big Daddy Vi (#27861)
Based on the Universal horror monsters (Frankenstein, Mummy, etc.). If you like the old time monsters you will like this arc.[/list]


Jail.Bird

 

Posted

I tried two of your suggestions - Time Loop and Wicked, Wicked Wonderland -- and both were enormous fun!

Keep your recommendations coming!


 

Posted

I just wanted to say I love your idea here. There seems to be a lot of emphasis on putting down arcs for various reasons, rather than identifying the really good ones and validating people for all the work they put into their arcs.

I'm going to go through some of my favorites and list them here too. Many are not rated by the community with 5 stars, but are really good, and five star worthy to me!

Thanks for creating this thread!


Red Warlock
- "The Shadow Rune of the Warlocks" (Arc ID 124319).
- "The Legion of Mutants vs. The Iron Agents" (Arc ID 200364).
- "The Children of Astoria" (Arc ID 217499)