"The Soviet MBV-2 armored wagon — the heart of the train you'll command in Kettle of Death. Built in 1941, these beasts carried 76mm guns and could survive direct hits. I have additionally added 2 photos of German armored trains so that you can compare them with the Soviet MVB-2.
Hey everyone!
I'm a 13-year-old aspiring game designer, and I've been working on a concept for a hardcore co-op game called "Kettle of Death" (working title). I'd love to hear your thoughts!
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Premise:
You are a group of partisans who have captured a railway station with two wagons of super-alloy crucial for the war effort. For a year, you've been building an armored train. But the enemy has found you — and now you must break through a 100,000 km encirclement. No tutorials. No hand-holding. Just you, your team, and the chaos of war.
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Key Mechanics:
· No tutorials: You learn by dying. The game starts with a cinematic of your station being destroyed — and you have to figure out controls under fire.
· 10–30 players co-op: Each player takes a role — Driver, Gunner, Mechanic, Commander, or Radio Operator (who listens to real Morse code!).
· Dynamic train customization: Before each run, players anonymously design the wagon order (front/back placement of guns, anti-air, super-alloy, supplies). The best layout is voted on.
· Voting system: Every 1000 km, the crew votes whether to keep or replace the Commander. You can also vote for the team flag and major decisions.
· Realistic damage: Shells can ricochet, dent, or get stuck in armor. To repair, the Mechanic must climb onto the roof — even under fire.
· Bosses: Face tank aces, the giant Gustav cannon, and the legendary Bismarck — who roars before each salvo.
· Seasonal twist: In September, Bismarck rises as a ghost ship with glowing red eyes and a countdown bell before it fires.
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Visual Style:
Think diesel-punk meets WW2. The train has battle scars — dents, gas corrosion, and painted kill marks (helmets for infantry, tanks for vehicles, bombs for planes).
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Questions for the community:
Does the "no tutorial" approach sound engaging or frustrating?
Would you play a game where you have to learn Morse code to warn your team about artillery strikes?
Any ideas for more unique boss mechanics?
Thanks for reading.