Had this idea bouncing around inspired by what Firaxis did with the plot for XCOM2 – what happens if you lose the campaign in their first XCOM game? – and by all the times a Helldivers player asks, “What happens if we lose the galactic campaign?” In XCOM2’s case, this resulted in a truly different followup game where you’re taking back the earth from aliens and traitorous humans; instead of fighting to protect the earth from alien invaders.
I’ve suggested this Helldivers concept in passing at the Steam suggestions thread and on Reddit, but what’s the point? Gets lost in 27 pages of comments, and nobody cares.
So I’ll create this thread on my idea here and vomit up my stream of consciousness thoughts here (and if anyone likes the idea, I’d welcome any suggestions too). This first post is just an improvised storyline to get things going for this spinoff game idea. Future posts will cover how the campaign might work, the differences in weapons and delivery of stratagems, ideas for new mission objectives, new events on Super Earth itself, new environments, and some other rambling ideas.
I guess think of it as a kind of “Helldivers fan fiction.”
I confess it’s harder to inject tongue in cheek humor into a “serious” underdog plotline like this. Although I consider myself funny – I’ve been told online on more than one occasion I’m not as funny as I think I am – I’m better at writing melodrama.
HELLDIVERS: INSURRECTION
STORYLINE
Super Earth has fallen, overrun by the vengeful, invading armies of the Cyborgs, Bugs and Illuminates.
The three factions divided Super Earth into three regions: Super Americas; Super Europe-Middle East-Africa; and Super Asia. Each taken over by combined occupational forces of the three factions.
Occupational forces executed the leaders of Super Earth and the chief officers heading up the Helldiver Corps. The Helldivers Corp has been dismantled, their destroyed aircraft and vehicles littering the ruins of Super Earth.
The Helldivers faded into legend. The three factions think the war for Super Earth is over. “The Helldivers can’t save you now!” their propaganda insists on TV, online and in print. Super Earth’s citizens have lost hope.
They’re wrong.
A few Helldivers went into hiding, scattered across the ruins of Super Earth. Their name has become legend. Folklore.
They need someone to bring them together. To start an insurrection, using any weapons, equipment and vehicles that they can salvage. They need YOU!
Welcome back, Helldiver! Your battle to take back Super Earth starts today!