larry, 3d Side Scroller is a good idea. we can merge action/adventure and puzzle elements into it. as you said "flashback" is a great example. while other games like another world can be a good source (of gameplay an story)

Blink, i read all your posts. your game ideas are crude and need more details. i know, its a prototype but it will be better if you explain your gameplay ideas in more details.

and after all, i think that we must focus on gameplay and story. and dont try to built a game like high end games, its not capcom or EA. its a team going to create its first game.and there is an independent game developing proverb that says :
limiting your vision is one of the important keys to a successful project.