I know that this may not be the proper forum to pose this question, but what is the perfect game inyour opinion? What genre characteristics could make it something that you'll really like?
Plus, it's also a think-tank for any ideas anyone in the forums might be needing for the making of his own rpg...
The perfect game
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by Chainsaw Aardvark » Wed Jan 24, 2007 4:03 pm
Its the proper forum, but it might not be the right question. There are dozens of factors that work together to make a good game, and consensus doesn't strike me as very likely. Setting, mechanics, readability/format - its very creative technical writing to some extent.
Personally, I like things that can be memorized. No big charts, or lists of perks/feats/powers/merits to chose from. All of character creation should be condensed to something that would fit on the back of the actual character sheet. derived attributes are OK, but it would be best to have simple equations rather than a table.
Setting wise, I like little details that make things come alive. A description of what the currency looks like, or the science behind how the FTL drive works. While I don't want to be limited to realistic factors - ie multiple lifetimes to travel to the nearest star, or disease being more likely to kill the character than a goblin - things do need a well explained grounding. Looking at some of the other elements I have included in settings, I often go so vast that one beings to wonder where can the Players fit into all of this?
Combat should be quick, no taking 30+ min. for 15 sec of action.
As I see it, making an RPG is a bit like drawing a map. First, you need a start point. Either begin with a a mechanic you like (My Dead & Back game was made around its knock-down roll combat system to an extent) or you begin with a story, and then try to create a system that evokes that sort of genera. (ie a lethal damage system for gritty games, or a very forgiving one for heroic action.) Starting off with a game you don't like, and then working to address what you see as its problems is another fine way to go about the task. Once you have a start point, come up with a few other points of reference - what is the genera, what roles do the character's play, where is it taking place. Then fill in like you would a map.
The participants on the site Rpglaboratory.com have been quite helpful. furthermore, you can see the setting work I've written so far for the Dead and Back game listed on this site.
Personally, I like things that can be memorized. No big charts, or lists of perks/feats/powers/merits to chose from. All of character creation should be condensed to something that would fit on the back of the actual character sheet. derived attributes are OK, but it would be best to have simple equations rather than a table.
Setting wise, I like little details that make things come alive. A description of what the currency looks like, or the science behind how the FTL drive works. While I don't want to be limited to realistic factors - ie multiple lifetimes to travel to the nearest star, or disease being more likely to kill the character than a goblin - things do need a well explained grounding. Looking at some of the other elements I have included in settings, I often go so vast that one beings to wonder where can the Players fit into all of this?
Combat should be quick, no taking 30+ min. for 15 sec of action.
As I see it, making an RPG is a bit like drawing a map. First, you need a start point. Either begin with a a mechanic you like (My Dead & Back game was made around its knock-down roll combat system to an extent) or you begin with a story, and then try to create a system that evokes that sort of genera. (ie a lethal damage system for gritty games, or a very forgiving one for heroic action.) Starting off with a game you don't like, and then working to address what you see as its problems is another fine way to go about the task. Once you have a start point, come up with a few other points of reference - what is the genera, what roles do the character's play, where is it taking place. Then fill in like you would a map.
The participants on the site Rpglaboratory.com have been quite helpful. furthermore, you can see the setting work I've written so far for the Dead and Back game listed on this site.
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Chainsaw Aardvark - Mod Ape
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by Jenrock » Thu Jul 10, 2008 6:41 pm
Well, obviously, is the perfect game 
. On a more serious note, there is no single perfect game. If you and your group can have fun playing is perfect while you play it. Sure, it may have its warts, but as long as you can walk away happy, what do they matter?
Moreover, the system used for a game comes secondary to its story. If there was a flawless system, a GM would still have to be capable in order to produce a perfect game. Some of the perfect games I've played include:
Star Wars: The Great Hyperspace Wars: The group had to fight Mandolorians, Sand People, and Sith, and we all loved the power that the characters had.
D&D: A drow-only game. All the treachery and deceit was a nice change of pace from our usual game. And I got to play a duskblade:cool:
D&D: An NPC-classed game. We had to wander through a castle with all its inhabitants killed by Billy, the 11-year-old psionic prince (it was freaky).
Exalted: The Circle got together and kicked some Dragon-blood butt. It was awesome.
You see, a perfect game can come from any system, as long as you play with the people you like and you can (at least for a little while) do the impossible.
. On a more serious note, there is no single perfect game. If you and your group can have fun playing is perfect while you play it. Sure, it may have its warts, but as long as you can walk away happy, what do they matter?
Moreover, the system used for a game comes secondary to its story. If there was a flawless system, a GM would still have to be capable in order to produce a perfect game. Some of the perfect games I've played include:
Star Wars: The Great Hyperspace Wars: The group had to fight Mandolorians, Sand People, and Sith, and we all loved the power that the characters had.
D&D: A drow-only game. All the treachery and deceit was a nice change of pace from our usual game. And I got to play a duskblade:cool:
D&D: An NPC-classed game. We had to wander through a castle with all its inhabitants killed by Billy, the 11-year-old psionic prince (it was freaky).
Exalted: The Circle got together and kicked some Dragon-blood butt. It was awesome.
You see, a perfect game can come from any system, as long as you play with the people you like and you can (at least for a little while) do the impossible.
- Jenrock
- Squirrel Monkey
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by bal3000 » Sun Jul 13, 2008 11:45 pm
Hi Jenrock, welcome and don't mind all the spam.
Any plans for submitting any games or settings?
Any plans for submitting any games or settings?
Feel free to rummage through my stuff.......but remember, you get what you pay for!
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bal3000 - Admin Chimp
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