Alkarl
Learned
- Joined
- Oct 9, 2016
- Messages
- 472
First we must define what an rpg is.
I don't know if we'll ever make a concrete, collective decision on that particular topic, but I'll share how I think about it:
An rpg is any game where the player takes control of any number of preset or player-created characters.
These characters then have actual attributes abstracted numerically by what we refer to as stats, ability scores, and skills.
In the event that any of these abstractions become replaced by player skill, append the appropriate prefix and move it down (or conversely, for popamoles, up) the metaphorical mountain.
Obviously there are few games that abstract strategy, and at that point the medium would hardly be interactive at all.
In RTwP games, the abstractions being removed are initiative/speed rolls, therefore, move it down the mountain.
Take something at its purest, simplest form, say.. Chess. Now start removing and replacing elements and all of a sudden you have a game which looks very much like chess, but now plays nothing like it. Is it still Chess?
Personally, I'm fine with most RTwP and action systems, they offer something new, and are more accessible on a Sunday afternoon. But when I crave a real rpg experience, what I really want is some good old turn based combat.
I don't know if we'll ever make a concrete, collective decision on that particular topic, but I'll share how I think about it:
An rpg is any game where the player takes control of any number of preset or player-created characters.
These characters then have actual attributes abstracted numerically by what we refer to as stats, ability scores, and skills.
In the event that any of these abstractions become replaced by player skill, append the appropriate prefix and move it down (or conversely, for popamoles, up) the metaphorical mountain.
Obviously there are few games that abstract strategy, and at that point the medium would hardly be interactive at all.
In RTwP games, the abstractions being removed are initiative/speed rolls, therefore, move it down the mountain.
Take something at its purest, simplest form, say.. Chess. Now start removing and replacing elements and all of a sudden you have a game which looks very much like chess, but now plays nothing like it. Is it still Chess?
Personally, I'm fine with most RTwP and action systems, they offer something new, and are more accessible on a Sunday afternoon. But when I crave a real rpg experience, what I really want is some good old turn based combat.