The new forums will be named Coin Return (based on the most recent vote)! You can check on the status and timeline of the transition to the new forums here.
The Guiding Principles and New Rules document is now in effect.
RPG Systems: Universal vs Setting Specific?
InkSplat
100%ed Bad Rats.Registered User regular
100%ed Bad Rats.Registered User regular
So, I was just thinking about the benefits/drawbacks of a Universal System vs a Setting (or Genre, really) Specific system.
There are lots of really interesting systems out there, but most of them are Specific to their game--you can't just effortlessly transform D&D4e into a modern or sci-fi (though sci-fi would be easier than modern) game without quite a bit of tweaking. You can't transform Dogs in the Vineyard into an epic fantasy Dungeon Crawler.
Is that a good thing or a bad thing?
Do you guys have a preference between the two? Do you think that 4e, for example, is better for focusing on what it does? Do you think a Universal System is inherently going to lack in more ways than it excels due simply to its scope?
There are lots of really interesting systems out there, but most of them are Specific to their game--you can't just effortlessly transform D&D4e into a modern or sci-fi (though sci-fi would be easier than modern) game without quite a bit of tweaking. You can't transform Dogs in the Vineyard into an epic fantasy Dungeon Crawler.
Is that a good thing or a bad thing?
Do you guys have a preference between the two? Do you think that 4e, for example, is better for focusing on what it does? Do you think a Universal System is inherently going to lack in more ways than it excels due simply to its scope?
Origin for Dragon Age: Inquisition Shenanigans: Inksplat776
InkSplat on
0
Posts
just because you can use Universal System X doesn't mean you should when your group likes Specific System Y better, and vice-versa.
i know that smacks of dodgy 'go with what you feel is comfortable maaaaan' logic but i think that's really all that can be said about it
I don't think it's good or bad, I think it comes down to personal preference.
Generic.
I think 4E only works because of it's laser-like focus. When you try to use it for things aside from miniatures based tactical combat, it tends to fall to peices.
Not at all. But then, I think Generic systems still usually focus on a play style. GURPS does heroic fiction close to reality. Hero does cinematic fiction much like action movies. FATE does narrative fiction where simulationism matters less than equality of player competence. Savage Worlds does pulp.
Anyway, my reason for preferring generic is that I like crunch, but I don't like learning new rules. So if I can find a generic with moderately high crunch that can run most of the types of games I like to play, I can chose a more detailed system than if I was learning a new system for each campaign.