Barf Forth Apocalyptica

barf forth apocalyptica => roleplaying theory, hardcore => Topic started by: Jwok on October 17, 2012, 05:58:38 PM

Title: AW - The Generic Engine for Color-First Games?
Post by: Jwok on October 17, 2012, 05:58:38 PM

Hi all,

  GURPS markets itself as a complete universal role playing game, but the system has a strong emphasis on representing real world physics and the like. FATE is also marketed as generic, but emphases a somewhat theatrical approach to gaming. While AW itself is very specific, I kind of feel like the underlying mechanics of the game serve to facilitate any number of games with the emphasis on simulating a particular feel of play (color first gaming).

So:
GURPS - Setting agnostic, Real world physics focused
FATE - Setting agnostic, theatricality focused
AW's System Mechanics - highly hackable (so system agnostic), color focused?

Thoughts?

-Jamil

Title: Re: AW - The Generic Engine for Color-First Games?
Post by: fuseboy on January 21, 2013, 11:41:52 AM

Yes, I think you're right, though I'm finding making a hack harder than I expected!  One reason is that moves have a built-in sense of pacing that you don't get in physics-focused games.  You make a lot of editorial decisions as a designer, decisions that (in GURPS, say) would be made by the GM in play.