For me, Rolemaster's RM2 -> RMSS -> RMC life cycle shows that no game that was once good can be completely ruined, because all it takes to fix the problem is a company with the strength to roll back the clock.

There's nothing wrong with RMSS that couldn't be fixed with careful evolutionary change in a new edition that would maintain a high level of compatability with the prior edition and thus avoid a ten year wait for various source books that already exist.  Really it's what should have been done with RMFRP.

My list would include, removing unspecified ranks from cultural and training packages, excepting hobby ranks.  The amount of flipping back to the skill list is insane.

Removing the points buy option from the talent system.  The BOP system is pretty well balanced by the huge background option cost of picking high end talents.

Tidying up the skill progressions, particularly I'd get rid of the combined progression and the special (0*1*1*0.5*0) progression and use more opposed rolls.  I'd also re-arrange the weapon categories to include combat manuvers and trim the number of categories (particularly with an eye to the Science / Analytic * Addinfinitum from SPAM)

Some of the redundant skills like Spell Mastery (there's a whole spell list for modifying spells already) and Power Striking / Adrenal Strength would get cut.

I wouldn't mind seeing some of Tim's combat system mods become the standard, but I'm very opposed to any major changes to Spell Law, other than some improved rules on shapechanging because if it doesn't give you the stats it's lame and let's face it, shapechanging is really less powerful than conjuring a creature and using its stats.

I think moving backwards is always a tragic mistake.

Quote from: David JohansenI think moving backwards is always a tragic mistake.

Unless you are standing on the edge of a precipice.:cool:

But then you'll never find out what's at the bottom!

If there's anything that years of D&D has taught me, it's that there's always spikes at the bottom.

Quote from: David JohansenTunnels and Trolls could have had a brilliant new edition but instead we got two and a half mediocre ones.  But there's a group of guys writing new solo adventures so who knows?  There may be hope yet.

I think it would be a shame if Tunnels and Trolls ever became a 'well designed' or 'well thought out' game. That isn't really the point of T&T, its meant to be a bit clunky, a bit old fashioned, and a bit different.

Quote from: James McMurrayIf there's anything that years of D&D has taught me, it's that there's always spikes at the bottom.

That's sig-worthy, Mr. McMurray.  Classic.

Quote from: James McMurrayIf there's anything that years of D&D has taught me, it's that there's always spikes at the bottom.

True but there may be change in the pockets of the former victims!

Quote from: David JohansenTrue but there may be change in the pockets of the former victims!

Yeah, cursed change (probably of devouring or backbiting).

Quote from: James McMurrayIf there's anything that years of D&D has taught me, it's that there's always spikes at the bottom.

LMAO. Funny cuz it's true.

-=Grim=-