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Pen & Paper Roleplaying Central => Pen and Paper Roleplaying Games (RPGs) Discussion => Topic started by: James McMurray on February 07, 2007, 02:18:53 PM

Title: Resource management vs. straight comparison
Post by: James McMurray on February 07, 2007, 02:18:53 PM
Which one is better for diceless gaming and why?
Title: Resource management vs. straight comparison
Post by: Ian Absentia on February 07, 2007, 02:22:55 PM
Point of Order:  If it pleases the forum, do endeavor to refrain from comparing one particular game against another.  Mechanics, yes; actual titles, no. :)

!i!

[Edit: To clarify my request, we're discussing specific mechanics here, not the literary merits of the games' authors nor the games' published setting.  So, yes, naming the title from which the mechanics derive is fair, and explaining the mechanics within the context of their intended setting is fair, but attacking and defending a game conceptually is foul.]
Title: Resource management vs. straight comparison
Post by: The Yann Waters on February 07, 2007, 02:31:37 PM
Well, management systems do allow for greater "fine tuning" on the part of the players, making it possible for them to weigh more accurately and in advance the benefits and drawbacks to expending objectively quantified resources, without having to rely on the GM's judgment on every niggling detail. They add flexibility to the game mechanics.

"Better" is such an awfully subjective term, though.
Title: Resource management vs. straight comparison
Post by: James McMurray on February 07, 2007, 02:41:11 PM
Quote from: GrimGent"Better" is such an awfully subjective term, though.

No need for the PC stuff here. This is the RPGsite. One assumes that you have a preference, and that you prefer it because you believe it to be better. :)
Title: Resource management vs. straight comparison
Post by: The Yann Waters on February 07, 2007, 02:49:13 PM
Quote from: James McMurrayThis is the RPGsite. One assumes that you have a preference, and that you prefer it because you believe it to be better. :)
A slight preference: my favourite games include both varieties, after all.
Title: Resource management vs. straight comparison
Post by: Consonant Dude on February 07, 2007, 02:51:04 PM
Quote from: James McMurrayWhich one is better for diceless gaming and why?

I know it usually sucks when people say that but I really believe it: a combination of both.

So, Karma most of the time and some ressource management for special situations or when the players want to pay the price.
Title: Resource management vs. straight comparison
Post by: RPGPundit on February 07, 2007, 03:35:38 PM
Its somewhat complicated.  "Straight Comparison" is being used here as codeword for "Amber".  Sorry to break that rule but that's clearly what this conversation sprung from.

If that were not actually the case, I'd say that they both sucked because I would assume that "straight comparison" meant a simple, "34 beats 32" kind of comparison mechanic.
Amber's mechanic is NOT that. Its a comparison with various factors, including the social factor of the player's ability to convince, blended in.

So I'd say that "Comparison with modifiers", especially social modifiers, is the best possible diceless mechanic.

RPGPundit
Title: Resource management vs. straight comparison
Post by: The Yann Waters on February 07, 2007, 03:38:46 PM
Quote from: RPGPundit"Straight Comparison" is being used here as codeword for "Amber".
Or Puppetland, just as resource-based games include MURPG.