Yeah, it's totally balls-out, and Ross went to the nth degree to make sure that the gag worked on every level. The illustrations are crude, and look like they were done in 8th grade study hall with a stolen bic pen. The typeface looks like it came from a real typewriter. In all, it is a magnificent homage to fandom run wild.

Quote from: pigames.netThat's a tough one. I think I'd have to say no, because it is pretty limited. I can't see campaign play. And while I didn't state it, I think campaign play is something that further extends the craziness of the game.

Somebody has actually managed to play a Paranoia campaign? Maybe I've just seen it played somehow differently than you have, but in my experience it'd be quite the challenge to keep everyone from running out of clones within 2 sessions. Sometimes even within one session.

I'd almost go so far as to suggest if you aren't averaging at least one death every 10 minutes you likely aren't playing Paranoia.

Quote from: blakkieSomebody has actually managed to play a Paranoia campaign? Maybe I've just seen it played somehow differently than you have, but in my experience it'd be quite the challenge to keep everyone from running out of clones within 2 sessions. Sometimes even within one session.

I'd almost go so far as to suggest if you aren't averaging at least one death every 10 minutes you likely aren't playing Paranoia.

How many clones you got? :pundit:

Quote from: pigames.netHow many clones you got? :pundit:

In the end it likely wouldn't matter. If you cranked up the clones to effectively infinite death would entirely lose it's meaning, and is going to get really old really soon.

Of course if you called 3 sessions a campaign maybe you could get there with only maybe one or two complete turnovers of the characters with a standard clone count.


P.S.  How about the wacky idea of you don't need something of "campaign" length, whatever that is, to have a real RPG?

Quote from: blakkieP.S.  How about the wacky idea of you don't need something of "campaign" length, whatever that is, to have a real RPG?

I don't have a problem with that, but if we discuss one-shots, we'd have wackiness out the wazoo. How about a game that can last a few sessions with a possible divergence to the story (a spinoff) rather than just a single linear scenario?

So, Brett -- did my explanation of EC help you to figure out why it's got its fans?  And do the Alternate Blocking Rules for Impresa require a second action, or can you just get a free blocking roll when you get attacked?  I kind of lke it being automatic.  

OH WAIT WRONG FORUM

Quote from: Dr Rotwang!So, Brett -- did my explanation of EC help you to figure out why it's got its fans?  And do the Alternate Blocking Rules for Impresa require a second action, or can you just get a free blocking roll when you get attacked?  I kind of lke it being automatic.

I hear what you're saying, but the chorus does not quite ring true for me


Blocking requires a full turn, so it must be the only action. You could still use those rules for parrying (which can be done as a single action rather than a full turn), but increase the difficulty in step 2 by 2diff and ignore step 3.

If you want to defend if you chose to attack, make it cost an action (a character who chooses to attack is struck first - he can change to a defense, but at the expense of a second action, if he has one and a penalty of -1D). {there are rules for changing actions in the IG Companion}

Quote from: pigames.netCan we limit this to actual games and not stuff you've invented?

I just got a cheap copy of Nightlife - very strange book where you play a vampire, ghost, or demon. Strange powers and even stranger ideas in it. I remember looking at this game on the shelf about 10 years ago and thinking, "not for me."

If I recall correctly, Nightlife was to Nancy Collins as Vampire was to Anne Rice.

Quote from: pigames.netI don't have a problem with that, but if we discuss one-shots, we'd have wackiness out the wazoo. How about a game that can last a few sessions with a possible divergence to the story (a spinoff) rather than just a single linear scenario?

In this category I nominate Nicotine Girls. Is it a crazy concept? I think that depends on who you talk to, but most gamers seem to think it's pretty weird.

Quote from: droogIn this category I nominate Nicotine Girls. Is it a crazy concept? I think that depends on who you talk to, but most gamers seem to think it's pretty weird.

That's not a game, just a bunch of notes. next.

Quote from: pigames.netThat's not a game, just a bunch of notes. next.

Absolutely a game, but I won't push it.

[EDIT: I will push it just a tad. The interplay of the Smoke rules, Fear and Hope, the characters' goals, and the resolution system – brief as it may be in print – produces a distinctive roleplaying experience. In my considered opinion, the only thing lacking is any kind of advice to the GM.]

Quote from: pigames.netI don't have a problem with that, but if we discuss one-shots, we'd have wackiness out the wazoo.

Since that's pretty much where I see Paranoia coming in, as very much a one-shot, I can't really think of any disagreement with that. Or maybe it is the other way around, a lot of the really wierd ones are the ones we tend to consider one-shots?

QuoteHow about a game that can last a few sessions with a possible divergence to the story (a spinoff) rather than just a single linear scenario?

Then just about the only thing I can think of that you won't include is Dread, since it'd be a real pain to keep a mid-game Jenga tower sitting around between sessions.  

Even with Dread you could have the next session reuse the characters that are still alive and capable. But you'd have to jury up your own rule procedures if you want the characters to evolve in a permanent way from session to session. I guess just keeping notes about what has happened with each character? *shrug*

The original Monsters! Monsters!. Once got the old witch in the woods to kill the mayor of the fortified village, without her knowing she was working for me.

More recent? Dangerous Journeys: Changeling. Col. Pladoh's salute to b movies, Metamorphosis Alpha, and Colossus, The Forbin Project (the inspiration for Paranoia by the way).

Broncosaurus Rex

Paranoia, and Toon. My one game of the former was a moment of revelation in my roleplaying career, and a cherished memory I bring out to polish every now and again. Just like Paranoia, Toon was a game that was a great laugh while simultaneously teaching me something fundamentally new about what roleplaying could be like. Two of the genuinely revolutionary moments in rpg design IMO.