TheRPGSite

If I could create my 'perfect' game system, I would start with the mechanics system chaosium used in ringworld and clean up a few glitches.

Character creation would be point based and have a healthy list of skills, advantages and disadvantages like gurps.

It would use a variety of dice for damage and other factors. No "just a d6/d20 or any of that, dammit gamers collect all sorts of dice, they should have some systems that let them use 'em all!

Hit locations and damage multiples depending on area (I.E. bullet to head does more damage than bullet to thigh) would be a must. So would optional bleeding rules.

Armor rules would reflect that wearing a steel breastplate may stop the damage from sharp, pointy weapons but you need padding under it to stop heavy, blunt damage. I.E. a breastplate might stop all damage from a sword thrust of swing, but it will at most just reduce the damage from a warhammer or heavy club, the padding under it is what stops the heavy impact damage.

I know I'll never see a perfect system, but I can dream, dammit.

What would your perfect system be like?

There is no such thing as a perfect system, unless you only play one sort of game.

There are such things as a comfort zone of mechanics and setting elements, though. Which is what I think this is about.

The elements I like are:

Hit points. Plain old HP. Although not "realistic", I think theyre very reliable and gameable.

Characters that develop from neophyte to veteran in play, rather than before play.

Modular development strategies for characters. And here, I'm really talking about the ability to pick things from a list of options to create a character.

All control over setting elements in the hands of the GM; Emphasis on fantasy.

When I started work on JAGS (http://www.jagsrpg.org), I wanted something that was like GURPS but a bit more scalable (in specific ways). I also wanted a system that had a few elements such as:
1. The better you hit the more damage you tend to do/the harder you are to hit the less damage you tend to take.
2. There was a way to distinguish high-skilled characters from relatively low skilled ones in a way that wasn't as annoying as just having a low skill roll.
3. Something that had a solid tactical combat system with a lot of variation in how characters could be built to perform.

-Marco

Quote from: Abyssal MawThere are such things as a comfort zone of mechanics and setting elements, though.

Nah, I don't believe that either. I like games as diverse as Burning Wheel and HeroQuest. One's heavy-crunch and gritty, the other's light and cinematic. I also like Nicotine Girls, which is a far cry from either in setting.

But I'll say again: if you only like one sort of game, there's probably a perfect system for you.

Quote from: droogNah, I don't believe that either. I like games as diverse as Burning Wheel and HeroQuest. One's heavy-crunch and gritty, the other's light and cinematic. I also like Nicotine Girls, which is a far cry from either in setting.

But I'll say again: if you only like one sort of game, there's probably a perfect system for you.

But those are all swine games which make you feel really special because theyve been endorsed. How are those any different if the real reason you play them is so you can pat yourself on the back?

Nicotine girls. haha. :)

Quote from: Abyssal MawBut those are all swine games which make you feel really special because theyve been endorsed. How are those any different if the real reason you play them is so you can pat yourself on the back?

I'm sorry, I don't subscribe to your definition. I could just have easily have said, in retrospect, Pendragon and Villains & Vigilantes – dickhead.

Quote from: droogI'm sorry, I don't subscribe to your definition. I could just have easily have said, in retrospect, Pendragon and Villains & Vigilantes – dickhead.

hahah. :) I was going to link to the funny "Jeff Dee at the Forge booth" story from a couple of years ago but I can't find it now.

Quote from: Abyssal Mawhahah. :) I was going to link to the funny "Jeff Dee at the Forge booth" story from a couple of years ago but I can't find it now.

A true classic!

Link provided: http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?topic=3012.msg29142#msg29142

Cheers,
-E.

Now what does that story, which I know, have to do with my game preferences? Are you going to extend your tag to anything designed by Greg Stafford (because you know, Ron Edwards likes him) or Jeff Dee (because of that story)?

Why don't you want to admit that you just have narrow tastes in games? I won't hold it against you.

I'm not criticicizing your game preferences, I'm just saying two things.

1) Your'e as limited as everyone -- or anyone else. Pendragon and Villians and Vigilantes have also been specifically endorsed by the Forgies. In the sense that I only care about adventure games that emphasize fantasy, sure! On the other hand, at least nobody could ever accuse me of playing RPGs because it makes me cool or something.  You guys are hilariously sensitive.

2) People really do have preferences and comfort zones for certain types of mechanics. Ask anyone. You'll always see someone who prefers percentiles, or prefers point build or wants everything to be in dice pools or whatever. I think this is what we're really talking about.

And unfortunately, I don't know any funny stories about Greg Stafford.

Quote from: Abyssal MawYour'e as limited as everyone -- or anyone else. Pendragon and Villians and Vigilantes have also been specifically endorsed by the Forgies.

Really? Can you point me in the direction of those threads that 'endorse' V&V?

I was playing Pendragon while you were sucking on your mama's clit, baby. Before I ever heard of the Forge, RPG.net, or a dickhead like you.

QuoteOn the other hand, at least nobody could ever accuse me of playing RPGs because it makes me cool or something.  You guys are hilariously sensitive.

Oh, hilariously. You're a funny guy, for a dickhead.

QuotePeople really do have preferences and comfort zones for certain types of mechanics. Ask anyone. You'll always see someone who prefers percentiles, or prefers point build or wants everything to be in dice pools or whatever. I think this is what we're really talking about.

People like that only like one sort of game. It's simple.

Quote from: droogReally? Can you point me in the direction of those threads that 'endorse' V&V?

I was playing Pendragon while you were sucking on your mama's clit, baby. Before I ever heard of the Forge, RPG.net, or a dickhead like you.


Oh, hilariously. You're a funny guy, for a dickhead.


People like that only like one sort of game. It's simple.

Man, I've hit a nerve!

So let me see if I have the situation down.. you probably thought you had an awesome thread derailer where instead of talking about favorite mechanics (the original purpose of this thread) you could accuse everyone of being only interested in "one sort of game". It's the perfect slam!

But then it gets turned around on you. "I like games as diverse as [three games endorsed by the Forge]!"

So now your'e all pissed and stuff?

I will enjoy taunting you further.

:)

Quote from: Abyssal MawSo let me see if I have the situation down.. you probably thought you had an awesome thread derailer where instead of talking about favorite mechanics (the original purpose of this thread) you could accuse everyone of being only interested in "one sort of game". It's the perfect slam!

I'm not slamming anybody apart from you, dickhead. I said that I didn't believe there was a perfect system, then you got rude.

Nothing wrong with only liking one sort of game. I played one game exclusively for years. That's RuneQuest. I thought it was the perfect system. Now I'm older, wiser, and more exposed to different things, I realise I was wrong. That doesn't negate many fun-filled years playing RQ, though.

Found that V&V thread yet?

Quote from: droogI'm not slamming anybody apart from you, dickhead. I said that I didn't believe there was a perfect system, then you got rude.

Nothing wrong with only liking one sort of game. I played one game exclusively for years. That's RuneQuest. I thought it was the perfect system. Now I'm older, wiser, and more exposed to different things, I realise I was wrong. That doesn't negate many fun-filled years playing RQ, though.

Found that V&V thread yet?

It got quoted by someone else above. The endorser would be Ron Edwards himself. So far your entire list seems to be the games that have been specifically endorsed by Edwards, which makes me sort of question your motives*.

Although the concept of a guy so fucking lame that he only plays specifically endorsed games in order to seem cool/good about himself is totally implausible, I have to admit, I am not going to put it past you.

Me? rude?

In any case, this isn't about "a" perfect system but about "your" perfect system.. attesting to personal preferences for favorite types of mechanics. Or haven't you heard? "system does matter".

* Ok, seriously, I'm not questioning your motives. I'm really just taunting you because your'e full of yourself.

Maw, you're being a prick.  Leave him alone, he's as entitled to his tastes as anyone else is and the fact that you have a beef with "Big" Ron doesn't diminish that fact.

(http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/mom2febgirls/Smilies/slapping.gif)

Quote from: Abyssal MawIt got quoted by someone else above.

Let's see it – firsthand.

Yeah, rude. Right about here:

QuoteBut those are all swine games which make you feel really special because theyve been endorsed. How are those any different if the real reason you play them is so you can pat yourself on the back?

Nicotine girls. haha.

See? Dickhead behaviour. You're not doing yourself any favours, dickhead.

Quote from: Mr. AnalyticalMaw, you're being a prick.  Leave him alone, he's as entitled to his tastes as anyone else is and the fact that you have a beef with "Big" Ron doesn't diminish that fact.

I'm not disputing that he's entitled to his tastes (or even faulting them). I'm basicly only taunting him because of that smug comment he started with.

Quote"Let's see it – firsthand!!!

Jesus, your'e sensitive about this!

http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?topic=3012.msg29142#msg29142

"His current products represent where I think Simulationist role-playing design really needs to go: modular, affordable, powerful small packets for character and setting design. I was proud to display them at the Sorcerer table."

Haha. "Sim" But I'm a fan of Jeff Dee too. I just think his encounter with Forge-cocks sort of illustrates everything thats wrong with those guys.

But the point is, your'e avoiding the actual topic.

QuoteSee? Dickhead behaviour. You're not doing yourself any favours, dickhead.

That was.. uhm.. redundant.

Quote from: Abyssal MawI'm not disputing that he's entitled to his tastes (or even faulting them). I'm basicly only taunting him because of that smug comment he started with.

Man, you sure are a dickhead. I've explained my viewpoint. I don't see many answers from you.

Mr A., it's fine. Dickhead thinks he's got me going, and I'm happy with that.

Quote from: droogMan, you sure are a dickhead. I've explained my viewpoint. I don't see many answers from you.

Mr A., it's fine. Dickhead thinks he's got me going, and I'm happy with that.

DUDE. Several answers. Explanation of "favorite mechanics". Several examples given. Heck, if you didn't want to read my hilarious bon mots, you could just look at Marco's. Maybe next time, if you can't think of a decent response to "what your perfect game mechanics are" without turning it into some smug story-games "you people are so limited" bullshit, then don't add to the thread.

And I totally got you going. One little post of mine had you sputtering like Donald Duck.

Quote from: Abyssal Mawhttp://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?topic=3012.msg29142#msg29142

"His current products represent where I think Simulationist role-playing design really needs to go: modular, affordable, powerful small packets for character and setting design. I was proud to display them at the Sorcerer table."

Haha. "Sim" But I'm a fan of Jeff Dee too. I just think his encounter with Forge-cocks sort of illustrates everything thats wrong with those guys.

But the point is, your'e avoiding the actual topic.

No, dickhead, I'm on topic. My opinion is that there is no such thing as a perfect system. In fact, if anybody's derailing this thread it's you. Obviously you've decided to ignore the Poobah's request.

But wait – actual material for your argument. Reading over that thread, which I haven't seen before, I note a couple of things.

1. It wasn't the 'Forge-cocks' who screwed things up. It was a fan. Said cocks appear to have been distressed by the incident.

2. The game under discussion appears to be Pocket Universe, about which I know nothing, not V&V.

Obviously, anyone reading this pleasant brawl will either believe me or not that I purchased V&V in 1981. It didn't have an awful lot to do with the Forge. I purchased Pendragon in 1983 (1st ed.) and again in 1994 (4th ed.). Again, not much to do with the Forge.

See, I think it's you who's sensitive. But your mama loves you.

Quote from: droogNo, dickhead, I'm on topic. My opinion is that there is no such thing as a perfect system. In fact, if anybody's derailing this thread it's you. Obviously you've decided to ignore the Poobah's request.

Again-

not "the perfect system"
not "a perfect system"

but "your" perfect system. As in "what mechanics do you really like"

I don't know what the hell a Poobah is.

Quote from: droogObviously, anyone reading this pleasant brawl will either believe me or not that I purchased V&V in 1981. It didn't have an awful lot to do with the Forge. I purchased Pendragon in 1983 (1st ed.) and again in 1994 (4th ed.). Again, not much to do with the Forge.

I don't think anyone (including me) really thought that, but I did think it was funny that you got real concerned about it. It was a taunt.

Quote from: droogSee, I think it's you who's sensitive. But your mama loves you.

And your mama does too!

I'm popular with peoples mom's apparently.

Quote from: Abyssal MawI'm popular with peoples mom's apparently.

My mother'd be about your speed, by the sounds of it. She's 66. I'll hook you up.

I don't intend to let you talk crap about me, dickhead. And this site affords me the opportunity to call you on it.

Quote from: droogMy mother'd be about your speed, by the sounds of it. She's 66. I'll hook you up.

I don't intend to let you talk crap about me, dickhead. And this site affords me the opportunity to call you on it.

MILF. lol.

I'm afraid... it's too late for that. (nods sadly)

Yes. Crap has been talked. There's no turning back.

See? You haven't got a position. You thought you had an easy target because you're here.

I contributed what I contributed to the thread. You chose to make a big deal of it. Now you're just trying to salvage something out of it. Lame.

Quote from: droogSee? You haven't got a position. You thought you had an easy target because you're here.

I contributed what I contributed to the thread. You chose to make a big deal of it. Now you're just trying to salvage something out of it. Lame.

I thought I had an easy target because your'e.. well.. kind of an easy target.  

But I was back on topic and tryting to salvage the discussion as of post #11.

I said this: "People really do have preferences and comfort zones for certain types of mechanics. Ask anyone. You'll always see someone who prefers percentiles, or prefers point build or wants everything to be in dice pools or whatever. I think this is what we're really talking about."

I, for one, do have a "comfort zone" when it comes to mechanics: a GM.

I like having a realtively powerful GM in my games, one with primary narrative control.  Some games I enjoy don't have this, but the illusion of it (Dogs in the Vineyard for example).  Most however, do have a strong GM presence.

I also like to GM.  Everyone can call this a power trip if you'd like, but I would always rather play a bunch of characters and set scenes than play one character, it's sometimes pretty boring to do so.

The perfect system for me would have a strong GM role, and mechanics that don't use too much math.  In fact, I'd like them to stick to addition, but I can swing toward the subtraction side.  I like a game where there is a clear, easy way of seeing a failed or successful task/conflict.  I don't mind conflict resolution, in fact I prefer it, but I'd really like something that combines the two.

EDIT- Really, I think "system does matter" in some regards, but the most important part of a good game is good players.

Quote from: Abyssal Mawyour'e

Hi, Peter!

I'm with Joe here. I'm much more comfortable in games with a GM than without, although I don't really care if I'm GMing or not.

My perfect system has a decent amount of complexity. I don't particularly like games where there's only one to five tactical choices mechanically, and I've been designing games too long to get fooled by the idea that there's a list of skills, which means more choices. In fact, that's my biggest desire in a "perfect game": your list of abilities is actually a tactically variable list.

I also enjoy dice pools, and a mix of mechanics, some about "what this character can do" and some about "what this character wants," with the two feeding into each other.

Quote from: Abyssal MawI thought I had an easy target because your'e.. well.. kind of an easy target.  

You keep thinking that if you like. All you've really done is back away from stuff. You can't score any goals that way.

You've got a chip on your shoulder. You don't like the Forge and affiliated sites. What I said wasn't anything particularly new or startling, but the mention of some games connected with a website you don't like got you going. You came out swinging because you thought I was being 'smug'. You're offended. You went straight to insults without even trying to engage, which indicates some anger.

Mr A.'s wrong. You're not a prick, you're a dickhead. You've been asked not to get into this argument, but you went right for it. You just wanted to annoy me, because I annoyed you.

On some site or other, mods would have shut this down and banned us both by now. But here, I'm just going to keep going until you cave. Believe me, I can do it.

Right now, I'm going to bed. I'll see you tomorrow if you're up to it. Better get some better shit together.

Quote from: Abyssal MawBut those are all swine games which make you feel really special because theyve been endorsed.

Gosh.

You've got it entirely backwards.

We don't feel special because the games have been well-endorsed.  We feel special because by playing them, we put a nice, safe distance between ourselves and people that honestly believe shit like what you wrote just there.

Which is not to say we don't believe screwball shit of our own.  But it's ours, and therefore...

Look, my poop smells better than your poop.  Just accept it.

:D

Quote from: droogYou keep thinking that if you like. All you've really done is back away from stuff. You can't score any goals that way.

You've got a chip on your shoulder. You don't like the Forge and affiliated sites. What I said wasn't anything particularly new or startling, but the mention of some games connected with a website you don't like got you going. You came out swinging because you thought I was being 'smug'. You're offended. You went straight to insults without even trying to engage, which indicates some anger.

Mr A.'s wrong. You're not a prick, you're a dickhead. You've been asked not to get into this argument, but you went right for it. You just wanted to annoy me, because I annoyed you.

On some site or other, mods would have shut this down and banned us both by now. But here, I'm just going to keep going until you cave. Believe me, I can do it.

Right now, I'm going to bed. I'll see you tomorrow if you're up to it. Better get some better shit together.

Wait, by cave do you mean, keep screwing with you?

Quote from: Levi KornelsenGosh.

You've got it entirely backwards.

We don't feel special because the games have been well-endorsed.  We feel special because by playing them, we put a nice, safe distance between ourselves and people that honestly believe shit like what you wrote just there.

Which is not to say we don't believe screwball shit of our own.  But it's ours, and therefore...

Look, my poop smells better than your poop.  Just accept it.

:D

See the fun part of all this, is even *I* don't really believe it, other than in a "let me just screw with this guy for a hot second" kind of way. I *am* offended by the smug assertion that "People [who express a preference for a given game mechanic] only like one sort of game."

Thats BS.

And your'e right, it all eventually devolves down to "my fictional pursuits are so much more important and amazing than your fictional pursuits."

Quote from: Abyssal MawAnd your'e right, it all eventually devolves down to "my fictional pursuits are so much more important and amazing than your fictional pursuits."

There's nothing fictional about my poop.

Firstly, my poop has enormous market share.  That makes it very special; it's the standard against which all lesser forms of shite must be measured.

And secondly, I made it myself, and it's perfectly tailored to that needs of my own digestive tract.  It's very coherent poop.

:flush:

Okay, that's enough of that metaphor.

Quote from: Levi KornelsenThere's nothing fictional about my poop.

Firstly, my poop has enormous market share.  That makes it very special; it's the standard against which all lesser forms of shite must be measured.

And secondly, I made it myself, and it's perfectly tailored to that needs of my own digestive tract.  It's very coherent poop.

:flush:

Okay, that's enough of that metaphor.

Dude. MY poop has the market share.

Your poop is coherent and has a premise.

God bless Levi for turning this thread around with talk of poop.  "Poop" is my all-time favorite word.  Make of that what you will.

To get slightly back on topic, my so-called perfect system has a rigorous enough combat system such that each fight over a long campaign can be a beautiful snowflake of violence, but the system also has to be fast enough that I can fit at least two or three fights into a short session.

When Levi starts talking about the quality of his poop, that grin on the face of his avatar suddenly takes on a whole new meaning... ;)

Quote from: Abyssal MawDude. MY poop has the market share.

Your poop is coherent and has a premise.

I think you just one yourself the thread, Maw.

Quote from: Abyssal MawDude. MY poop has the market share.

Your poop is coherent and has a premise.

I sig that if it mine wasn't already full. :D

I also have to say that there's no such thing as a single "perfect system" for me.  

I love the Hero System, James Bond 007, Polaris, Ars Magica, Dogs in the Vineyard, and Shooting the Moon.  

On the boardgame side, I love Carcassone Hunters & Gatherers, but I also like Memoir '44 and lots of others.  I also love Poker and Liar's Dice.  

I don't see anything in common here except that they're all well-designed games.

Quote from: Abyssal MawDude. MY poop has the market share.

Apologies.  I didn't intend to demean your poop.

Quote from: Clinton R. NixonMy perfect system has a decent amount of complexity. I don't particularly like games where there's only one to five tactical choices mechanically, and I've been designing games too long to get fooled by the idea that there's a list of skills, which means more choices.

Really? Well I've been running games for far too long to be fooled by the idea that "we don't have a skill list because you can make your own skills!" is going to give more choices rather than just more confusion and fuzzy-gaming.

To me, you either base everything off attribute rolls, or you write down a fucking skill list. You don't choose the lazy or artsy-pretentious way out of creating "do it yourself skill lists" so shitheads can try to push universal-use-skills ("um.. i'll put all 9 skill points into my "trained as a ninja superhero who can do anything and knows anything" skill") on the game or people will just have to thumb through a D20 book to try to figure out practical skills anyways.

RPGPundit

Quote from: droogOn some site or other, mods would have shut this down and banned us both by now. But here, I'm just going to keep going until you cave. Believe me, I can do it.

Yes, on this site we believe in your inalienable right to act like and look like idiots.

RPGPundit

Quote from: jrientsGod bless Levi for turning this thread around with talk of poop.  "Poop" is my all-time favorite word.  Make of that what you will.

My favorite word is "RPGPundit".

RPGPundit
the "Denny Crane" of the online gaming forums world

Quote from: Abyssal MawWait, by cave do you mean, keep screwing with you?

Nothing to see here. Got anything else?

Quote from: RPGPunditMy favorite word is "RPGPundit".

  How funny... my favourite word's a synonym of yours.

Quote from: RPGPunditReally? Well I've been running games for far too long to be fooled by the idea that "we don't have a skill list because you can make your own skills!" is going to give more choices rather than just more confusion and fuzzy-gaming.

I don't think you've ever read any of his games.

Quote from: RPGPunditWell I've been running games for far too long to be fooled by the idea that "we don't have a skill list because you can make your own skills!" is going to give more choices rather than just more confusion and fuzzy-gaming.

To me, you either base everything off attribute rolls, or you write down a fucking skill list. You don't choose the lazy or artsy-pretentious way out of creating "do it yourself skill lists" so shitheads can try to push universal-use-skills ("um.. i'll put all 9 skill points into my "trained as a ninja superhero who can do anything and knows anything" skill") on the game or people will just have to thumb through a D20 book to try to figure out practical skills anyways.

Wow.  Utter ignorance, this.

In general though, I do find "no skill list/make up your own skills and abilities and stuff!" to be a lot less cool than it was in say.. 1996.

Quote from: Abyssal MawIn general though, I do find "no skill list/make up your own skills and abilities and stuff!" to be a lot less cool than it was in say.. 1996.

I gave them a chance very early on (OTE).

I do not like them, and will pretty much actively avoid any game that has them as a feature beyond providing categorical skills.

Droog, Abyssal maw, you're both dicks. Thanks for turning 90% of my thread into a prepubescent rant fest.

Quote from: Dominus NoxDroog, Abyssal maw, you're both dicks. Thanks for turning 90% of my thread into a prepubescent rant fest.

My pleasure, KKK-Man. Looks like AM has given up, so it's yours again.

Quote from: RPGPunditReally? Well I've been running games for far too long to be fooled by the idea that "we don't have a skill list because you can make your own skills!" is going to give more choices rather than just more confusion and fuzzy-gaming.

To me, you either base everything off attribute rolls, or you write down a fucking skill list. You don't choose the lazy or artsy-pretentious way out of creating "do it yourself skill lists" so shitheads can try to push universal-use-skills ("um.. i'll put all 9 skill points into my "trained as a ninja superhero who can do anything and knows anything" skill") on the game or people will just have to thumb through a D20 book to try to figure out practical skills anyways.

RPGPundit

I don't like DIY skills either. In systems I like (D20, GURPS), skills help create a framework for the world by providing small, well-aligned subsystems.

I want my game rules to function partly as a "physics engine" that describes how the world operates on a non-literary level.

Skill/attribute lists also provide a uniform level of granularity. In DIY systems, one person can take a laundry list of thieving skills (pick lock, pick pocket, case joint, fence goods, etc.) and another character can have "Master Thief"

If the game uses points or some other kind of purchase system the guy who took the long, detailed list probably ended up a *worse* thief (this criticism is partially leveled at the balancing mechanism, but my fundamental complaint is the lack of a baseline level of granularity).

DIY skill/attribute don't bother me in lightweight games like RISUS or... Toon... and some of the DIY super powers in V&V didn't bother me too much. But as a foundation for a game, it seems like something's missing.

Cheers,
-E.

Quote from: droogMy pleasure, KKK-Man. Looks like AM has given up, so it's yours again.

 :fu2:, asshole.

(Boy, I just love being on a forum where I can do something like that once in a while. it is so refreshing to just be able to go off on some deserving waste of protoplasm now and then without having to hold back.)

It is, isn't it?

Weirdly though, when I go on RPGnet I find myself wanting to continuously tell people to go and fuck themselves largely because I can't.  But when I come on here I feel the need significantly less.

Similarly, if I'm on a forum when one can tell religious people that they're psychotic freaks who should be kept away from young children I tend not to but everytime I run into someone religious on RPGnet I get the urge to point and laugh.

It's my natural contrarian tendencies coming to the fore, if I'm told I can't do something and I'm not satisfied as to why, then suddenly all I want to do is that thing I'm forbidden from doing.

Quote from: droogNothing wrong with only liking one sort of game. I played one game exclusively for years. That's RuneQuest. I thought it was the perfect system. Now I'm older, wiser, and more exposed to different things, I realise I was wrong. That doesn't negate many fun-filled years playing RQ, though.

Spot on, I used to play nothing but Gurps, whatever I ran I ran it in Gurps.  I had years of fun with it.

Now?  To be honest I don't like the system at all.

Does that make me wrong earlier?  Nope.  Does that mean I missed out earlier?  Nope, I had great gaming.

But tastes change, you get exposed to new stuff, droog is right, there is no perfect system, though sometimes there is the perfect system for right now or for that lesbian ninja pirates game that you want to run next (coming soon from an indie designer I have no doubt, LesbianNinjaPirates the rpg).

But overall, the form of the perfect system exists only in the Platonic sphere and all real world rpgs are but imperfect reflections of it.  Except maybe CoC, that may be just about perfect provided you ignore a few bits and bodge on a couple of house rules...