Jumanji – What it takes

Here’s the Video and now the facts

So what did it take to get to this point?

The Positive Community

So how do I do this without entering drama territory.

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Not going to happen… OK so let’s keep it simple… let me give three good examples of board gaming communities that I know of (opinion) that do of a good job at being inclusive to everyone.  I will not use names but you may be able to figure it out.

Pyre – The Pyre Paradox

Super-giant Games have created the ultimate paradox.

There is one mechanic that while sounds a good idea, is also contradictory based on the way they have designed the game and deal with their menus.

The Witness – The Witness (SPOILER HEAVY)

Yesterday I finished The Witness by Jonathan Blow…

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… and this was a very brave game to make… it feels like it has no story to drive you along.  Instead it drives you along through a willingness to solve puzzles and explore a complex and beautiful world.  These puzzles get more and more complicated, not through complex rules, but a collection of simple rules being layered on top of each other.

But how does the title link back to the game itself….?

ICRPG – Quality over Quantity

So I recently picked up ICRPG (Index Card RPG) a RPG book by Runehammer (previously known as Drunkens and Dragons) 

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It’s currently on it’s 2nd edition, which is an A5 book with about 200 pages with text slightly bigger than DnD writing (or very close).

DnD has a variety of books; Core Rulebooks, Monster Manuals, Campaigns and advanced characters all over it’s 40+ years lifespan (first published 1974).

In ICRPG Core Rules, there are 2 Campaign Settings (Dark Fantasy and Space), 20 Classes and 10 Races (over 2 Campaigns), 29 Monsters and a series of adventure hooks.

Yet I feel, as a GM, I can get more out of this than DnD.

Why?

Devil May Cry 4 – The Complications of Blogging.

This is the end of a tough week for writing.

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So I started writing about DMC4’s Lady’s long range weapon and combat style and how it is harder to get SSS with her because of her ranged style, then I gained a B rank in close quarters with guns.  I then watched several players on SSS runs with Lady so I was proven wrong… then I thought I noticed a pattern as Lady’s actions were long range at close quarters so maybe that’s why it’s SSS.

Then it became apparent that these were 2nd run characters were they had played DC with Dante and Nero and not playing Lady with all the energy gained from previous rounds, then…

…I gave up writing…

Steam – The Saga of Responsibility

Knowing where your responsibilities start and other people’s end can be difficult.

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And Steam have shown how difficult it is to find the balance as they have decided not to take responsibility for those placing content on the site.

While morally, some would argue not policing their site as a bad thing, I can see the reasons behind Steam doing this.

DISCLAIMER: I don’t entirely agree with Steam’s decision, while I can see some merits and benefits, there are some drawbacks.

Cultist Simulator – the “Correct” way to Skinner Box

OK, so maybe I’m engaging in a little click bait with the title but err… well I’m actually saying it in a positive way.

Cultist Simulator appears at first glance to use techniques based on Skinner’s techniques as well as the same countdown clocks you get on mobile games and… yet it is the perfect simulator game I have played.  They have taken mechanics you could argue as negative and uses them in a positive way… and through it the perfect simulator.

Tic-Tock Tic-Tock

Scythe – The Perfect Problem

Once again I’m cutting it fine… two hours before bed.

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LAST WEEK I looked at the interesting mechanics that would make Scythe perfect for a Megagame.  However there is one flaw that could put players off; they would rather play the Pilots other than the Workers.

Scythe – The Perfect Answer

So it’s Tuesday, one day before this has to go out.  Talk about cutting it fine.

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And I think that there is something else I missed out in LAST WEEK’S POST that is key to why Scythe would be the perfect mega game conversion.