04-01-2011, 03:31 AM
Some very interesting discussion here. I agree with Grim and JonO on certain points.
When it comes to FH, rather than spend my time rewriting 80 pages of rules, I want to spend my time enhancing the interface. This is because I agree with Grim, that in today's world a player should be able to gently ease into the game if the interface is well designed, which makes the need for a player to read and comprehend 80 pages of mediocre unnecessary.
As a game maintainer, the FH manual is very helpful, because it spells out each and every game mechanic, hence my propensity of calling it a "manual" rather than "rulebook".
In many ways the PBM interfaces of old are similar to command line DOS and *NIX interfaces. They are considered 'expert' interfaces, because if you know what you want to do and how to do it, the action is very easy. For everyone else, these interfaces are opaque. You look at the neon green cursor blinking on a black backdrop and recognize the sheer power that lies behind it, but just can't figure out how to convey your goal to the unforgiving prompt.
Yes! Yes! Do it! Or just help expand the How do I... article.
When it comes to FH, rather than spend my time rewriting 80 pages of rules, I want to spend my time enhancing the interface. This is because I agree with Grim, that in today's world a player should be able to gently ease into the game if the interface is well designed, which makes the need for a player to read and comprehend 80 pages of mediocre unnecessary.
As a game maintainer, the FH manual is very helpful, because it spells out each and every game mechanic, hence my propensity of calling it a "manual" rather than "rulebook".
In many ways the PBM interfaces of old are similar to command line DOS and *NIX interfaces. They are considered 'expert' interfaces, because if you know what you want to do and how to do it, the action is very easy. For everyone else, these interfaces are opaque. You look at the neon green cursor blinking on a black backdrop and recognize the sheer power that lies behind it, but just can't figure out how to convey your goal to the unforgiving prompt.
(03-31-2011, 05:36 PM)ixnay Wrote: The FH rules *are* terrible, but with the right rules the game mechanics are fairly simple and straightforward. I have half a mind to write up a field guide to FH myself.
Yes! Yes! Do it! Or just help expand the How do I... article.