RPGnet Columns
04-04-2005, 09:05 PM
Post originally by nihtgenga at 2005-04-04 20:05:15
Converted from Phorums BB System
Hi there,
while I'll happily agree that 'leveling' and the like are not necessary for a good game, I have to disagree that it is done only for its own sake. To use your idea of emulating the genre you want to play in, pick 2 popular fantasy series:
The Belgariad: Young kid off farm develops over time into King and eventually into godslayer. Which is more fun: playing the kid or playing Godslayer? After all, just how many challenges are there floating around when you are that powerful?
Even worse example is Magician. Young ophan, useless at magic, becomes most powerful magician in two worlds. Later becomes almost god. So powerful that author can't convincing get him to do anything. Perfect example of how to make a character extremely boring.
Note that the challenges for a low level character is dramatically different to those for a high level character, and that gradual progression allows the full variety to be presented. I usually design campaigns so that the characters retire when they reach the ultimate level, not because they can't progress any further, but because the range of interesting things they can do diminish in proportion to their strength.
Then again, I'm biased. I hate sequels just because the audience wants to see the further adventures of... Lots of good series have been ruined that way (The Mallorian comes to mind, but so many of my friends loved it, so what would I know?) Give me a begining, middle and end any day.
Cheers
Converted from Phorums BB System
Hi there,
while I'll happily agree that 'leveling' and the like are not necessary for a good game, I have to disagree that it is done only for its own sake. To use your idea of emulating the genre you want to play in, pick 2 popular fantasy series:
The Belgariad: Young kid off farm develops over time into King and eventually into godslayer. Which is more fun: playing the kid or playing Godslayer? After all, just how many challenges are there floating around when you are that powerful?
Even worse example is Magician. Young ophan, useless at magic, becomes most powerful magician in two worlds. Later becomes almost god. So powerful that author can't convincing get him to do anything. Perfect example of how to make a character extremely boring.
Note that the challenges for a low level character is dramatically different to those for a high level character, and that gradual progression allows the full variety to be presented. I usually design campaigns so that the characters retire when they reach the ultimate level, not because they can't progress any further, but because the range of interesting things they can do diminish in proportion to their strength.
Then again, I'm biased. I hate sequels just because the audience wants to see the further adventures of... Lots of good series have been ruined that way (The Mallorian comes to mind, but so many of my friends loved it, so what would I know?) Give me a begining, middle and end any day.
Cheers