Post originally by Eero Tuovinen at 2005-01-21 19:45:12
Converted from Phorums BB System

Nah, I think it's pretty posh, myself. Gives the game certain class. And if I had a wheel lying around, it'd be natural to think up some way to play rpgs with it. The same thing I have with my billiards table: can't help playing around with different rpg applications for it. Who knows, I might publish something, someday. The name of the game'd be Pool, of course

Think about it: Fastlane is, due to choosing this particular implement, the roleplaying game of choice for everyone who owns a wheel and wants to play with it. There's no other game fulfilling that need. I'm not saying that it's a big market, but then, it's not wrong to shoot for a small market, is it? It's no reason for us, the rest of the world not owning a wheel, to diminish the game just for being targeted towards other people.

It's surprising how important implements can be to certain games. I couldn't imagine Warhammer without the little plastic orcs, myself. I don't see why a rpg couldn't go for that kind of appeal in it's set-up. Fastlane, for example, is clearly built on nothing more than the inspiration of the wheel. The game's only theme /is/ the wheel. "Everything, all the time"

It's a great theme, I think, much more abstract and deep-rooted than most games. I can't wait to get to play around with it: will my character try to reject the high life, or embrace it? And what happens when the wheel threatens his Life? The terminology and focus of the game is all built around this rarely voiced philosophy, formed of risk-taking, favors, un-expected turns and willigness to give your all. The wheel is just a part of that.

Actually, I think that the game would play even better with additional paraphelia... white starked tablecloth, crystal glasses, champagne... players sitting in comfy chairs, rising to approach the roulette table when necessary... formal evening clothes... it'd be fun to make a party of it, blend the game somewhat visually and so.

Well, it seems I was inspired to spout... anyway, those are my thoughts on the wheel question. I'm gonna get one just to play Fastlane properly.