Two parts Traveller, one part Fatal, add Castle Falkenstein to taste. If this came out ten or so years ago, it would have given Star Wars a run for its money.
Post originally by James D. Hargrove at 2003-12-26 13:56:04
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I think that you're doing a great disservice to Star Cluster by saying that it's "one part FATAL" simply because it includes a random roll lifepath option for characters.
Frankly, FATAL isn't known for its random roll lifepath, and that's not what people are going to think of when you tell them that a game is "one part FATAL".
That said, I know you're not that stupid, so I'm guessing there are some personal isuues between you and the Star Cluster folks that colored your review.
Regardless, I found the comparison to be in extremely poor taste, unnecessary, and of questionable value at best (I mean, c'mon - Star Cluster is 1/3 FATAL because it has a random roll lifepath option?).
Post originally by Chill Out Dude! at 2003-12-26 14:46:42
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The reviewer never said the phrase "one part FATAL" that you included in quotes. You are freaking out over an aside comment that has nothing to do with anything. There was no comparison to the content of FATAL, let alone the "I mean, c'mon - Star Cluster is 1/3 FATAL because it has a random roll lifepath option?" nonsense you claim.
You also said: "I'm guessing there are some personal isuues between you and the Star Cluster folks that colored your review. "
Read the damn review, he is FRIENDS with the author. There is no bad blood.
Either calm down and start acting rational or go freak out somewhere else.
Post originally by James D. Hargrove at 2003-12-26 15:55:17
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From the RPGnet front page...
"Starcluster RPG Core Rules (Flying Mice LLC) Capsule Review by Shanya Almafeta
Two parts Traveller, <b>one part Fatal</b>, add Castle Falkenstein to taste. If this came out ten or so years ago, it would have given Star Wars a run for its money."
Note the part there where Shanya said that Star Cluster is "one part Fatal" - then note that in the actual review, the only mention of Star Cluster resembling FATAL was that the two games both have a life path mechanic.
Seems like a pretty far stretch to me. As for the two being friends, I know tha thy're acquaintances, but would a friend really grasp at straws to compare your product to one of the most reviled RPG products ever printed?
Finally, before you accuse others of not reading a review when they respond to it, you'd do well to read it yourself. Please take the time to think before you reply to another of my posts. Thanks.
Post originally by James D. Hargrove at 2003-12-26 16:28:57
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As I said, I think that it's an unfair comparison that does a great disservice to Star Cluster. I mean, aside from one very superficial similarity, the two games are <I>nothing</I> alike.
That said, I care. I think that grasping at straws in an attempt to liken a game that you don't care for to one of the most widely reviled RPG products ever released is particularly low.
If you don't agree with me, that's great, but it doesn't change my opinion any. All I know is that I wouldn't want somebody telling people that my RPG was like FATAL if it wasn't.
The whole review comes across as particularly loaded (alternating between half-harted praised and veiled insults*), but that part stuck out as being particularly shitty.
*For example, suggesting that Mr. Bowley is a drunkard or that the game would have been decent had it only been released ten or more years ago.
GhostDog wrote:
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Wow, the reviewer compared one rpg to another. Holy Crap! Somebody alert the FBI.
Post originally by flyingmice at 2003-12-26 17:30:10
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Hi, James!
It probably has escaped your attention, but Shanya is famous (infamous?) here on RPGnet in that she *likes* FATAL, a distinctly contrarian view on RPGnet, and one with which I don't agree, but she has her reasons which I do respect.
She is my friend, and is not trying to belittle the game to the best of my judgement. I agree myself with most of her caveats, and consider them a pointer to ways to make the game better, which I have been attempting to do since the game was released. I am delighted with good, honest criticism for this very reason. She gives the game very good marks over all, and the review was thorough and in my estimation honest.
I must say I did wince at the comparison to FATAL, but that is my own taste, not the reviewer's, speaking. :O
Post originally by James D. Hargrove at 2003-12-26 19:26:12
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That changes a lot
I had no idea that the reviewer <i>appreciated</i> FATAL, as only a handful of people do to my knowledge, most of them a total waste of skin (something that I do not consider the reviewer to be).
That actually comes as a pretty big suprise to me, after certain conversations that I've had with the reviewer online, but it is possible that the specific subject of FATAL never came up now that I think about it.
At any rate, I stil cringe to see somebody comparing a game to FATAL, as it's common knowledge that the majority of individuals don't share the reviewer's positive opinions of the game (as I am certain the reviewer is aware).
But I do <I>understand</I> why the comparison was made. Kind of.
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