Post by Chris Goodwin on Mar 11, 2015 16:59:36 GMT
Some RPG theory here...
The other day I happened across a blog where the writer is talking about combat in RPGs, and divides systems into two types: build-based and position-based. In brief: build-based are, as the name implies based on character build, while position-based are more about taking advantage of terrain and map features.
I'm not sure I'd necessarily put the division at the system level, because he specifically calls out Champions as being build-based and non-powered HERO System as position-based. But it's definitely at the campaign or game level.
This is emphatically not a call for folks to chime up saying "I'm build-based!" or "I'm position-based!" even though I know folks will do that
But it led me to a realization about a disconnect I've felt on the Hero Games boards at times, especially in the Fantasy Hero topic. I've always approached Champions as build-based and Fantasy Hero as position-based, while I would say the HERO System has since 4e at least, and more so as the editions have gone by, emphasized build-based games.
I thought it was interesting to read about and got me thinking about Fantasy Hero and the HERO System in a different way than I have.
The blog posts are here and here by the way.
If you're going to comment, please read them both.
The other day I happened across a blog where the writer is talking about combat in RPGs, and divides systems into two types: build-based and position-based. In brief: build-based are, as the name implies based on character build, while position-based are more about taking advantage of terrain and map features.
I'm not sure I'd necessarily put the division at the system level, because he specifically calls out Champions as being build-based and non-powered HERO System as position-based. But it's definitely at the campaign or game level.
This is emphatically not a call for folks to chime up saying "I'm build-based!" or "I'm position-based!" even though I know folks will do that
But it led me to a realization about a disconnect I've felt on the Hero Games boards at times, especially in the Fantasy Hero topic. I've always approached Champions as build-based and Fantasy Hero as position-based, while I would say the HERO System has since 4e at least, and more so as the editions have gone by, emphasized build-based games. I thought it was interesting to read about and got me thinking about Fantasy Hero and the HERO System in a different way than I have.
The blog posts are here and here by the way.
If you're going to comment, please read them both.