thread: 2007-12-13 : Mechaton rules questions?
On 2008-10-19, Parduz wrote:
Thanks, Vincent.
A niggle, two suggestion and an offer.
I've often found that one good method to learn game rules is to translate them in my language (this is doable only for short rulebooks, obviously). The process to read the same things multiple times and write them down in my language does not allow me to "fast read" the pages, missing somewhat.
So, writing down the MECHATON rules, i've found that they are not really straightforward. You've done a lot of assumptions about the gaming knowledge of your readers (the d6/d8 terms are without explanation, as example) the biggest of them is the "objective of the game", which you discover reading somewhat else (the "What???s my army worth?" chapter example).
So, if you plan a revision of the rulebook, can i suggest to write it in a more "straightforward" way?
My other suggestion is about Initiative Order vs Combat Order. I strongly think that the right words and names helps a lot to understand a game mechanic. Tell the same rule in two very different manners (both correct) and you'll see that one is worst that another.
I write my own italian manual calling the "3. On a mech???s go:" chapter "The Mech Activation", and splitting it in two phases: the Order Phase (from a) to f) in your rules) and the Action Phase ( from g) to the end).
So, if a Mech is attacking a non-activated target, the target just have to execute the Order Phase before resolving the Attack. This does not change a bit in the game mechanic, but i think is much more easy to explain.
(This all is just to be propositive. I'm not blaming you in any way or complaining for anything.)
The offer: are you interested in my Italian rules? i can send to you the finished version, so you can give it to other italian buyers. It's a shame to do all that work for me only :)
