Re: [HOE] Expanding Roleplaying ( Was URBAN) (OT)

[Pat Gamblin <shosuro@nbnet.nb.ca>]

>What I would really like to hear is what attracts you to a game and keeps 
>you coming back to play.

         Personally, the only thing that I look for in a game is an 
interesting setting and idea. The game mechanics are interesting, but 
irrelevant, as I usually tinker with them (if I think the system is usable, 
but has problems) or use a different system (if I think the system is not 
usable or I have an idea for a system I prefer). I have yet to run into a 
system that I haven't tinkered with, Ars Magica was close.
         I'm into the Deadlands trilogy because the setting is very, very 
cool, not because of the game mechanics (which I don't actually use). If I 
read a book, and it starts getting me thinking about cool encounters, 
situations, characters, and campaigns, I'm hooked. The Weird West had me 
actually doing that before I even had the book. : }
         Art is only important in that if I find it dislikable, I'm 
probably not going to pick it up. Also, admittedly, art does, to me, convey 
the setting. If the art is 'grungy' or revolting, that's what it tells me 
about the setting, making it less likely I'll get the book. If the art is 
very well done, and shows things that engage my interest, I'm very likely 
to pick up the book.

But that's just me.

Marshall Paddy