I posted that I’ve been working on my own system (as probably a lot of OSR fans have), but this post isn’t really about that so much. As I’ve been working, there’s a nagging voice in my head that keeps asking “does the world really need another system?”
And that got me thinking, with the massive breadth of options from hardcore retroclones to modernized reinterpretations, does the world need another system? Is there a more useful or needed thing I could be spending my writing time on?
So I guess my question to the group is whether you’re tired of seeing new systems. If you are, what would you rather see? Dungeon anthologies? Old school modules? Micro-settings? Something else?
Personally, I like new systems that either add something fresh, or just rearrange a bunch of existing systems into something that takes aspects of all of them (more what mine is), but I could also do to see more collections of small hexcrawls, zines full of one-page dungeons to drop into a game, or even things like Vermis I, just fun lore books or micro fictions that I can draw inspiration from.
So how about you?
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I’m not looking for new systems to play, but I still like to mine rulebooks for ideas. Most useful to me as someone who has been playing RPGs since the 80s and fiddling with retro-clones since 2009 or so will be system-neutral (or close to it) zines, settings and adventures.
Got any favorites among the clones?
S&W WB (now WB FMAG) and Labyrinth Lord OEC are two that I’ve played and enjoyed quite a bit. Mutant Future also. I’ve played a bunch of the newer clones as well, and steal ideas from them but still prefer the older stuff.
I believe we already have a lot of decent system ranging different crunch levels, and designer time is better spent on modules, zines, settings, and maybe some GM tools (map generation tools, fun encounters, good NPCs, location generators with some conflict and adventure hooks…)
Not really. That said I’ve got my own system too. So. Do you!
A good dungeon or setting probably has more appeal to more people at this point? Then again, people never stop making new board games or card games…maybe it’s the same with RPGs.
I’m at the point where I’m not looking for much in the way of new systems, but regardless I always take a look! In particular I’m fond of skipping right to the classes, or maybe the sections on encumbrance, and looking for little rules to steal for my own game.
After all, when I do move away from Advanced OSE I’ll probably be putting together my own thing anyway.
That being said, I did get started with OSR games by playing smaller indie stuff, not just B/X and OD&D. So I’ll always have a soft spot for SS&SS and the GLOG and Whitehack.
We don’t NEED another system per se, but I’m always interested to see what people come up with.
As long as people keep making systems, we’ll see some innovation over time.
For the most part these days I’m more interested in modules to read people’s adventures and stuff. Also OSR systems with different settings like Space or the old west are still awesome.
