Something the OGL debacle did for me is make me realise the kind of game I enjoy, as everyone was saying “go to pathfinder, it’s d&d but 20% more crunchy”, I realised I want the opposite, and decreasing the tactical side of 5e was my way to go.
I’m very excited for this game as a piece of content but curiously it hits nothing I’m after at all. When Project Black Flag named themselves Tales of the valiant, I was sad that the default setting would be traditional fantasy instead of pirate fantasy. I love a lot of fiction but the heroic tales bounce off me where dark fantasy, postmodern plots and even cosy adventures all hook me in. When I watch a very cinematic movie (in terms of action rather than its visuals), I don’t really care for that part.
I’m very excited for this game and 1 year ago I’d have thought it’s what I wanted because Matt Colville said it was what he wants. I’m still really excited for this product largely because I’m excited to see MCDM thrive, but this year has been a ride that’s taught me this product isn’t for me.
Okay so firstly, wow, how did I totally miss the Black Flag Kickstarter came and went??
And yeah I think if you’re after a more narrative style of play, this is explicitly more like a tactical wargame I guess which won’t be for everyone!
With regard to style though I’m always happy to just do that myself. I ran a wild west fame using 5e for example. I guess it’s helpful to have splatbooks and stuff but wouldn’t you be able to run a pirate fantasy game using the TotV framework?
I’ve ran one pirate 5e game and there’s nothing about 5e that is an issue, I’d have been really excited to see the default setting and monster manual of TotV be pirate themed, especially with all the content being D&D compatible. I don’t really mind though.
I’m really excited for MCDM and their product, and I think a more tactical game will appeal to a lot of players. I’ve actually found a love for FATE recently and I feel that my regular group could probably enjoy this system the most, but beyond one-shots, transitioning systems is tough.
I’m slightly with you on this, the excitement part. Not excited because I want to play it. Excited because I want the product on the market and excited because I want to listen in on his (and his team’s) design process.
