sylas
Baron
"Don't just adventure for treasure; treasure the adventure!"
Posts: 1,679
Favourite Gamebook Series: Fighting Fantasy, Way of the Tiger
|
Post by sylas on Jul 31, 2019 0:34:28 GMT
Lone Wolf uses a damage table to determine damage for Lone Wolf and the enemy at once. For FF that would reduce the required dice rolls for a combat round. Also damage beyond 2 and instant kills would be possible. Anyone tried that and caluclated that? How could luck be added into the mix? I don't have it to hand, but the system introduced in Dungeoneer for AFF had tables to roll against for different weapons. Here's the gist of it on Titannica. I think luck was used in the ordinary way. There was also instant death if anyone could deliver a Mighty Blow by rolling a double six. I don't think the book specified if that happened even if the Mighty Blow-er still had a lower Attack Strength than their opponent. The second idea seemed pretty poorly thought through to me. How about for Mighty Blows, if you win the attack round rolling any double you deal the damage equal to the number rolled (so double 4 would be 8 damage) instead of Insta-Kill.
|
|
sylas
Baron
"Don't just adventure for treasure; treasure the adventure!"
Posts: 1,679
Favourite Gamebook Series: Fighting Fantasy, Way of the Tiger
|
Post by sylas on Jul 30, 2019 22:12:19 GMT
tbh I never liked such things as damage tables. They add a level of complication for what I feel is a good simple system. I do think damage dealt in FF books should increase by +1 however (so 3 damage for a normal sword), especially with the addition of armour in later books that reduces damage.
|
|
sylas
Baron
"Don't just adventure for treasure; treasure the adventure!"
Posts: 1,679
Favourite Gamebook Series: Fighting Fantasy, Way of the Tiger
|
Post by sylas on Jul 29, 2019 22:13:40 GMT
This is the link you need for news updates if you don't use Facebook. www.fightingfantasy.com/blogJonathan Green himself looks after the site now.
|
|
sylas
Baron
"Don't just adventure for treasure; treasure the adventure!"
Posts: 1,679
Favourite Gamebook Series: Fighting Fantasy, Way of the Tiger
|
Post by sylas on Jul 24, 2019 15:39:57 GMT
It's also mentioned on the official FF site.
|
|
sylas
Baron
"Don't just adventure for treasure; treasure the adventure!"
Posts: 1,679
Favourite Gamebook Series: Fighting Fantasy, Way of the Tiger
|
Post by sylas on Jul 23, 2019 14:48:12 GMT
I don't like any main Boss Villains that don't have accompanying art like Shanzikuul (Master of Chaos) and Arachnos (Deathmoor). That's how unimportant they are. On the plus side, the sub-Bosses in those books are really good (Vardrath the Necromancer and Fang-Zen).
|
|
sylas
Baron
"Don't just adventure for treasure; treasure the adventure!"
Posts: 1,679
Favourite Gamebook Series: Fighting Fantasy, Way of the Tiger
|
Post by sylas on Jul 23, 2019 14:18:49 GMT
It's an interesting read but I disagree with about 90% of it. Yeah, I think I'm on the same page as you here. Randomness can be fun and force you to play books differently - books like Stealer of Souls, Space Assassin, Howl of the Werewolf or Keep of the Lich Lord can be beaten by weak characters but they require the reader to play things very differently to what they can get away with for a more powerful character so that adds to their replayability a bit. Of course, that doesn't help you if playing something like Trial of Champions - roll badly and you're scuppered. However, the alternatives suggested in the article wouldn't really fix that book's issues: Assigning stats? You have the freedom to put 12 in Skill or else you're sunk. Choose from pre-generated characters? Better choose that one with 12 Skill! (The author is also incorrect to assume the author would generate characters who stand a good chance of beating the book - as anyone who has looked at the pre-generated characters for Ian Livingstone's books in the Series 2 Wizard run can attest to). Train the hero? Wouldn't really make sense for the context of the book. Randomness isn't really the issue per se, it's that certain books are far too unforgiving and don't allow weaker characters a way through. I was about to reference Stealer of Souls too. Stealer is one of the few books that actually punish you for having really high stats. By that I mean you as the reader would not get to enjoy the book quite as much because it is simply too easy to complete with a Skill 12 hero, whichever path you take. Whereas with average stats the book is still winnable but it is a lot more challenging in a fun way as it forces you to explore new paths to find those little bonus items that will make progress easier later in the adventure. A high Skilled character could skip this part entirely without any adverse effects but miss out on some great encounters. What I do agree on is, gamebooks are always too focused on combat, which in turn makes players believe that only a high Combat designed hero can get through. While this is sometimes true, gamebooks should not be written in this way since in only provokes hostility towards the book afterwards, or encourages poor character design. How many adventures do I want to play as Maximus the Maxed-out Prince of Everything before I get bored? Probably just the one. Books should be much more versatile, especially in this day and age where we are able to learn from past mistakes and identify what works and what does not. Books like Moonrunner, Night Dragon, Beneath Nightmare Castle, Sorcery! Avenger! Alice's Nightmare in Wonderland, and Heart of Ice, are the ones we can learn from the most in terms of how gameplay mechanics and story choices and rewards should be presented.
|
|
sylas
Baron
"Don't just adventure for treasure; treasure the adventure!"
Posts: 1,679
Favourite Gamebook Series: Fighting Fantasy, Way of the Tiger
|
Post by sylas on Jul 23, 2019 11:52:33 GMT
It's an interesting read but I disagree with about 90% of it.
|
|
sylas
Baron
"Don't just adventure for treasure; treasure the adventure!"
Posts: 1,679
Favourite Gamebook Series: Fighting Fantasy, Way of the Tiger
|
Post by sylas on Jul 22, 2019 22:34:47 GMT
I've yet to read Cult of the black Feather so I'm saving the best till last it seems.
The others are decent in their own ways but are very different from one another. I found the dice rolling to be quite unforgiving in places though, and many times I felt the main stat overshadowed the other attributes. Of the 3 stories I have read, they are all well written as expected, but there are noticeable spelling errors too plus one glaring puzzle error which should have been spotted. Fun adventures overall.
|
|
sylas
Baron
"Don't just adventure for treasure; treasure the adventure!"
Posts: 1,679
Favourite Gamebook Series: Fighting Fantasy, Way of the Tiger
|
Post by sylas on Jul 22, 2019 21:48:50 GMT
It is wonderful that these changes were made in order for these books to be successful as they wouldn't be otherwise.
|
|
sylas
Baron
"Don't just adventure for treasure; treasure the adventure!"
Posts: 1,679
Favourite Gamebook Series: Fighting Fantasy, Way of the Tiger
|
Post by sylas on Jul 22, 2019 18:19:37 GMT
I don't mind the roll these numbers/pass this test or die situations...as long as you can find something during your adventure to mitigate or counter these outcomes.
|
|
sylas
Baron
"Don't just adventure for treasure; treasure the adventure!"
Posts: 1,679
Favourite Gamebook Series: Fighting Fantasy, Way of the Tiger
|
Post by sylas on Jul 21, 2019 13:30:39 GMT
24 points to spend is just the total of the four dice you normally roll but maxed out.
|
|
sylas
Baron
"Don't just adventure for treasure; treasure the adventure!"
Posts: 1,679
Favourite Gamebook Series: Fighting Fantasy, Way of the Tiger
|
Post by sylas on Jul 20, 2019 23:56:21 GMT
Maybe have:
Start - Skill 7, Stamina 14, Luck 7 Spend 24 points Skill costs 4 each (20 for Skill 12) Stamina costs 1 each (10 for Stamina 24) Luck costs 2 each (10 for Luck 12)
|
|
sylas
Baron
"Don't just adventure for treasure; treasure the adventure!"
Posts: 1,679
Favourite Gamebook Series: Fighting Fantasy, Way of the Tiger
|
Post by sylas on Jul 16, 2019 21:47:07 GMT
Escape from the Temple of the Jewel. This is odd. I had edited and updated the chart about 8 hours ago and yet you're still seeing the old one. Weird.
|
|
sylas
Baron
"Don't just adventure for treasure; treasure the adventure!"
Posts: 1,679
Favourite Gamebook Series: Fighting Fantasy, Way of the Tiger
|
Post by sylas on Jul 15, 2019 22:48:05 GMT
I thought I already posted this but I guess not. Just something I made for fun. See what titles you get and see if you can come up with some blurb to go with it.
|
|
sylas
Baron
"Don't just adventure for treasure; treasure the adventure!"
Posts: 1,679
Favourite Gamebook Series: Fighting Fantasy, Way of the Tiger
|
Post by sylas on Jul 8, 2019 14:54:01 GMT
Eye of the Dragon is literally the random dungeon generator turned into a book. None of it makes sense. Port of Peril is one of Ian's fairest books to my surprise and plays well too despite a very weak story. Blood of the Zombies is a great read if you ignore the introduction and ending. But it's unplayable with dice.
|
|
sylas
Baron
"Don't just adventure for treasure; treasure the adventure!"
Posts: 1,679
Favourite Gamebook Series: Fighting Fantasy, Way of the Tiger
|
Post by sylas on Jun 28, 2019 21:41:49 GMT
We have a winner! Well done Wilf. You get bragging rights.
|
|
sylas
Baron
"Don't just adventure for treasure; treasure the adventure!"
Posts: 1,679
Favourite Gamebook Series: Fighting Fantasy, Way of the Tiger
|
Post by sylas on Jun 28, 2019 21:19:49 GMT
Eleven books have been correctly identified. Only one left.
|
|
sylas
Baron
"Don't just adventure for treasure; treasure the adventure!"
Posts: 1,679
Favourite Gamebook Series: Fighting Fantasy, Way of the Tiger
|
Post by sylas on Jun 27, 2019 22:53:28 GMT
Can you work out which 12 books does each art snippet come from? Work together to solve the conundrum or do it alone to claim the glory. Winner gets bragging rights.
|
|
sylas
Baron
"Don't just adventure for treasure; treasure the adventure!"
Posts: 1,679
Favourite Gamebook Series: Fighting Fantasy, Way of the Tiger
|
Post by sylas on Jun 24, 2019 23:15:32 GMT
Is what they look like printed and cut.
|
|
sylas
Baron
"Don't just adventure for treasure; treasure the adventure!"
Posts: 1,679
Favourite Gamebook Series: Fighting Fantasy, Way of the Tiger
|
Post by sylas on Jun 21, 2019 22:28:29 GMT
60+ FF books in series. Only about 10 are replayable. Big fan right there. Plays Crypt of the Sorcerer 10 days a week and House of Hell on a blue moon.
|
|
|
sylas
Baron
"Don't just adventure for treasure; treasure the adventure!"
Posts: 1,679
Favourite Gamebook Series: Fighting Fantasy, Way of the Tiger
|
Post by sylas on Jun 17, 2019 23:33:30 GMT
|
|
sylas
Baron
"Don't just adventure for treasure; treasure the adventure!"
Posts: 1,679
Favourite Gamebook Series: Fighting Fantasy, Way of the Tiger
|
Post by sylas on Jun 5, 2019 21:34:51 GMT
My turn.
Steve Jackson: House of Hell Ian Livingstone: Deathtrap Dungeon Steve Jackson 2: Demons of the Deep Jamie Thomson: Talisman of Death Andrew Chapman: Seas of Blood Robin Waterfield: Rebel Planet Peter Darvill Evans: Portal of Evil Luke Sharp: Daggers of Darkness Paul Mason: Black Vein Prophecy Keith Martin: Vault of the Vampire Stephen Hand: Legend of the Shadow Warriors Jonathan Green: Knights of Doom
|
|
sylas
Baron
"Don't just adventure for treasure; treasure the adventure!"
Posts: 1,679
Favourite Gamebook Series: Fighting Fantasy, Way of the Tiger
|
Post by sylas on Jun 2, 2019 22:52:15 GMT
I'm honestly wondering if he can make the book worse than Livingstone's? I mean, is that even truly possible? A lot of people can make it worse than Livingstone's. Crypt isn't necessarily bad. I mean the prose isn't too original but it does have some great encounters and has good narrative flow. It's largely just the gameplay that's bad, though that can be said for a great many gamebooks.
|
|
sylas
Baron
"Don't just adventure for treasure; treasure the adventure!"
Posts: 1,679
Favourite Gamebook Series: Fighting Fantasy, Way of the Tiger
|
Post by sylas on May 31, 2019 23:14:09 GMT
All you have to do is not use dice and always choose the favorable outcome.
|
|
sylas
Baron
"Don't just adventure for treasure; treasure the adventure!"
Posts: 1,679
Favourite Gamebook Series: Fighting Fantasy, Way of the Tiger
|
Post by sylas on May 19, 2019 0:23:40 GMT
This had a great story, and it's a pity that it was broken and unplayable by the rules. So cool, how the Holy Strike spell worked. And all the side quests, like with the cockatrice and the Necro-Mage. In what way is it broken and unplayable? (because it isn't)
|
|
sylas
Baron
"Don't just adventure for treasure; treasure the adventure!"
Posts: 1,679
Favourite Gamebook Series: Fighting Fantasy, Way of the Tiger
|
Post by sylas on Jan 6, 2019 1:25:36 GMT
I'm gonna be the minority in saying that I didn't like it. Great execution, but hated the story.
|
|
sylas
Baron
"Don't just adventure for treasure; treasure the adventure!"
Posts: 1,679
Favourite Gamebook Series: Fighting Fantasy, Way of the Tiger
|
Post by sylas on Dec 23, 2018 2:38:55 GMT
A trait that features in both Ian's and Steve's encounters are blind people or people with eye-patches.
|
|
sylas
Baron
"Don't just adventure for treasure; treasure the adventure!"
Posts: 1,679
Favourite Gamebook Series: Fighting Fantasy, Way of the Tiger
|
Post by sylas on Dec 23, 2018 2:35:51 GMT
I'd also say his books tend to include Easter eggs and references to other books. The Port of Peril has connections to just about every other Allansia-set Livingstone book. Personally I find this pretty self-indulgent. To be fair, most authors are guilty of this, Steve Jackson and Jon Green included.
|
|
sylas
Baron
"Don't just adventure for treasure; treasure the adventure!"
Posts: 1,679
Favourite Gamebook Series: Fighting Fantasy, Way of the Tiger
|
Post by sylas on Dec 21, 2018 23:02:30 GMT
A few problems I can see in this solution. First, you haven't bought a Lantern in town which makes killing a deer useless. If you do kill a deer in the hope to cook it, it's slightly more beneficial to have Preservative Spices than to blow all your gold on provisions. Secondly, it is assumed that the Magic Sword you get from the nomads is useful. In fact, it is the only Magic Sword in the book that does nothing, unlike the other two which DO allow you to get the bonus. However, you will be at a big disadvantage if you don't have it to hand against the Necromancer. This means that the best option is to get the sword from Captain Shagrot at the docks.
|
|