From: scott@athena.mit.edu (Scott D Bradburn)
Subject: Re: My brain's erasable
Organization: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Date: Wed, 8 Apr 1992 00:39:39 GMT

In article <1992Apr7.213157.20936@watdragon.waterloo.edu>, ppanicolle@rose.waterloo.edu (Philippe Nicolle) writes:
|> I wanted to avoid this thread but I couldn't help it...
|> 
|> In article <1992Apr7.144716.10243@doc.ic.ac.uk> jvp@doc.ic.ac.uk (Jeremy Pitt) writes:
|> >In article <1992Apr6.153454.24105@acsu.buffalo.edu> mjb@acsu.buffalo.edu (Matthew J. Bernhardt) writes:
|> [ stuff deleted ]
|> 
   [various AI thoughts deleted]
|> 
|> I think the reason people get caught up in such discussions is that many
|> (like Matt) have been playing this game for a long time...  The reason
|> it's so good (IMHO) it is well balanced.  Those of us who have been playing
|> for a long time don't want it to change...  This is especially true when
|> you see someone that want's to add new monsters or items or add 'nethack'
|> like items...  Everything in the game is consistent and 'make sense' in
|> it's own way...  I find haggling does add feel (or mood) and is an INTEGRAL
|> part of the game.

	First, I don't like haggling, it's dull, mathematical, and I don't
	like any game where I have to spend as much time doing dull,
	maintenence things as actually playing the game.  I like action.
	All haggling adds for me is irritation.

|> Somebody else pointed out that making haggling an option should be fine to
|> those who like haggling...  This isn't really true...  It makes the efforts
|> of those who haggle insignificant...

	Yes, this is a good point, so a fair proposal:  When the haggling
	option is turned off, the shops should charge final offer + 10%
	convenience charge.  I'd be willing to pay that much just to avoid
	haggling.  That way those who haggle are still better off then those
	who don't.

|> When I first started playing Moria the game was MUCH harder.  For starters,
|> there were NO 50th level items (this includes rings of speed)...  Winning
|> was much more significant an achievement.  I am NOT in favor of ANYTHING
|> that makes the game easier!

	Making haggling an option won't make the game easier. With a 10%
	charge, it makes it harder for those who don't haggle, and it's
	still the same for those who do.  The only advantage of turning
	off haggling is getting rid of lots of wasted time.

|> When I win (and perhaps post) it implies that I had to deal with the
|> obstacles of moria and one of those is haggling...  Now if haggling is an
|> option I won't use it because it IS tedious and long but winning Moria
|> won't be as gratifying...

	I don't see haggling as an obstacle, it's more like busy work.
	Something dull and tedious to do so you don't enjoy moria as much.

|> Well that's all, I hope I didn't insult anybody...

	I doubt it, I want to thank you for commenting on someone's thoughts
	without including any statements about how badly they need therapy and
	that their mother barks and chases cars.  I wish there were more
	people mature enough to comment without flaming.

|> Phil
|> ppanicole@rose.waterloo.edu
|> 

Scott
"Flaming is a waste of time, and you can quote me on that" - Me