From: sleibowitz@hamp.hampshire.edu
Subject: Re: Let's talk REAL sci-Fi systems
Organization: Hampshire College
Date: Thu, 10 Sep 1992 21:44:30 GMT

Hmmph.  Just barely back from summer vacation and already being drawn into
the thick of things.  Oh well.

Okay: Before reading this, you probably want to read Ben Pierce's post
detailing some of the strength and weaknesses of the Battlelords system.
Or not.  You make the call.

In article <BuC6KL.Fpw@acsu.buffalo.edu>, v057qkmm@ubvmsd.cc.buffalo.edu (Bluerazor) writes:
> 	Ok, I'm going to objectively compare Battlelords to those OTHER 
> so-called Sci-fi game systems out there. So listen up gamers, and flame
> away!! I'm going to be brutally honest.
> 
> 	Battlelords has twelve of the COOLEST races you'd ever want to play,
> and they are all original, not based on some hokey elven lore!!!! I don't
> know about you, but I'd rather play my first level Mutzachan any day than
> some "elven decker" or "Ork". Leave the elves to D&D, I want ALIENS!

I assume that you're talking about Shadowrun.  If that is the case, then you
seem to be missing the point.  SRun, in addition to being a sci-fi game, is
equally a fantasy game.  The reason that these races were included is not that
the FASA people couldn't think anything better up.  It's because their
explanation for the existance of these creatures in legend is that they also
existed in fact.  If you have trouble with fantasy, fine, but don't dismiss
SRun for that reason alone.
 
> 	Battlelords has the best combat system of any Sci-Fi system on the
> market, bar none. I have fifty dollars that says so. No other system 
> simulates discharge combat so realistically. Its quick, efficient, and 
> deadly. It's not like some systems where you roll 30d6 and fail to do any
> damage. What kind of system is that, Yahtzee?? And theres none of these 
> "wound levels" either. Get hit by any heavy weapons in Battlelords and
>  you're likely to be looking at a mangled limb or some internal organs
>  being reduced to jelly! Imagine the look on your enemy's face as
>  your plasma cannon removes his groin!!!!

Fine, if you want that much detail in your combat.  I'm honestly not 
interested: my campaigns are uniformly more oriented towards thought
and role-playing than all out slugfests.  I should also add that the second
edition rules (purportedly) eliminate the "grenade going off in lap and barely
scratching" syndrome.  Check it out when it arrives in stores.
 
> 	Battlelords now has the LARGEST, most complete equipment manual
> ever compiled, Lock 'N Load. It has over 2000 pieces of equipment, fully
> described, and is 160 pages long!! Other systems are missing the basics of
> life, like radios and beer.  Battlelords has everything, even tomb stones
> to mark your shallow grave on an alien hunk of rock!!!

Okay, lots of arguments can be made for that level of detail.  But, when you
get right down to it, who really cares?  Most SRun area sourcebooks point out
how much you can expect to pay for a room, a meal, drugs, or other vices:
beyond that, I don't really care.  
 
> 	Battlelords doesn't have "spells" or "magic" or "mana". Sure, you
> can play characters with psychic powers who can generate matrices... but
> you wont be turning anyone to goo by rolling d6s. Leave mages out with
> that hokey elven lore.

See above about fantasy.  Personally, I'm of the opinion that SRun's
explanation of the way magic works is the best I've seen.
  
> 	And Battlelords has only improved since Lock N Load was released:
> more historical development, the final compilation of weapons and equipment
> (all you'll ever need), and a section on tactics. Coming soon: Modules,
> and the COMPLETE race book - explaining how the races live and work together
> in the Alliance, plus new exciting races to play, and for NPCs!!
> 
> 	So go ahead, try toget that fifty bucks. Show Me a better combat
> system. Oh and by the way it has to be a published game. 

I've never seen Battlelords, but it seems that, from your testimony, Ben's,
and the very title of the game, that it is exceedingly combat oriented.  
Great for you - not so great for those of us who like our combat in small 
doses.

Oh... can anyone tell me how Battlelords stands up to Warhamer 40K?
Just out of curiosity? (I play neither)

> Flame away.
> 
> 	Bluerazor the Mutzachan


						Your humble servant,
						    Smiling Wolf

sleibowitz@hamp.hampshire.edu
"Ain't freedom free to be dumb?"
	-Vinx
Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.advocacy