Reply To: Is it time for some more critical analysis of rule sets

[captainventanusParticipant 4936xp 2]

@torros you are not alone in thinking this, both in terms of the approach to reviewing game systems in general and now SPQR specifically. You are spot on.

By sheer coincidence within the last few days I have read through and played around with both Mortal Gods and SPQR. Cynically I would also say that the sudden arrival of the latter has a lot to do with the former too. For me it was like day and night between the two systems.

Wargaming ancients is not my top priority, but I’ve always wanted to paint up a few Romans so this was a good chance. Once you take away the gloss of SPQR it’s not a finished product and that’s unfortunate. Far from being easy to understand there are lots of consuming elements that require some back and forth in the rule book and it is not laid out as clearly as it could be.

I have no interest in Greek hoplites and warfare, but Mortal Gods is such a compelling package when you look at it and with a bit of patience this will expand into something good.

Sure I’d like to know what’s in a box like anyone else, looking at a pile of plastic though doesn’t say anything about whether the game is good, interesting and worth spending time with.