Sure, you can. Check out virtually any of the Star Wars games for an example.
Well, the WEG D6 Star Wars was skil-based.
SWSE has classes, but it also has a largish skill system as well, with some pretty hefty skill restrictions by class.
Sure, you can. Check out virtually any of the Star Wars games for an example.
I've been putting a lot of thought into SciFi RPGs recently. What is it about SciFi RPGs where they feel the need to insert a skill system?
In other words, why can't we have "OD&D in Space" or "C&C in Space" or "AD&D in Space" with just a simple class system? Each character class would have a short list of things it could do, much the same way that fighters or clerics or magic-users or thieves each have a short list of things it can do.
Maybe I'm missing something, but it seems to me like there are certain things in a SciFi setting which could be universal, like piloting a ship. Kind of like in a modern setting where one can drive a car or use a computer or use a microwave oven, do we need a special skill for this?
I'll be interested in other's views on this. What am I missing?
Because the entire concept of a skillless system where everyone is good at everything is inherently silly and only really conceivable in fantasy RPGs were the PCs can spend nearly the entire game time in dungeons and do not come into contact with non combat related problems the rest of the time.
In Sci-Fi fiction, we often see people who are ill-suited to a task, rising to the challenge of solving a problem outside their expertise. in order for that to be possible, they can't be saddled with such penalties to discourage even trying.
Actually, here I am. I had forgotten about the thread altogether.[Just a quick note - with apologies to the OP - this is a very, very old thread which was buried in the moderated posts queue for some reasons - there's a good chance the OP will never see these replies].
I'd perhaps look at it a different way, and ask "Why do so many fantasy games use class-based systems?"
I'd guess that the reason is because they were inspired by D&D.
Some interesting thoughts here, but I still think that my initial question is a valid one and I suppose that it comes down to preference rather than an actual design reason. Just because you might enjoy skills or find them more "realistic" doesn't mean that SciFi RPGs "need" them.