Rules Light/Rules Heavy Graph

[Morrus]

I want to produce a "graph" of popular games so it's easy to see where a game falls on the rule-lite/rules-heavy spectrum. Different people have different tastes, and it could be a nifty way for them to find games similar in complexity to the style they enjoy.

So, going from 0-10 (with 0 being improv theatre with no rules, and 10 being, I think, Hero system, which seemed to be the popular vote for most complex in my other thread).

Here's a starting stab at it, totally subject to change. Of course, everybody will get angry about the positioning of 5E, but thats the internet for you,

(continually editing)

0 -- Improv Theatre (no rules)
1 -- Dread
2 --
3 -- Call of Cthulhu, OD&D, Fate Accelerated Edition
4 -- Fate
5 -- 5E
6 -- Starfinder, AD&D 1E, WOIN
7 -- D&D 4E, AD&D 2E
8 -- Pathfinder 1E, D&D 3.x, Ars Magica, Burning Wheel
9 -- GURPS, Rolemaster
10 -- Hero System

Suggestions welcome! I know people will disagree with my initial positions, but that's OK. I'm open to changing it.

I haven't played Fate. Where would you put that on this chart? Or Savage Worlds.

 

[GMMichael]

0 -- Improv Theatre (no rules)
1 -- Dread
2 --
3 -- Call of Cthulhu, OD&D
4 --
5 -- 5E
6 -- Starfinder, AD&D 1E, WOIN
7 -- D&D 4E, AD&D 2E
8 -- Pathfinder 1E, D&D 3.x, Ars Magica, Burning Wheel
9 -- GURPS, Rolemaster
10 -- Hero System

I haven't played Fate. Where would you put that on this chart? Or Savage Worlds.

Ouch...10 degrees (well, 11) is a lot. I'm inclined just to use a multiplier for the number of sourcebook pages, but I guess that doesn't account for fluff.

1. Improv
2. Dread
3. Dungeon World, Modos 2
4. Numenera, FATE
5. Savage Worlds, D&D 5
6. D&D 2, D&D 4, WOIN
7. D&D 3, Pathfinder
8. Warhammer 40K
9. Shadowrun (guessing. It looks crunchy.)
10. GURPS

I tried to keep it to just the popular ones

 

[Lanefan]

For htese purposes there's a case for splitting 2e D&D into two separate things: 2e-at-start and 2e-at-end, to reflect the ever-increasing complexity brought about by all the add-ons. 2e-at-start would, if 1e is a 6, be maybe a 4 or 5; 2e-at-end would be at least a 7.

Which means on your graph 2e wouldn't show as a point, but a line.

 

[aramis erak]

You'll need to add 11 for Phoenix Command, Aftermath, and Space Opera.

 

[Enevhar Aldarion]

And you'll need to add 12 for Rifts.

 

[Blue]

Hero system is 10? It sounds like you're measure total complexity, including "off table" complexity.

But that would mean that you should include the complexity of lots of splatbooks which makes character creation a big deal of searching back and forth. If that's the case, I'd increase AD&D 2nd, 3.x, and 4e up the chart.

For me, I rate complexity in three different ways.

On-table complexity: Based on how complex it is during a session. For me, HERO is about a 7-8 in this aspect - it's complex but there are crazier. 4e is an interesting case in that at low levels (or Essentials) it's low on this, but once you get to the mid levels or higher it's killer on this - so many individual powers with their own effects that need to be evaluated.

DM prep complexity: HERO and 3.x both fall down here for how long it takes to make foes. 4e and 13th Age are low on this.

Character creation/advancement complexity: This one is an interesting position. HERO & 3.x are somewhat heavy here, but this is actually a place I like certain types of complexity. Unlike the DM, each player only has one character so being able to customize and tweak is a bonus. 3.x has the "need to plan things out many levels ahead" thing which is unwelcome complexity though.

When evaluating RPGs, I care a lot about on-table and DM-prep complexity not passing a threshold, with on-table being weighted more. Character creation/advancement I don't care about complexity as long as it serves a purpose.

 

[Blue]

2 - Fate Accelerated Edition (FAE)

 

[Jhaelen]

Did you have a look at the 'Weight' ratings on RPG Geek? They're on a scale of 1 to 5. The ratings on the Boardgame Geek are quite accurate, I'm not sure how good the RPG equivalent is.

 

[Morrus]

For me, I rate complexity in three different ways.

3 charts is a bit more effort than this is worth! And makes "determining complexity at a glance" into something... complex. I reckon one average chart will do OK. It's just a casual thing.

I did consider two axis at one point.

 

[Morrus]

You'll need to add 11 for Phoenix Command, Aftermath, and Space Opera.

And you'll need to add 12 for Rifts.

I haven't played any of those -- are they all more rules-heavy than GURPS, Rolemaster, and Hero?