Kannik
Legend
Thanks for sharing all that! MW 1e is the only one I haven't seen/read (played MW1 on the PC, but that's different
) and it's neat to hear how it was so laser focused on the MW/Merc aspect.Also neat what you said about MW Destiny -- I gave it a quick read through and I couldn't quite get what I was seeing and put it aside to come back to later. But if it is as you say a "hodgepodge" by those who don't quite understand narrative rule systems then that could be why it was so perplexing as I do like and know a number of good narrative rule systems.*
Putting aside the specific rules, what might really be worthwhile for any MW RPG is to have a section, up front, that talks about different campaign styles. Because even coming in as wanting to play a Mechwarrior, if you come in having read the novels it can easily be assumed you will be a MW of some import with IS-wide impact. So there's the WHFRP version of playing a MW, there's the deep "gritty" Mercenary version, and there's the "novels" version which could either be a merc company or nobles or something but the main idea is that you will be shakers of the sphere. That's for Mechwarriors (and support characters). Then there's playing non-Mechwarrior-centric games, such as espionage, operatives, and politics (perhaps with a side order of Mechwarrioring). A good explanation of each, the implications of each, the tone of each, and suggestions for how to run (including character builds and power level, types of adventures, how to link things together, what to focus on, and what (optional) modules in the rules to use (down to the last C-bill or just handwave expenses, etc), and so on. That could let the game be both precise and as accomodating at the same time. Also worthwhile to have a conversation about whether the campaign will take place mostly on one planet or will involve more planet hopping (and if so, again, what cost tracking will be done for that?).
And now, after having read your post, when I get home from my trip I want to re-read the Mercenary's Handbook 2e.
*And having read the quickstart for Voltron, for it too I would say it reads like an attempt at a narrative experience without a good rules framework to deliver on such. So much so that I immediately started musing on how I'd run it in Cortex Prime and having ideas pinball of the concepts that would deliver what Catalyst seemed to be intending. (Also, I think they really missed the boat on how to handle or at least advise handling multiple players controlling one combined robot, but that's a whole separate conversation.)
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