Breaking Star Games
Explorer
I really appreciate Apocalypse World for popularizing not using weirdly Simulationist stats in TTRPGs. I agree that it would be a lot better if instead of Hard, it was Ruthless. Cunning instead of Sharp. Charming instead of Hot. In general, there is a lot more jargon that has caused issues than preferred.
But for decades most games seem to try and fit stats that are trying to measure something that really doesn't fit. Ironsworn/Starforged does a really good job making use of these kind of different stats where none of them are ever "dumped." All are important aspects of the character and what the game is about.
To get back on topic, Blades in the Dark just sticking with a skill list fixes that issue nicely too. But it does mean there aren't those interesting options you see with PbtA Playbook Moves where you have a unique Move based on a stat. So that is a serious limitation if you don't have base stats (though I suppose you could use the 3 Resistance Stats). Many of my favorite options are that whereas in BitD, Special Abilities often feel like just worse than increasing your Actions because they are more niche and often a little boring like +1D or +Effect in a niche situation. Though there are a few standouts that are really potent like Functioning Vice.
But for decades most games seem to try and fit stats that are trying to measure something that really doesn't fit. Ironsworn/Starforged does a really good job making use of these kind of different stats where none of them are ever "dumped." All are important aspects of the character and what the game is about.
To get back on topic, Blades in the Dark just sticking with a skill list fixes that issue nicely too. But it does mean there aren't those interesting options you see with PbtA Playbook Moves where you have a unique Move based on a stat. So that is a serious limitation if you don't have base stats (though I suppose you could use the 3 Resistance Stats). Many of my favorite options are that whereas in BitD, Special Abilities often feel like just worse than increasing your Actions because they are more niche and often a little boring like +1D or +Effect in a niche situation. Though there are a few standouts that are really potent like Functioning Vice.