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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Luke" data-source="post: 213842" data-attributes="member: 602">Okay, well that's a headline grabber, but for a year I've wondered about the "pen and paper" computerized RPG vs the ultimate realtime graphical D&D game - and I've tried to take it on.Can "pen and paper" compete for the "mass market share"???It's a very open question, and I think it's helpful to get specific with practical examples.It's pretty clear that Bioware want to transform the game we play at the table to a fully computerized game that will eventually win the hearts and minds of D&D players. It's being marketed as the game that a DM can use to provide the ultimate D&D experience, without giving anything up.It's also pretty clear that many players, and especially DMs, are after the best electronic aids they can find to help cut down on their preparation time (or even in-game time).I consider RPM to be the "pen and paper" utility most suited for comparison to NeverWinterNights. The question isn't about RPM though. With MasterTools (E-Tools) severly cut in functionality, it's just the best real-world example I can find.I've developed RPM from the start to be the electronic aid that promotes "pen and paper", whilst providing the best possible electronic assistance.Where RPM and NWN are the same:- They both follow the D&D rules (though RPM is actually generic D20).- They both allow you to create comprehensive characters, NPCs and monsters.- They both allow you to build adventures, complete with maps, locations, descriptions and encounter groups.- They both provide automated attack, spells, AC calculation, skills resolution.- They can both display your encounters on a map, obeying rules for movement and managing initiative, along with XP calculation.Where RPM and NWN differ:- NWN is 3D and RPM is 2D. NWN will bring beauty and very fancy effects to you through your screen. RPM will display very dull 2D maps to assist mechanical calculations, and leave the beauty to your imagination.- NWN is exciting realtime, and RPM is slow turn-based. Trade-offs. I contend that you can't afford the full flexibility of 3rdEd combat in realtime managed through a keyboard and mouse. RPM will allow you that. A very key point? - NWN is inflexible, RPM has open flexibility. This applies the ability to have open D20 expandability, but mostly to in-game options. For example, how does a realtime game cope with a wish spell, compared to a human DM. You'll eventually get to see that *lots* of the spells have limitations in the game world that don't exist in the "pen and paper" world.- NWN provides scripting and occasional DM intervention, whilst RPM relies totally on the DM. RPM has a powerful scripting capability (nothing like NWN AI though), but I'm not personally going to do AI for RPM.Please don't get hung up on whether or not you like RPM. That's not the issue (and the chances that you've seen the very different latest and different PreBeta version is extremely remote, if any version at all).The point is: Can the "pen and paper" style compete long-term with Computer Role Playing Games of the NeverWinterNight's calibre?I know WotC think (thought?) so. We're a greying market, and the Hasbro/Infogrames deal dealt a *savage* blow to the MasterTools grand plan.Will the flexibility of imagination eventually win out over the inflexible sizzle? Can the next generation of D&Ders, brought up more on computers, and less on book learning than the previous generation, be coaxed to go with the "pen and paper style"?By the way: I've waited a *long* time for NWN, and can't wait to while away endless hours with it... <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f644.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":rolleyes:" title="Roll eyes    :rolleyes:"  data-smilie="11"data-shortname=":rolleyes:" /> Regards,</blockquote>

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