The Fate of D20 Modern

[Nadaka]

Question to all these people saying they want to see a 4e version of modern. Exactly what is it about 4e that you think would be so great in modern? Because for the most part, I just don't see it.

 

[Mal Malenkirk]

I don't want to see 4e Modern.

I just want to see non 3.5 Modern.

I want it classless and gritty.

 

[ValhallaGH]

I don't want to see 4e Modern.

I just want to see non 3.5 Modern.

I want it classless and gritty.

Play either Deadlands rules in the modern world, or a low PL (3 to 6) Mutants and Masterminds game (PL 6 is in the realm of super-spies and commandos). The Storyteller systems make a pretty gritty game but I personally detest the core mechanic. A True 20 game would come pretty close, though it still has roles.

Nadaka, I can't speak for anyone else, but I'm just curious. Given the way 4e works (single class progression, powers dictating weapon choices, heavy melee emphasis, few weapon based area attacks, all multi-shot abilities come from powers, etc.), I'm really curious to see how they resolve the issues from automatic weapons, grenades, bayonet versus pistol, multi-classing, and power design. I don't know if it will be good (I'm hopeful but I have no clue), but I'm curious to see what they come up with. If it is good, I'm curious to see how they made that happen.

 

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

Play either Deadlands rules in the modern world, or a low PL (3 to 6) Mutants and Masterminds game (PL 6 is in the realm of super-spies and commandos). The Storyteller systems make a pretty gritty game but I personally detest the core mechanic. A True 20 game would come pretty close, though it still has roles.

Nadaka, I can't speak for anyone else, but I'm just curious. Given the way 4e works (single class progression, powers dictating weapon choices, heavy melee emphasis, few weapon based area attacks, all multi-shot abilities come from powers, etc.), I'm really curious to see how they resolve the issues from automatic weapons, grenades, bayonet versus pistol, multi-classing, and power design. I don't know if it will be good (I'm hopeful but I have no clue), but I'm curious to see what they come up with. If it is good, I'm curious to see how they made that happen.

I think what I would find most interesting in the 4E R&D creating a modern game is that they spent so much brainpower and identifying combat roles and power sources, I wonder what they come up with for non-combat stuff.
How would they tackle the Wealth subsystem? What's with non-combat powers (Connections, Lore, Mystery-Solving/Investigation)?

 

[serow]

I think someone mentioned the possibility that the new D20 Modern 2.0 or whatever they call it might be closer to SWSE than to 4E. Personally, I think that's better for D20M. 4E style is fun... but I like the current way D20M is set up.

 

[ValhallaGH]

How would they tackle the Wealth subsystem? What's with non-combat powers (Connections, Lore, Mystery-Solving/Investigation)?

I can't comment on wealth, but the non combat 'powers' would be Utility Powers (the single power category that PCs get the most of over their careers; 7 utilities compared to 2 at-wills, 4 encounters, 4 dailies). These cover all sorts of nifty tricks the PCs have that aren't direct combat powers, though it's surprising how useful they can be when used creatively.

So yeah, I'm curious to see what they come up with.

 

[CountPopeula]

I think someone mentioned the possibility that the new D20 Modern 2.0 or whatever they call it might be closer to SWSE than to 4E. Personally, I think that's better for D20M. 4E style is fun... but I like the current way D20M is set up.

Actually, judging from what WoTC seemed to focus on as marketable IP in D20 Modern, I think it'll be a lot like 4E.

My guess is there's not going to be a D20 Modern 2E, but there will be an Urban Arcana 2E.

 

[Vigilance]

See, I never understood the Urban Arcana setting, because Wizards has the resources to blow the door off way bigger than that.

I mean, Hasbro owns GI Joe for heaven's sake.

HOW HAS THIS GAME NOT ALREADY BEEN MADE?!?!?!?

 

[Greg K]

I mean, Hasbro owns GI Joe for heaven's sake.

HOW HAS THIS GAME NOT ALREADY BEEN MADE?!?!?!?

As much as I hated GI Joe, I have to wonder the same. Oh, wait! For a moment, I forgot that we are discussing WOTC and Hasbro.

 

[Vigilance]

Right, I know Hasbro is weird about their IPs, but a GI Joe game? If they greenlight a Star Wars game, surely SOMEONE has the juice to make GI Joe happen.