The GPRPG/sourcebook paradigm

[Umbran]

I have yet to experience a generic system that was really as generic as was claimed, so that they're never quite as good wedged into some genres as is frequently claimed.

I don't mind working with them, but I usually find that I can find a system that does what I want better than any generic system could. I generally use a genreic for a backup - if I can't find a specific system for my idea, then I work with a generic rather than abandon my idea.

 

[Jedi_Solo]

In my experience (which isn't nearly as great as others here) the 'generic' systems haven't been all that generic. They've tried, but then even the generic settings come out with setting books (one of the GURPS versions came out with a Horror and Fantasy setting I believe - could be wrong - has been quite a while). Why the setting books if it was generic?

Haven't really looked at generic systems since. Some setting require a new set of rules - thus making it not generic. High Fantasy is going to require different stuff than Science Fiction.

How did I vote? Strawberry Reubarb.

 

[JoeGKushner]

In my experience (which isn't nearly as great as others here) the 'generic' systems haven't been all that generic. They've tried, but then even the generic settings come out with setting books (one of the GURPS versions came out with a Horror and Fantasy setting I believe - could be wrong - has been quite a while). Why the setting books if it was generic?

Haven't really looked at generic systems since. Some setting require a new set of rules - thus making it not generic. High Fantasy is going to require different stuff than Science Fiction.

How did I vote? Strawberry Reubarb.

Uh... generic rule sets can still benefit heavily from having optional supplements to show the reader how one might use those rules. For example, if you're a starting GM for D&D, I'd heartily recommend both Fantasy Hero and GURPS Fantasy as both have a lot of good ideas that translate well to almost any fantasy campaign.

 

[Odhanan]

I like to vary game systems. I like to change after a few years with the same system or setting. And as a general ground principle, I think game system and universe should emphasize each other and try to use what's really best about each other.

Some "general purpose RPGs" are badly designed, because they in fact emphasize a narrow gaming style but pretend to be "general". For instance, a rules-light system that pretends to be general because it would be rules-light. To me, that means this system, even if setting-neutral, won't be able to represent many of the campaigns I'd like to run. So it's not "general".

Other general purpose RPG are well designed, in that they allow for great modularity and adaptation, can be rules-heavy or rules-light, evocative or shock-full of options, according to what the GM chooses and wants to do with them. But still, their basic mechanical principles imply some kind of gaming style, so they won't ever be completely "general". I think GURPS is actually a pretty good example of general purpose RPG that is well-designed for multiples uses.

But still, I wouldn't play GURPS only.

I like the way specific game mechanics end up representing a part of the setting in my imagination. You tell me "Basic System" and I see Cthulhu, Rune Lords and Elric with Stormbringer in hand. You tell me d20 and I see a fighter, wizard, rogue and cleric exploring a dungeon with torches in hand.