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 Author | Topic: MA cover-to-cover (Read 936 times) |
Baron
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Karma: 0 |  | Re: MA cover-to-cover
« Reply #15 on Dec 12, 2011, 10:28pm » | |
It is?
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perdustin
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Karma: 3 | | Re: MA cover-to-cover
« Reply #16 on Dec 13, 2011, 10:43pm » | |
Well, it certainly seemed obvious when I wrote that message. There are: mutants, color-based security clearances, extremely dangerous equipment, the Computer, ALPHA Complex...
It would be treasonous to suggest that Costikyan was not aware of these similarities. Since the Computer is my friend, I will not suggest such a thing.
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perdustin
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« Reply #17 on Dec 20, 2011, 9:50pm » | |
In my current post, I briefly speculate about the robots, androids, and main computer on the Warden and how they relate to humans and to each other.
Also, I suggest a Metamorphosis Alpha drinking game.
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Finarvyn
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Karma: 178 | | Re: MA cover-to-cover
« Reply #18 on Dec 21, 2011, 9:26am » | |
Dec 12, 2011, 10:16pm, perdustin wrote:One of my readers has pointed out the similarities between Metamorphosis Alpha and Paranoia. It's obvious (now) that MA was a primary inspiration for Costikyan.
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I'm not sure if it was a consious or subconscious thing, but MA does define a "party against the computer" style of play, so it's possible that this was an inspriation for Paranoia. On the other hand, there are probably many more "big brother" type sources that were more direct in their influence.
An interesting line of speculation, however. I wonder if Costikyan has ever published an "inspired by" list for Paranoia.
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Marv / FinarvynDCC playtester (2011) C&C playtester (2003) I'm partly responsible for the S&W WhiteBox Builder of the TrollBridgeMaster of Mutants; MA since 1976 OD&D Player since 1975 "Don't ask me what you need to hit. Just roll the die and I will let you know!" - Dave Arneson |
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perdustin
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Karma: 3 | | Re: MA cover-to-cover
« Reply #19 on Jan 1, 2012, 6:52pm » | |
In my latest installment, I discuss perceived anachronisms on the Warden, such as: the use of paper in starship bureaucracy, computer/ robot "tie-ins," and domar coins. I also analyze the economics of domars.
In a footnote, I discuss the 'precognition' mental mutation in general and compare it to its Gamma World analog.
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perdustin
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« Reply #20 on Jan 12, 2012, 9:05pm » | |
Last Sunday I posted the first part of a two part article comparing Metamorphosis Alpha mutations with their Gamma World counterparts. I plan on posting the second part this coming Sunday.
The mutations are largely the same but the differences are interesting. In general, Metamorphosis Alpha seems to be "harsher." With the 'choice method' in Gamma World, there is a 25% chance of having two defects; in Metamorphosis Alpha, the chance is 62.5%. As a side note, statistically, when using the 'table method' in Gamma World, mutated animals will have fewer defects than mutated humans.
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perdustin
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Karma: 3 | | Re: MA cover-to-cover
« Reply #21 on Jan 23, 2012, 9:45pm » | |
In my latest installment, I survey the various intelligent (non-human) 'races' aboard the Warden, discussing their abilities and limitations. I plan to discuss the five Humanoid races in my next Metamorphosis Alpha post.
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Craig J. Brain
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Karma: 1 | | Re: MA cover-to-cover
« Reply #22 on Jan 26, 2012, 2:09am » | |
Perdustin,
I've been enjoying your articles.
Craig J. Brain
WardCo.
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perdustin
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« Reply #23 on Feb 2, 2012, 7:34pm » | |
In my most recent Metamorphosis Alpha post, I comment on the five types of humanoids.
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perdustin
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Karma: 3 | | Re: MA cover-to-cover
« Reply #24 on Feb 7, 2012, 9:03pm » | |
In my post on Sunday (02/05), I discuss the 'standard' and 'optional' combat rules. I also opine on weaponless attacks (both by 'creatures' and by 'characters').
Why is it that some early RPGs have no provision for weaponless attacks?
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perdustin
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« Reply #25 on Feb 14, 2012, 8:27pm » | |
In my latest post, I discuss player knowledge vs character knowledge in relation to the setting in Metamorphosis Alpha. I also discuss the means by which characters learn to operate technological items.
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perdustin
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Karma: 3 | | Re: MA cover-to-cover
« Reply #26 on Feb 20, 2012, 2:46pm » | |
In the concluding article of my analysis of Metamorphosis Alpha, I discuss different perspectives on the game and how it inspired both The World of Synnibarr and Skyrealms of Jorune. I also discuss Guy McLimore's "Clone Bank Alpha" article from Dragon. Finally, I present a few musings of my own.
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