| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| crazedventurers |
Posted - 19 Nov 2008 : 11:23:00
Video Here for your viewing pleasure.
Interesting comment towards the end from Rich Baker, to paraphrase: "you lose the social interaction online"
Cheers
Damo |
| 18 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Ashe Ravenheart |
Posted - 20 Nov 2008 : 14:59:26
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
If a D&D mini best represents my character, and I can lay hands on this mini without too much cost or effort, I'll use it. But if I decide that a Space Wolf Scout mini is a better representation, I'll use that. And I'll ignore WotC telling me I'm wrong for doing so.
I've always preferred Gummi Bears for Orcs and M&M's for goblins/kobolds.
But I agree, minis are an aid to the game and not necessary. Heck the group we have right now runs on pure mindpower for the battlefields. I keep track of everyone's position in my head and let then know if they threaten enemies or not...
Although, for some battles, it's really nice to put the map out, have them place their minis, the put down the gargantuan/colossal dragon to really show them the direness of their situation.  |
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 20 Nov 2008 : 14:44:51
quote:
Originally posted by Dagnirion
-How does something like that work? I am assuming, though, that the term 'printer' is being used liberally, and that 'smelting machine/plastic assembling machine/synthetic polymer production machine/whatever it would be' is a better term.
Something to that effect--in any case, 3D printers apparently cost a pretty penny.
I agree that online D&D tables are useful for those who can't find people to game with, or can't meet with their friends often enough, or just want to try a different type of gaming.
As far as minis go, I like them because I am a "visual" person. That said, I can still play without them. |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 20 Nov 2008 : 05:56:03
Back on topic, I do think minis have a place in the game -- but only as an aid. Having a visual aid to tell you exactly where you, your allies, and your enemies are in combat is a very good thing. That said, they are not a necessity, and I really dislike them being considered integral to the game. Especially since it's not just any minis that are listed as a requirement for playing, but specifically D&D minis (and yet, that same list of requirements didn't include a character sheet!).
If a D&D mini best represents my character, and I can lay hands on this mini without too much cost or effort, I'll use it. But if I decide that a Space Wolf Scout mini is a better representation, I'll use that. And I'll ignore WotC telling me I'm wrong for doing so. |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 20 Nov 2008 : 05:51:59
quote:
Originally posted by Dagnirion
-How does something like that work? I am assuming, though, that the term 'printer' is being used liberally, and that 'smelting machine/plastic assembling machine/synthetic polymer production machine/whatever it would be' is a better term.
Honestly, I'm not sure. All I know is the general fact that it's taking inkjet printing into an entirely new direction. I'm guessing whoever invented the inkjet never saw this one coming! |
| scererar |
Posted - 20 Nov 2008 : 04:06:53
interesting. I was digging the minis with the dungeon mock ups |
| Lord Karsus |
Posted - 20 Nov 2008 : 00:24:47
-How does something like that work? I am assuming, though, that the term 'printer' is being used liberally, and that 'smelting machine/plastic assembling machine/synthetic polymer production machine/whatever it would be' is a better term. |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 20 Nov 2008 : 00:08:37
quote:
Originally posted by Dagnirion
-Hmm, that does raise an interesting point. Though, having taken basic CAD in high school, I can say that printing out 2d papers, and then doing all of the folding and stuff to make them 3d can be a bit difficult. But, if, as you say, technology exists out there that could turn these custom digital miniatures into real plastic miniatures (Anyone want to go into business?), then I can understand why the digital characters are made to look like miniatures, instead of characters.[/black]
The technology exists, and among other uses, it's being looked at for various medical possibilities -- including "printing" skin and organs.
My dad saw a demonstration of a 3D printer -- they printed out a working crescent wrench. |
| Lord Karsus |
Posted - 19 Nov 2008 : 22:53:14
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
Having watched the video, I say "eh." I didn't see enough of the gaming table to be impressed. In particular, I want to know whether or not the rules are built into the table -- because doing that would be a mistake, thinks I.
-I believe that they are. I can recall hearing that somewhere. Doing so would effectively limit customers who purchase this product to just the 4e crowd. Programing things without rules would allow both 3e and 4e (and 2e and 1e, in theory) crowds to use the product, making WotC more money, anyway.
-I wonder...Could, in theory, a third party make something similar, based on the 3e SRD that anyone can use?  |
| Lord Karsus |
Posted - 19 Nov 2008 : 22:48:29
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
I have a LOT of stuff like that right there - why do you think I'm always harping on minis? They make a world of difference. 
-I don't like miniatures. Mind you, I have very limited exposure to them, but in my opinion, they seem to take away from the game, having people concentrate mainly on the tactical aspects of combat, and the "secondary" stuff (non-combat situations)...secondarily! That said, though, I can certainly appreciate all of the hard work and effort that goes into painting and assembling everything.
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
I've seen pics of him before, so I wasn't surprised. His voice does lend itself to a 'smaller man' (not being a jerk here - you just expect a deep, resounding voice from big guys).
-For whatever reason, I've always pictured him with sunglasses permanently affixed to his head (as in not going anywhere without wearing sunglasses), and a polo shirt, with brown hair, fairly slim (150-175 lbs.). Mind you, I've never seen a picture of him, but that's the image I've put together of him in my mind's eye, based on talking with him and stuff.
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
Considering I'm a bit older then 1974, maybe I should take credit for inventing Roleplaying games? Of course, me and my friends just called it 'pretending'. 
-Need a lawyer?
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
You caught that too, eh? Bad English (and from an Englishman!)
-Yes. I paused the video and had a ' ' moment. Then I went back to make sure I got all that correctly, and sure enough...
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
You're a racist! 
Just kidding...
-I've been called worse and/or had worse things said of me. Let's see...Let me find some good ones...
"[He] is a stubborn ass."
"[People] should not suffer [my] absurd, unsubstantiated accusations."
"[He is] judgmental [and makes] vague allusions to people's mental states."
"[He is] too interested in being [a] 'thought leader' and 'opinion killer'..."
-Heh, funny stuff. Got a load of 'em...
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
That character generator almost has me tempted to sign up for the DDi... almost.
As an aside, I read an article a few years ago where GW was considering using 3D printers for making custom minis! The technology is still way too expensive, but the idea was for them to have a machine in every gamestore, where you can just go an print-out your mini. Thats a good idea for GW and their miniatures armies, but an even greater one for WotC and PC characters!
If that technology ever does make it into the mainstream (and I can't see why not - everything else does), WotC would be ideally situated with already-available digitized files of PCs for easy conversion. Just think what a huge hit they would be at the next Gencon, if peeps were able to print-out minis of their custom characters!
Perhaps they are not as stupid as they led me to believe....
-Hmm, that does raise an interesting point. Though, having taken basic CAD in high school, I can say that printing out 2d papers, and then doing all of the folding and stuff to make them 3d can be a bit difficult. But, if, as you say, technology exists out there that could turn these custom digital miniatures into real plastic miniatures (Anyone want to go into business?), then I can understand why the digital characters are made to look like miniatures, instead of characters. |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 19 Nov 2008 : 22:28:32
Having watched the video, I say "eh." I didn't see enough of the gaming table to be impressed. In particular, I want to know whether or not the rules are built into the table -- because doing that would be a mistake, thinks I. |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 19 Nov 2008 : 22:09:55
As I've said before, I think a virtual gaming table allowing for near-PnP play with anyone around the world is a great idea, and one that would have gone farther towards helping keep D&D around than anything else.
Yeah, you don't need it if your players all live in the same town. But for a lot of us, our gaming groups have scattered -- and something like this would be a better alternative than not playing. And while getting up to play with someone on the other side of the globe is silly, having the virtual table would allow you to game with folks in your town that couldn't make it, or people several states away. The rest of the world is an option -- nothing says you have to look for players outside of your timezone. I could use the virtual gaming table to join people in New York, Boston, and Columbia -- the nearest of those places is at least 8 or 10 hours away, but they're all in the same timezone.
I'm not saying the virtual gaming table is the best option -- nothing will ever replace gathering with friends, throwing dice at each other, and changing somebody's scores when they go to the bathroom ( ). But I am saying that if faced with playing on a virtual table or not playing at all, I'm logging on to that virtual table. |
| Dalor Darden |
Posted - 19 Nov 2008 : 21:36:53
Holy Snikey!
Man...how much does that puppy cost I wonder????
If it isn't that much, I would buy it...no joke! |
| Markustay |
Posted - 19 Nov 2008 : 21:17:17
First off, thanks for posting that.
quote:
Originally posted by Dagnirion
-Hmm...
A) That is some hardcore miniatures and terrain and stuff, right there.
I have a LOT of stuff like that right there - why do you think I'm always harping on minis? They make a world of difference.
quote:
Originally posted by Dagnirion
B) Rich Baker looks NOTHING like I've always pictured him, in my mind.
I've seen pics of him before, so I wasn't surprised. His voice does lend itself to a 'smaller man' (not being a jerk here - you just expect a deep, resounding voice from big guys).
quote:
Originally posted by Dagnirion
C) Rich says that D&D was the world's first roleplaying game. Given the fact that recorded Human history dates back so far, I just can't believe that. Hey, I'm sure that people have been roleplaying in the...bedroom for a lot longer than D&D has been around.
Considering I'm a bit older then 1974, maybe I should take credit for inventing Roleplaying games? Of course, me and my friends just called it 'pretending'.
quote:
Originally posted by Dagnirion
D) Crypts do not feel very cold to my very bones.
You caught that too, eh? Bad English (and from an Englishman!)
quote:
Originally posted by Dagnirion
E) Do all D&D players in England look the same? So it seems...
You're a racist!
Just kidding...
quote:
Originally posted by Dagnirion
F) The character generator looks pretty cool. Something I've wondered for a while, though. Why make things look like miniatures? Personally, I find it a bit cheesy. Since it has pretty good graphics, why make the characters/monsters/items look like miniatures. Sure, it's online D&D, but one would think that losing the little bases on the bottom and everything would be a good thing. More realistic.
That character generator almost has me tempted to sign up for the DDi... almost.
As an aside, I read an article a few years ago where GW was considering using 3D printers for making custom minis! The technology is still way too expensive, but the idea was for them to have a machine in every gamestore, where you can just go an print-out your mini. Thats a good idea for GW and their miniatures armies, but an even greater one for WotC and PC characters!
If that technology ever does make it into the mainstream (and I can't see why not - everything else does), WotC would be ideally situated with already-available digitized files of PCs for easy conversion. Just think what a huge hit they would be at the next Gencon, if peeps were able to print-out minis of their custom characters!
Perhaps they are not as stupid as they led me to believe.... |
| Pandora |
Posted - 19 Nov 2008 : 19:11:05
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by crazedventurers
Interesting comment towards the end from Rich Baker, to paraphrase: "you lose the social interaction online"
I know a lot of MMO players who would dispute that. Granted, using voicechat programs isn't the same as gathering around a table, but it beats the hell out of no interaction at all.
/rant level 1 on
Its still a sorry excuse for sitting in front of a screen when you could sit next to your buddies. D&D online will have the same effect (for those that use it) that mobile phones had for human communication ... you can do MORE and EASIER, but the QUALITY of conversation IS a lot LOWER. Since we only have 24 hours each day ... fixed ... we should strive to fill the time with the highest quality of experience we can ... even if we dont fill 100% of it with experience because we still need to drive to a buddy. The time actually spent together is MUCH more intense compared to online time, no matter how flashy your character looks and no matter how big the "attributes" are you gave your chick ...
/rant level 2 on
The comments from that Dylan Mayo dude actually shows that the company sees the game as something totally different from what it had been intended to be. It wasnt really intended to be a "tabletop game", but mainly a game that uses your imagination. Using miniatures was only a playing aid and not a cornerstone of the game and thats why 4e sucks, because it is designed for this. Oh and awww ... you need to read in a book, boohoo ... they are really evil and hard to read and there arent any workspace safety regulations concerning the time spent staring on a computer screen ... nooo. I also expect to get up in the middle of the night to start playing with some dudes in Australia now ... NOT ... so the whole crap about being able to play with people all over is just a marketing myth but nowhere practical. If the guys I play with live in my town why not meet and spend the time together? Also that little line below the video: "Traditionalists greet the classic role playing game's move to cyberspace with cautious optimism." is totally wrong, because the guys shown there weren really traditionalists but rather tabletoppers.
/rant off |
| Dalor Darden |
Posted - 19 Nov 2008 : 18:04:20
Had to use a different computer than a Lab one to run the video.
Wow, Rich sure hasn't changed much! Last time I saw him at WotC he didn't maybe have as much gray on his face, but other than that he looks the same.
Now...are they saying that this is now available? |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 19 Nov 2008 : 15:48:13
quote:
Originally posted by crazedventurers
Interesting comment towards the end from Rich Baker, to paraphrase: "you lose the social interaction online"
I know a lot of MMO players who would dispute that. Granted, using voicechat programs isn't the same as gathering around a table, but it beats the hell out of no interaction at all. |
| Lord Karsus |
Posted - 19 Nov 2008 : 15:23:20
-Hmm...
A) That is some hardcore miniatures and terrain and stuff, right there.
B) Rich Baker looks NOTHING like I've always pictured him, in my mind.
C) Rich says that D&D was the world's first roleplaying game. Given the fact that recorded Human history dates back so far, I just can't believe that. Hey, I'm sure that people have been roleplaying in the...bedroom for a lot longer than D&D has been around.
D) Crypts do not feel very cold to my very bones.
E) Do all D&D players in England look the same? So it seems...
F) The character generator looks pretty cool. Something I've wondered for a while, though. Why make things look like miniatures? Personally, I find it a bit cheesy. Since it has pretty good graphics, why make the characters/monsters/items look like miniatures. Sure, it's online D&D, but one would think that losing the little bases on the bottom and everything would be a good thing. More realistic. |
| Dalor Darden |
Posted - 19 Nov 2008 : 15:10:48
quote:
Originally posted by crazedventurers
Video Here for your viewing pleasure.
Interesting comment towards the end from Rich Baker, to paraphrase: "you lose the social interaction online"
Cheers
Damo
Won't load for me... |
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