Inspiration for Realistic Modern Action Gaming

[macphersonrants]

If you cherry pick it, the original Miami Vice series had some good episodes. Typically anything that focused on Castillo's character had promise. If you don't believe me I can bust out the episode guide and pick a few prime examples.

As far as books go- I really like Stephen Hunter's stuff. I'd love to find someone who can write a gunfight better than that man. If you know your stuff you can track down his influences. Pale Horse Riding is a great example. All of the gunfighters Swagger brings in for the finale are based on famous shooting writers from the period (plus Audie Murphy) who also happened to be ace shootists.

Frederick Forsythe tends to capture the vibe I like.

More recently I've enjoyed some of Chris Ryan's thrillers.

For earlier period stuff Alan Furst is hard to beat, although he's probably a hair more cerebral than some of the stuff on my list.

I also like E.M. Nathanson for WWII stuff (The Dirty Dozen and a couple related titles).

[The Benj]

Originally Posted by macphersonrants

If I haven't seconded the plug for Spooks/MI-5 already, I'll officially do so. This is exactly the sort of thing I look for. It's plausible and the tradecraft seems reasonably accurate. What I'm shooting for definitely doesn't have to be all firefights and explosions. If you've got some good caper flicks, espionage, or cop books or movies feel free to post them if they seem realistic and the tension is high. Never mind the bullets...

Yeah, they're generally good on verisimilitude, with only the occassional "You did what?!" moment.
For instance, in one episode they have a photo and need to figure out who someone in it is, but they're only shot from behind. They use a computer program that can figure out what their face looks like from analysing the rear of their skull.
I call BS on that.

Otherwise, they tend to stick to pretty decent science, near as I can tell.
It's great TV.

[Six_Gun_Sam]

Grand Theft Auto III
Grand Theft Auto Vice City
Grand Theft Auto San Andreas

Powered by GURPS 3rd Edition.

[The Benj]

Originally Posted by Six_Gun_Sam

Grand Theft Auto III
Grand Theft Auto Vice City
Grand Theft Auto San Andreas

Powered by GURPS 3rd Edition.

Why specifically 3rd Ed, out of curiousity?

[macphersonrants]

Here is the promised list of films I own that make the cut. I've thrown in a few like that are more cop movies than thrillers, but I think they still warrant a look.

Body of Lies
The Departed
The French Connection
Heat
The Kingdom
Man on Fire
Miami Vice
Munich
Proof of Life
Ronin
Shooter
Spartan
Spy Game
State of Grace
Syriana
Tears of the Sun


I might try to do a little commentary on the individual selections at some point.

As an aside I'm pretty excited to see that Ken Hite is doing Night's Black Agents, a vampire hunting game that will draw heavily on Ronin for inspiration. Very cool...

[Vagrant]

Just thought i'd throw a few suggestions out there, cause i love my films ;)

The Kingdom - FBI investigations in the Middle East after a suicide bombing.

Traitor - deep undercover penetration of a terrorist cell.

Enemy of the State - hi tech surveillance and intrigue.

Bourne Identity
Bourne Supremacy
Bourne Ultimatum - brainwashed government assassin gets amnesia.

Smoking Aces - just because of the final fire fight.

Way of the Gun - along the lines of Heat but with less competent criminals.

[macphersonrants]

Originally Posted by Vagrant

Just thought i'd throw a few suggestions out there, cause i love my films ;)

The Kingdom - FBI investigations in the Middle East after a suicide bombing.

Traitor - deep undercover penetration of a terrorist cell.

Enemy of the State - hi tech surveillance and intrigue.

Bourne Identity
Bourne Supremacy
Bourne Ultimatum - brainwashed government assassin gets amnesia.

Smoking Aces - just because of the final fire fight.

Way of the Gun - along the lines of Heat but with less competent criminals.

I loved Enemy of the State. The Gene Hackman character was extremely cool. When Tony Scott takes on this genre he usually delivers.

[macphersonrants]

Does anyone have some recommendations for documentaries or reality shows that might provide good inspiration on groups, settings, possible opposition, and the like?

[macphersonrants]

I've now watched the first two discs of The Unit and I'm willing to go on the record and give it a strong endorsement.