Any kickstart on TFT horizon?

[Chris Rice]

Originally Posted by larsdangly

It all looks really great! I am so impressed by the follow-through on this emerging product line. Standing back and looking at it all, I feel like the biggest decision you've made is to double-down on the elements of TFT that make it a Game with a capital 'G'. 6 months ago I was pondering how the system would or should bridge the gap between the hex map on which tactical play is resolved and the depiction of dungeons or other spaces on more naturalistic maps. Your answer is emphatically to double down on the idea that the game is played in the very 'game-y' feeling hex map space. I really like this decision, as it means the materials of the game used at the table, the materials one prepares before play (dungeons) and the rules of play are all seamlessly integrated, and the physical components of the game are central to what you actually do at the table. Plus this choice makes TFT very distinctive, and provides a natural avenue for expanding the game (more 'stuff' to use at the table)

In the years I played TFT intensively I played with the system considerably more as "theatre of the mind" rather than with minis and maps. I found the simple 3d6 v attribute mechanic (modified by Talents) worked well for this style of play, as I didn't have to refer to the rules and could keep the game fast paced and immersive.

These days there are so many systems specifically designed for this style of play (Barbarains of Lemuria, Dungeon World etc) that I'd use one of those instead.

I agree with Lars that the focus on the "boardgame" side of TFT is a wise decision. These days, that is what makes TFT unique, not the fact that it is rules-lite. It can fill a gap between the many "Dungeon Crawl" games like Descent and the D&D Adventure games and RPGs, by providing a much fuller RPG experience than any of these games, but with all their tactical appeal.

Going further, as others have mentioned, if TFT could produce a clever system for random Dungeon generation with integrated monster/threat AI, we could be in for a huge success. Programmed adventures are fine, and fill the need for those who want to play solo, but they take time to produce and have limited replay value.

Get your thinking caps on guys!