In praise of rats, bugs, goop and weeds

larsdangly · 08-01-2018, 08:26 AM

Every excellent game has a few things about it that are uniquely colorful and creative, in ways that come out during play and contribute to the game's feel. TFT has several things like this, but one I'd like to shine a light on is the fun and interesting treatment of 'nuisance' creatures and other living things that are a little unconventional to see as monsters. Slimes are perhaps the iconic example, but I also love that the game has a variety of monstrous plants and, especially, the 'swarms' (rats, bats, bees, etc.). Swarms of nuisance creatures are such interesting opponents because you have to turn your brain on to think of how you will fight them. Flailing with your sword will get you nowhere fast, so dealing with them calls for a plan, responding to situational opportunities (and handicaps), and often creative use of unconventional weapons or spells.

I have nothing else to add, except 'they're aweseome!' and 'more, please!'

JLV · 08-01-2018, 02:19 PM

I agree with Lars 100%. I always thought TFT did this much better than any contemporary game did, and is probably still better than most.

08-01-2018, 08:26 AM	#1
larsdangly Join Date: Dec 2017	In praise of rats, bugs, goop and weeds Every excellent game has a few things about it that are uniquely colorful and creative, in ways that come out during play and contribute to the game's feel. TFT has several things like this, but one I'd like to shine a light on is the fun and interesting treatment of 'nuisance' creatures and other living things that are a little unconventional to see as monsters. Slimes are perhaps the iconic example, but I also love that the game has a variety of monstrous plants and, especially, the 'swarms' (rats, bats, bees, etc.). Swarms of nuisance creatures are such interesting opponents because you have to turn your brain on to think of how you will fight them. Flailing with your sword will get you nowhere fast, so dealing with them calls for a plan, responding to situational opportunities (and handicaps), and often creative use of unconventional weapons or spells. I have nothing else to add, except 'they're aweseome!' and 'more, please!'

08-01-2018, 02:19 PM	#2
JLV Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Arizona	Re: In praise of rats, bugs, goop and weeds I agree with Lars 100%. I always thought TFT did this much better than any contemporary game did, and is probably still better than most.