Sell Me on The Fantasy Trip

[Jim Kane]

Originally Posted by Tolenkar

I would just point out two things that I thought were important with creating a great TFT experience back in the early 80's (and I think are still relevant):

Easy to learn:

Thank you, thank you, thank you so very much for using the adjective "Easy", as opposed to "simple". TFT was a masterpiece of inspiration and innovation for it's time; and there was nothing *simple* about that.

Easy, as in: "Easy-to-Learn" accurately befits the dignity and status of the game, the brilliance of the basic design, and the author; whereas, *Simple* carries with it a one-dimensional limitation which always bothers me when I see or hear it employed in reference to The Fantasy Trip.

Here is what Easy actually means: "achieved without great effort; presenting few difficulties." - that sounds like TFT to me.

Comparatively, here is the additional dimensional quality of "simple", which "easy" does not possess: "composed of a single element; not compound." - and to me, that is *not* TFT.

I know it's not a big deal, and for most people did not score 800 on the verbal section of the SAT it is even less of a big deal; but nonetheless, I grind my teeth every time I see the word: "simple", employed in the description of TFT.

My dentist and I *thank you* for the using the phrase: "Easy-to-Learn".

Simply yours,

JK

[flankspeed]

Originally Posted by Jim Kane

Thank you, thank you, thank you so very much for using the adjective "Easy", as opposed to "simple"....

I'm ashamed of not living up to my relatively high Verbal score on the SAT. :)

The word "simple" had nagged at me, but I did not bother to find a better way to express what TFT offers. "Ease of learning" is an excellent alternative, and you convinced me so thoroughly that I edited my previous post here to use it in place of "simplicity."

One way of putting it might be: "TFT offers ease of learning combined with depth of game play, breadth of character options, and wide-open potential for roleplaying."

Thank you for waking up the National Merit Scholarship Finalist in me, hehe.

[Jim Kane]

Originally Posted by flankspeed

Thank you for waking up the National Merit Scholarship Finalist in me, hehe.

I do what I can ;-)

Seriously though, "Easy-to-Learn" is accurate, punches effectively, and with dignity; the word: simple, not so. I have often compared aspects of TFT to that of Chess, which, is also: Easy-to-Learn, but is not at all *simple* - and the Japanese game of Go, even more so.

JK

[Chris Rice]

Although I have used both "easy" and "simple" to describe the system, my preference is for "elegant."

(In its scientific definition)

"Pleasingly ingenious and simple."

I've seen simple but inelegant systems and I've seen elegant but complex systems. TFT was the only one that managed to be both elegant and simple.

[JLV]

I used simple, but noted that it wasn't "trivial" -- which is what a lot of people actually "hear" when you say "simple." But you're right -- "easy" is a better descriptive for the ease of access to the game.

On the other hand, "easy" doesn't imply "not challenging," either; Chess is pretty easy to learn and internalize, when you come right down to it, but mastery is a completely different matter.

[Chris Rice]

Originally Posted by JLV

I used simple, but noted that it wasn't "trivial" -- which is what a lot of people actually "hear" when you say "simple." But you're right -- "easy" is a better descriptive for the ease of access to the game.

On the other hand, "easy" doesn't imply "not challenging," either; Chess is pretty easy to learn and internalize, when you come right down to it, but mastery is a completely different matter.

Chess is indisputably an elegant game.

[JLV]

And, you're right Chris, "elegant" is a very good word for TFT.

[Frost Giant]

Originally Posted by Chris Rice

Although I have used both "easy" and "simple" to describe the system, my preference is for "elegant."

(In its scientific definition)

"Pleasingly ingenious and simple."

I've seen simple but inelegant systems and I've seen elegant but complex systems. TFT was the only one that managed to be both elegant and simple.

"Elegant" was the very first word that came to mind for me when reading the op's post! I'd have to agree.