Malkcntent
10-28-2008, 01:07 PM
Just got finished with my first introduction to the Burning Wheel rpg last night and I have to say that I was quite impressed.
Character creation is very smooth and intuitive. The game uses the 'lifepath' system where you plan out your character's life, adding a significant element of background into the character creation process. By the time you're done creating your character you've already got the framework for a solid background, knowing where your character came from and a rough idea of where they're headed.
The game itself plays very smoothly, though there are a lot of rules to pick up in the beginning. Our GM wisely eased us into combat, using a 'combat lite' version for the first game. The core mechanic is simple and very unique. Combat and skill use is quite easy, though the former is where the game gives players lots of options and rules that can be a little overwhelming when you're first learning. The game plays rather realistically for a fantasy system, which is a nice switch from some of the less-realistic games out there.
One thing I instantly loved was the advancement system for the game. The rpg takes an 'advance what you use' approach, forgoing any experience points system and instead rewarding your characters for using skills throughout the game. The more you use a skill, the quicker it advances. Skills you don't begin play with can be learned by attempting them 'untrained', eventually giving you those key skills you couldn't/didn't pick up in character creation. You find yourself advancing quickly in the skills you use most, which is a great mechanic.
Overall, after one session I really enjoyed the game. The core mechanic is easy and fun. Combat is both gritty, realistic and deadly with lots of options such as special maneuvers and hit locations but still maintains the system's basic level of complexity. Character creation and advancement are handled in new and interesting ways that proved fun. I would highly recommend this little-known game to anyone interested in a new fantasy system.
Character creation is very smooth and intuitive. The game uses the 'lifepath' system where you plan out your character's life, adding a significant element of background into the character creation process. By the time you're done creating your character you've already got the framework for a solid background, knowing where your character came from and a rough idea of where they're headed.
The game itself plays very smoothly, though there are a lot of rules to pick up in the beginning. Our GM wisely eased us into combat, using a 'combat lite' version for the first game. The core mechanic is simple and very unique. Combat and skill use is quite easy, though the former is where the game gives players lots of options and rules that can be a little overwhelming when you're first learning. The game plays rather realistically for a fantasy system, which is a nice switch from some of the less-realistic games out there.
One thing I instantly loved was the advancement system for the game. The rpg takes an 'advance what you use' approach, forgoing any experience points system and instead rewarding your characters for using skills throughout the game. The more you use a skill, the quicker it advances. Skills you don't begin play with can be learned by attempting them 'untrained', eventually giving you those key skills you couldn't/didn't pick up in character creation. You find yourself advancing quickly in the skills you use most, which is a great mechanic.
Overall, after one session I really enjoyed the game. The core mechanic is easy and fun. Combat is both gritty, realistic and deadly with lots of options such as special maneuvers and hit locations but still maintains the system's basic level of complexity. Character creation and advancement are handled in new and interesting ways that proved fun. I would highly recommend this little-known game to anyone interested in a new fantasy system.