Synopses & Reviews
Role-playing games is the genre that most meticulously evokes a parallel life for the player-not infrequently down to the detail of what kind of wine is in their hip flask. In addition to the gameplay and simulation aspects of this genre, "Game Guru: Role-Playing Games" looks at the conventions that underlie it-the threat of evil, the archetypal playground of the sword-and-sorcery setting, and so on. With hundreds of examples and in-depth interviews with the experts, this book reveals the secrets to what makes great games compelling and successful. Whether you are a professional or a die-hard role-playing gamer, you'll be intrigued by the clear analysis of play balance, character and level design, learning curves, risk versus reward, puzzles, scale and scope, catch-up effects, symmetry, and many other aspects of game theory. This book gives you the insight you are searching for to enrich your gaming experience.
Synopsis
Role-playing games is the genre that most meticulously evokes a parallel life for the player-not infrequently down to the detail of what kind of wine is in their hip flask. In addition to the gameplay and simulation aspects of this genre, "Game Guru: Role-Playing Games" looks at the conventions that underlie it-the threat of evil, the archetypal playground of the sword-and-sorcery setting, and so on. With hundreds of examples and in-depth interviews with the experts, this book reveals the secrets to what makes great games compelling and successful. Whether you are a professional or a die-hard role-playing gamer, you'll be intrigued by the clear analysis of play balance, character and level design, learning curves, risk versus reward, puzzles, scale and scope, catch-up effects, symmetry, and many other aspects of game theory. This book gives you the insight you are searching for to enrich your gaming experience.
About the Author
Dave Morris is a prolific author of fantasy gaming books and the creator of the
acclaimed realtime strategy PC game, Warrior Kings. He has worked in both the
videogame and TV industry. He holds a M.A. in Physics from Oxford University and has worked as a best-selling author and game designer for 15 years. He is the co-author of both Game Guru: Role-Playing Games (1592002544) and Game Guru: Strategy Games (1592002536). Leo Hartas is a well-known and highly regarded illustrator skilled in both traditional
and computer-generated styles and techniques. As well as authoring numerous
bestselling children's books, he creates digital imagery for computer games, video
animation, and TV programs. He is the co-author of both Game Guru: Role-Playing Games (1592002544) and Game Guru: Strategy Games (1592002536).
Table of Contents
Introduction 1. A Life on the Other Side of the Glass 2. Once Upon A Time 3. Onwards! 4. I Want to Be Anarchy 5. Behold the Man 6. Beyond the Crack of Doom 7. Gather, Ye Housecarls 8. On the Wings of a Dragon 9. The Thirsty Blade 10. In the Glowing Mist 11. Wonders never seen before 12. Touching Cold Stone 13. A Kingdom for All 14. The Greatest Quest