It seems you are making far too much of this. Its one mechanic amongst many mechanics in the game and a mechanic we have really no idea how it works yet.<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Seriously, though, my own reaction after reading all of this is one of having a sick feeling in the pit of my gut. Yeah, I've read all of the above, and I DO understand what is being said, but let's face facts: "advancement" IS just another term for "level" and the principle is indeed the same, no matter how you dress it up.</font>
Whoa. "Serious" gamers liked AD&D too and even like the levels system. Its personal preference you are talking about - lets not start the age old AD&D vs. "real" roleplaying debate...<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">With AD&D it wasn't the actual mechanic that bothered the serious gamer, it was the concept. </font>
I will agree with you partially. Levels make less sense then "buy as you go", as least as I see it. Whether levels make "sense" is not as important whether they allow my character freedom enough. As I haven't seen the mechanic I am withholding judgement.<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2"> Levels made no sense. One moment you're suddenly much tougher and smarter (or whatever) than you were before. I don't want to store up points so I can get a new title or somesuch package of benefits all at once.</font>
Again its personal preference. A "good" roleplaying game is a very personal thing - I don't like Champions complexity but does that make it a "bad" game? No, because lots of people like it. Likewise, levels aren't bad just because people don't like it - its an aquired taste.<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">A good role-playing game has gradual increases for individual situations or talents on or near the time that the "lesson" is learned or the knowledge is actually gained, eg. real life. </font>
I don't make service records so does that make me a incompetant referee? Kurgan, you must realize that GM and players styles differ - What Don says about Advancements makes sense to me as a player and a GM because of my gaming style. It may not to you but don't judge GM's by whether they spend time writing game logs and records. Many of us don't have that much time...<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">If I'm playing Trek and someone wants to know what my character is capable of doing, etc. then let them take a look at my rank and service record, things that are easily enough created and kept current by any competent referee. </font>
I'll judge a system but all its merits before I'll say bleak or no. No game system appeals to me 100% - there is always something I want to change. I would have preferred "buy as you go" system but until I read the mechanics on Advancement I have no right to spread doom and gloom.<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2"> We've by no means received the entire picture here, so can't make a permanent judgement, but the picture that is forming from the tidbits and repetition of descriptions is, I'm afraid to say, a bit bleak. </font>
Its not like Decipher is new at this - the LUGTrek Crew is behind it and they have a good rep with me.
Buying at E-Bay deprives Decipher of money (since its a second hand copy). Flip through the book at the store and if you like it buy it new - give these guys the money for the hard work they have done...<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">I'll probably wait and see what general reaction is before considering a purchase, and even then will more than likely hit eBay for a cheap copy to play it safe.</font>
Again, some people like FASATrek, others like LUGTrek - play what you like. There are no DecTrek Borg out there assimilating you into the collective. I plan on playing LUGTrek for awhile before switching to the new game - I may never switch (although I will support DecTrek by buying their stuff). But I will make my decision when I have the books in my hands and have had a chance to read it.<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">I'm actually starting to get a little nostalgic over my old Fasa books!</font>
Like I said; Decipher West deserve no less...
[This message has been edited by prophetsteve (edited 09-10-2001).]
[This message has been edited by prophetsteve (edited 09-10-2001).]