attacks of opportunity

I’m designing a Car Wars reboot. That’s to say, I’m writing a post-apocalyptic automotive combat role-playing game. Skeptics prepare to be wowed!

Here are my design and publishing goals:

• It will have a freely-available version


• RPG portion will be fully compatible with all editions of Car Wars vehicle design and combat rules


• Will also include its own vehicle design rules, which will be somewhat simpler than Car Wars, but still crunchy with a reasonable selection of weapons and accessories


• Will include its own vehicle combat rules, which will somewhat more streamlined and abstract than Car Wars (because that’s what I’m capable of designing), probably modeled on Alpha Destructicus


• Game will actively support campaign play


• Campaign play may include arena duels, highway missions, wasteland battles, and urban adventures in any desired combination


• A Google map of the region where you live or existing major city will be a key feature of campaign play


• The players will create a quick-and-dirty list of important vehicular factions tied to locations on the map


• Character will be easy to generate


• The decisive action of the game will take place on the road (or the arena or wherever)


• The reason your character drives around in a heavily armed vehicle will be a significant aspect of your character


• There will be rules for repairing, upgrading, and customizing your vehicle(s)


• Rules for stunts and maneuvers not covered by the rules

These points are to (hopefully) support the following principles:

• A loving, respectful homage to Car Wars


• Accessible to a wide audience, including people who haven’t played Car Wars


• A strong old-school aesthetic


• Gritty, explosive, deadly, exciting, fast-paced play


• Role-playing opportunities informed by the latest indie designs

Also, it needs a name!
edit added stunts

Labels: blacktop, car wars, design

Posted by Unknown on Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at 8:34 AM | Permalink