The Game Box

Gaming Stuff => General Gaming Discussion => Topic started by: kwojtasz on July 25, 2014, 03:57:44 pm



Title: Does randomization method equate to games you like?
Post by: kwojtasz on July 25, 2014, 03:57:44 pm
I seem to feel that what mechanism is used for a game's randomization will drive a person to liking it or not.  Possibly at a subconscious level.

Not sure what others think.  Overall, if you look at all the games you like, do you notice a pattern in the type of randomization that is used in the games you like and the ones you don't?

ie. Is it dice, or CRT's. or cards, or tile draws, or cube draws, or bidding, or worker placement games, or no random factor.



Title: Re: Does randomization method equate to games you like?
Post by: anarchy on July 25, 2014, 04:19:50 pm
I like All of the Above, personally.

I'm happy with any randomization method that fits the game mechanics mechanisms.


Title: Re: Does randomization method equate to games you like?
Post by: Calandale on July 25, 2014, 04:33:22 pm
I like very random games, especially for high-risk activities like military endeavors.
Even though they may not be as realistic (perhaps?), I tend to favor a lot of
potential results with a fairly flat distribution. All the same, natural occurrences
tend to fall into bell curves, with the outliers being quite rare, so part of me
also favors large numbers of dice.

On the other side though, I also tend to really like games like the 'xx series,
where everything is under player control, and the chaos emerges from conflicting
goals. That's harder to manage from a design perspective though.

The thing I least like is players holding event cards that they couldn't/shouldn't
control. Age of Renaissance, CDGs with too much control, and the like - that whole
"I KNOW what is going to happen, but you don't" just disturbs me at heart. Nothing should
be so certain.


Title: Re: Does randomization method equate to games you like?
Post by: LuckyDiceRolls on July 25, 2014, 04:52:36 pm
I randomize elements of my solo wargaming

a dice roll may determine the arrival of a battery of artillery, or a flight of jets

when russiams are faced with a choice of paths, I may flip a coin to make the choice

I know its not realistic, but its the only way I can play two sides at once


Title: Re: Does randomization method equate to games you like?
Post by: Calandale on July 25, 2014, 05:09:53 pm
I'll often randomize decisions too. Something will strike me as MAYBE a good idea,
and I'll see if the player follows it. I especially do this in games with bidding.


Title: Re: Does randomization method equate to games you like?
Post by: LuckyDiceRolls on July 25, 2014, 05:29:30 pm
yes, sometimes I randomize simple things like hiking in the woods
tails, turn left; heads, turn right
I'll even randomize cooking sometimes.
tails, sweet and sour sauce; heads, soy/sesame sauce
once I even tried to randomize bodily functions but sadly met with some inconvenience


Title: Re: Does randomization method equate to games you like?
Post by: Calandale on July 25, 2014, 05:38:50 pm
Ask Mr. Kennedy is a great game!