Express PBEM mode
Posted: 02 Jun 2020, 21:16
Another great board game that has been adapted to computers and smart-phones and can be played in PBEM mode implemented an optional rule set that stream lines player interaction to have games moving faster than with the regular rule that require a lot more player input, obviously this is not without effects in game balance though in that game they are pretty acceptable given the benefits and almost anyone playing PBEM uses the DIGITAL rule set. I think AGOT could benefit in a similar way from a few small tweaks that wouldn't change too much the experience:
Simultaneous mustering: instead of a Mustering phase lasting the sum of everybody's time to respond it would only last the time taken but the last player. It would obviously improve the Iron Throne track but if you ask me this is actually a good thing since I consider it to be the weakest influence track in general.
Simultaneous Clash of Kings: Whenever players bid on the influence tracks they put their bids for each track at the same time. Ties could be revolved in two go, with the previous holder of the Iron Throne resolving the first track and the next holder the 2nd and 3rd, or simply allow the 1st holder to resolve all 3 tracks.
Automatic Self Support: There are situations when you want to lose a fight but they are rare, implementing this would save time at an acceptable cost, imo.
Valirian Steel Blade: When the holder of the sword picks a battle card he is also given the choice to say whether he wishes to allow or not the use of the blade in the fight, after battle cards are revealed the sword is spent only if it is necessary to win the battle.
What do you guys think? I think most of those have an acceptable cost to time saving ratios but undeniably they do change the game slightly. Would you like to be able to play with this rules??
* I was talking about Through the Ages, btw, another great board game.
Simultaneous mustering: instead of a Mustering phase lasting the sum of everybody's time to respond it would only last the time taken but the last player. It would obviously improve the Iron Throne track but if you ask me this is actually a good thing since I consider it to be the weakest influence track in general.
Simultaneous Clash of Kings: Whenever players bid on the influence tracks they put their bids for each track at the same time. Ties could be revolved in two go, with the previous holder of the Iron Throne resolving the first track and the next holder the 2nd and 3rd, or simply allow the 1st holder to resolve all 3 tracks.
Automatic Self Support: There are situations when you want to lose a fight but they are rare, implementing this would save time at an acceptable cost, imo.
Valirian Steel Blade: When the holder of the sword picks a battle card he is also given the choice to say whether he wishes to allow or not the use of the blade in the fight, after battle cards are revealed the sword is spent only if it is necessary to win the battle.
What do you guys think? I think most of those have an acceptable cost to time saving ratios but undeniably they do change the game slightly. Would you like to be able to play with this rules??
* I was talking about Through the Ages, btw, another great board game.