Subject: 6th Editon Rules Debate Date: Thu, 03 Dec 1998 11:27:26 PST From: "Michael McInnis" To: fkusumot@ix.netcom.com I would like to start by saying thanks to Mr. Adkinson for taking the time to dispel some of the rumors that have been floated about 6th edition rules changes. I however happen to disagree with trying to make Magic a "classic" like Chess or ?GO? (never heard of that "classic"). I believe it is a classic already and trying to oversimplify the rules by eliminating important timing sequences to gain mass-market appeal is a mistake that will only accomplish the alienation of the "core" player/audience. Chess is a very simple game that involves deep strategy, this is true, but lets examine this deeper. Chess is also a game that involves a very limited field of maneuver and a limited pool of peices that always function the same. Nobody ever says, "hey that new bishop is BAAROKEN" because a bishop is a bishop is a bishop. You aren't tasked to continually learn (and buy, ahem) new pieces that have new functionality and playability because there haven't been any new pieces, ever! Magic's enviroment is constantly shifting. New "pieces" come in old ones go out. Yesterdays rage architype is no longer viable today. One other thing about chess, the only luck you can hope to get is a dumb opponent, every win against a compitant opponent is a struggle in absolute strategy. That can't be said of Magic. There has to be a constant in Magic. Since Wizards doesn't make any money unless players buy cards and players aren't inclined to buy cards that are functionally the same all the time, they have to keep releasing new sets with cards that are different than before. This leaves the rules as the only chance at stability. Instead of trying to simplify the rules, spend more money and supply people with comprehesive rule books that clarify instead of simplify. Magic is not by nature a simple game, trying to force it to be will be a mistake. If I was in charge at Wizards, I would be trying to make 6th edition a knock-out success to erase the memories of 5th edition, not monkying around with an already proven system. Let me give you guys a hint as to why 5th sold so "well", the cards absolutely SUCKED, with the exception of a handfull. Try putting good cards in your base set and they will sell. The original Juzam in Arabian Nights will still have a black border and it is proven that the re-released cards do not drop the value significantly (Chronicles, city of brass, 4th edition Mishra and Strip Mine, chronicles erhnan and Elder Dragons). You can't have your cake and eat it too Wizards, you are going to upset people one way or another, you have to decide who it will be. Is it going to be the people who are actively in tournies, buying new cards or is it the guys who is sitting on his black lotus and hasn't bought a card in years. ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com