Comments and Questions on the November 2005 Challenge

-- Explaining minor points eats up words. Note that I didn't explain in detail the intracacies of the replenishment of the colony ship, nor did I delve into the rule that the number of discounts you can get from quarries varies by the "column" of the building on the central board (in fact, I didn't even mention the central board!). And in fact, I explained one rule incorrectly (the "spoilage" effect after shipping)! That's ok; these are not essential to understanding how gameplay works. Don't be afraid to gloss over stuff.

-- Give an overview, not an algorithm. Readers aren't trying to learn how to play your game, they're trying to see what is exciting and creative about it that makes it worthy of your vote. Detailed descriptions of setup algorithms, or rigorous accounting of when the discard pile is shuffled, etc, don't contribute much to this.

I'm going to give your method a shot, Jeff. Every month I swear I'm not going to write complete rules, and every month I end up sending in a rulebook -- usually chopped down to the point it resembles haiku (at least, according to Mike -- and I tend to agree).

Your guidelines will help immensely. It never occurred to me to write a "review" instead of a "rulebook".

And, speaking as one who has never yet come in under 800 words on the first draft, I'm definitely opposed to allowing more words. I need *more* discipline, not less...

:-)

K.

I actually agree that the limit shouldn't change myself... I was just hoping in desperation that there would be some escape. I have now done a massive slaughter to it (it was about 1300 to begin with, now is under 800. Ouch), and have turned in something under the limit. You should have no problem spotting my entry - it's the one that appears to be written by a caveman! I just can't resist writing complete rulesets. Had to trim quite a few actual rules though, this time.

For purposes of this Challenge ... let's say that they *are* water tight ... and that you can get sinking *or* floating versions. ;-D

-Bryk

Just for the record...
They are *mostly* water tight. They float fine, but after several minutes in the water, vapor starts beading up inside.

However, as you might expect, they float with one corner down, meaning that there's no way to read a single number from either the inner or outer dice.

So, Bryk...should we assume the floating versions miraculously float flat?

K.

It's main mechanic was also relatively derivative, stealing from such games as Twilight Imperium and San Juan. And as for the theme ... all in all, a rather uninspired effort.

yarrrr these dice be good, they may not float too good, or roll too well
but they *are* cheap presents, and have maic powers in competitions...
definately worth my GoldPieces

But, of course! What else would you expect from top-notch fictional engineers?!

Huzzah!

this will probably sound Really Stupid, but who do we send it to?
Bryk??

Well, I guess I'm not going to make it after all... damn and I really wanted to hit this one too... just got too busy this week. - lousy real world, interrupting my game design schedule - Good luck entrants, remember, my vote can be easily purchased for a small fee! I accept cash or personal cheques!

~Josh