Mercenaries, Spies and Private Eyes

David Johansen · February 06, 2011, 12:53:34 PM

Huh, I'd just assumed they did a color cover for the book and a black and white for in the box. Rune Quest second edition did something similar with their boxed set.

stu2000 · February 06, 2011, 02:30:35 PM

Quote from: finarvyn;438064I have copies of both rulebooks, and they are almost exactly the same inside. I believe that any differences were an accident, not an intent to re-do the system.

The rules are, as you say, identical, but the firearms charts in the later, b&w book were designed to specifically indicate modifiers for shooter and target, whereas the original book used a simpler chart which you had to consult twice and add the numbers for shooter and target. The sample characters and character standups were added in subsequent printings. The Nightstalkers chapter was added as an expansion of the Tunnels and Thompsons chapter. The character sheet was changed to the format from the character folders, which had been sold separately. So I don't think the changes were accidental, but they weren't a revision or anything, either.

Daedalus · February 07, 2011, 04:36:17 PM

Maybe someone should suggest that they scan the books in and sell them at rpgnow or the like. It would make them a little extra money and get the game out in the hands of people who like the game.

Or maybe they should do an updated version of the game

David Johansen · February 07, 2011, 07:28:57 PM

They were asking for submissions of solitaire adventures a while back. Maybe they'd be open to a revision proposal that adds modern prices and hardware but leaves the system as is.

Daedalus · February 07, 2011, 07:35:16 PM

Quote from: David Johansen;438406They were asking for submissions of solitaire adventures a while back. Maybe they'd be open to a revision proposal that adds modern prices and hardware but leaves the system as is.

Maybe. Perhaps someone who knows the system might offer to do it

stu2000 · February 07, 2011, 08:47:32 PM

Quote from: Daedalus;438343Maybe someone should suggest that they scan the books in and sell them at rpgnow or the like. It would make them a little extra money and get the game out in the hands of people who like the game.

Or maybe they should do an updated version of the game

I suggested precisely that thing to Rick Loomis one time. He said he would not object to the idea once he sold all the printed stock. How many can he possibly have left?

Daedalus · February 07, 2011, 09:37:34 PM

Quote from: stu2000;438417I suggested precisely that thing to Rick Loomis one time. He said he would not object to the idea once he sold all the printed stock. How many can he possibly have left?

Not a whole lot. I cant do it though. Dont know the system and dont have the time.

I am surprised they dont just put what they have on ebay to get rid of it quickly

I am guessing Flying Buffalo is a part time gig for them

stu2000 · February 07, 2011, 09:52:18 PM

Flying Buffalo's a full time thing. Rick runs the warehouse and also a fairly elaborate pbm and pbem outfit. He goes to conventions and travels and takes care of business. Last summer was his 40th anniversary in business. He's had an enviable career in the business, I think.

Daedalus · February 07, 2011, 10:19:20 PM

Quote from: stu2000;438430Flying Buffalo's a full time thing. Rick runs the warehouse and also a fairly elaborate pbm and pbem outfit. He goes to conventions and travels and takes care of business. Last summer was his 40th anniversary in business. He's had an enviable career in the business, I think.

That is impressive. I would say they should really get a more professional looking website. It looks kind of old. But if they have been going that long then it may well not matter.

I am surprised they are running for pay play by email/play by mail games and are successful. I didn't know people still paid for them

stu2000 · February 07, 2011, 11:04:03 PM

I guess most of his customers are gamers-that-time-forgot dinosaurs like me, though I haven't played any rounds for a long time. My favorite was Starweb.

If you have the time or energy, they're a fun an engaging experience. But I don't know what they have to offer folks more accustomed to computer games, apart from their novelty.

David Johansen · February 07, 2011, 11:23:26 PM

Just the appeal of getting something in your mail box other than bills and flyers on a regular basis. I don't care how electronic the world gets there's still a special little thrill that comes with getting a nice, physical object in the mail.

Daedalus · February 08, 2011, 11:03:20 AM

Quote from: David Johansen;438451Just the appeal of getting something in your mail box other than bills and flyers on a regular basis. I don't care how electronic the world gets there's still a special little thrill that comes with getting a nice, physical object in the mail.

I guess I would do it via email the mail, much faster and you can get more turns in. I hate slow

Laggy · February 08, 2011, 12:09:15 PM

It's funny how the debate of the FBI website being either really kewl or old and outdated has popped up here. At Trollhalla the subject has come up about once a year or so, for the last five years now.

Daedalus · February 08, 2011, 12:21:32 PM

Quote from: Laggy;438561It's funny how the debate of the FBI website being either really kewl or old and outdated has popped up here. At Trollhalla the subject has come up about once a year or so, for the last five years now.

I am just saying they sound like a professional company but their site makes them not look that way

Daedalus · February 08, 2011, 12:22:59 PM

Quote from: Laggy;438561It's funny how the debate of the FBI website

That got me there for a second when you said that. At first I was like "The FBI, I am not talking about their site I am talking about Flying Buffa- Oh I got it now.