Re: "Simultaneous execution" vs. phases-and-points

Greg Lindahl (gl8f@fermi.clas.virginia.edu)
Fri, 23 Sep 1994 17:34:20 -0400

> (By "simultaneous execution", I am referring to the system where each
> Olympia order is rated for how long it takes, each turn has a number
> of days, and any order may begin on any day.

You have a funny defintion of this. BSE had all of this... but each
player's turn was processed separately. Big open-ended games in
general all use this. I can't imagine writing one that didn't use
this. When I say "simultaneous execution", I just mean that all the
turns are execuated simultaneously, in lockstep.

> Consider the advantages of phases-and-points:
>
> o Order failures don't cascade.

Sure they can.

> Consider STUDY. Instead of varying the amount of time a study order
> takes, let's say we charge study points for the various skills. A
> 1 week skill in Olympia would cost 1 point, etc. We give players 5
> study points to start with, and an extra point each turn.

Dorky. The players can't choose to do other things instead of
studying.


Main Index  |  Olympia  |  Arena  |  PBM FAQ  |  Links