The Inside Scoop on Gaming

This is my first ever review so apologies in advance…

Cineflex is a non-commercial rules-lite cinematic RPG system available from the following web site http://www.geocities.com/dquiogue/rpg/myrpg.html

While it is easy to dismiss a lot of free RPGs available on the web, there are still a few gems out there; it is just hard to find them and Cineflex is one of those hidden jewels.

While I am a little reluctant to criticize amateur RPG developers I have generally found the amateur rules-lite games to be many of the worst. I suspect this is because it is harder to write a more complex game than a simple one and still make it interesting.

PRESENTATION

Well it’s a series of html pages, but it is easy to read, literate, and I couldn’t spot any typos. There is no art and no PDF download, but it is not to difficult to cut and paste it into your favourite editor to print it out.

CHARACTER DEFINITION

Similar to other rules-lite game like “Over the Edge” by Atlas Games or “The Window” by Scott Lininger, a character is defined by effectively listing his defining traits and placing a value against them. A trait can be something like an adjective (tough, strong), some skill (archery, horsemanship), or other descriptive phrase (loves Maid Marion, scarred of spiders, hunted by the mafia). As a result, the character sheet resembles a literal description of the character.

TASK RESOLUTION

The task resolution system is pretty simple. For each task the GM assigns a target number, the character must roll a bunch of D20s and if any of the dice is lower or equal to the target number then the character has succeeded. The number of dice rolled is determined by the value of the characters trait (1 dice of they have no applicable trait, up to four dice if it is their character’s primary focus) plus other dice determined by situation and GM whim.

While the task resolution system is a little prone to statistical anomalies, the system used for contested or character-verses-character actions is quite novel and makes the game system standout. It involves an interactive story and bidding system. When characters are facing off against each other, a little narrative sentence is used to describe what they are doing and also a bid in the form of a declared target number is used. The opponent can then either let the character roll at the given target number or they can react by describing what they will be doing and giving a lower target number as a counter bid. Effectively, they are bidding for initiative by imposing penalties on their dice roll. An example in the rules clearly illustrates this and shows how it can add to the Narrative style. I liked this aspect a lot because it is here where the system becomes interesting for the players. They can add their input to a scene and have it reflected in both the story and game terms.

OTHER STUFF

Basically the system has rules for character definition and progression, task resolution, and the obligatory combat rules. There are also some extra rules for making it model more the cinematic clichés (things like the “Heroic Comeback” where a hero can make a last minute comeback in a fight after being pummelled by the bad guy). It also comes with a fast and loose magic system. It is complete enough to be playable by a GM, if they have a setting ready.

FINAL WORD

Cineflex is well worth the time taken to read it. While it does have a few flaws, its merits more that make up for them.

Cineflex
Cineflex Capsule Review by Brendon Wyber on 02/12/02 Style: 4 (Classy and well done) Substance: 3 (Average) A simple non-commercial RPG that stands out amongst the large number of free game on the web. Product: Cineflex Author: Dariel R. A. Quiogue Category: RPG Company/Publisher: Self Published on the Web Line: Cost: Free Page count: Year published: 2002 ISBN: SKU: Comp copy?: no Capsule Review by Brendon Wyber on 02/12/02 Genre tags: Generic	This is my first ever review so apologies in advance… Cineflex is a non-commercial rules-lite cinematic RPG system available from the following web site http://www.geocities.com/dquiogue/rpg/myrpg.html While it is easy to dismiss a lot of free RPGs available on the web, there are still a few gems out there; it is just hard to find them and Cineflex is one of those hidden jewels. While I am a little reluctant to criticize amateur RPG developers I have generally found the amateur rules-lite games to be many of the worst. I suspect this is because it is harder to write a more complex game than a simple one and still make it interesting. PRESENTATION Well it’s a series of html pages, but it is easy to read, literate, and I couldn’t spot any typos. There is no art and no PDF download, but it is not to difficult to cut and paste it into your favourite editor to print it out. CHARACTER DEFINITION Similar to other rules-lite game like “Over the Edge” by Atlas Games or “The Window” by Scott Lininger, a character is defined by effectively listing his defining traits and placing a value against them. A trait can be something like an adjective (tough, strong), some skill (archery, horsemanship), or other descriptive phrase (loves Maid Marion, scarred of spiders, hunted by the mafia). As a result, the character sheet resembles a literal description of the character. TASK RESOLUTION The task resolution system is pretty simple. For each task the GM assigns a target number, the character must roll a bunch of D20s and if any of the dice is lower or equal to the target number then the character has succeeded. The number of dice rolled is determined by the value of the characters trait (1 dice of they have no applicable trait, up to four dice if it is their character’s primary focus) plus other dice determined by situation and GM whim. While the task resolution system is a little prone to statistical anomalies, the system used for contested or character-verses-character actions is quite novel and makes the game system standout. It involves an interactive story and bidding system. When characters are facing off against each other, a little narrative sentence is used to describe what they are doing and also a bid in the form of a declared target number is used. The opponent can then either let the character roll at the given target number or they can react by describing what they will be doing and giving a lower target number as a counter bid. Effectively, they are bidding for initiative by imposing penalties on their dice roll. An example in the rules clearly illustrates this and shows how it can add to the Narrative style. I liked this aspect a lot because it is here where the system becomes interesting for the players. They can add their input to a scene and have it reflected in both the story and game terms. OTHER STUFF Basically the system has rules for character definition and progression, task resolution, and the obligatory combat rules. There are also some extra rules for making it model more the cinematic clichés (things like the “Heroic Comeback” where a hero can make a last minute comeback in a fight after being pummelled by the bad guy). It also comes with a fast and loose magic system. It is complete enough to be playable by a GM, if they have a setting ready. FINAL WORD Cineflex is well worth the time taken to read it. While it does have a few flaws, its merits more that make up for them.