Re: Duelmasters vs Adventurers Guild

From: dpage23295@aol.com

Date: Sun, 02 Feb 1997 00:00:00 +0000

I have played both myself (however, not for the last few years), and I
find that comparing DM and AG is about like comparing Oranges and
Tangerines.  They are very similar, but they work towards different ends
and from a different philosophy.

Duelmasters is simply a combat game.  Its role-playing aspects evolved
purely through player interaction (along with some help from the
newsletter editors).  There are no game mechanics for role-playing, and
there never have been (only background stories for flavor).  Sure, they
have talked about adding mechanics for spells & adventures from time to
time, but those mostly seemed to be rumors.  Actually, I don't think that
DM needs any rules for role-playing, as the current format works more like
interactive/group fiction, and allows a greater amount of freedom for what
is done as a result.

AG on the other hand, is more of an adventure game.  The purpose of the
duel is, first to train the characters for adventures, and second as a way
of comparing the different adventurers' abilities.  This game system was
set up with role-playing in mind, and offers various adventures for the
players to team up and go on in addition to the arena atmosphere.
However, the characters' actions are more limited because the game
mechanics include adventuring (you can only do what the game allows).  I
am not saying this is a bad thing.  I am saying it provides a different
atmosphere.

So, really, what is better depends on what you want.  If you want an
adventure game, go with Adventurer's Guild.  If you want a
combat/number-crunching medeval sports simulation with role-playing on the
side, go with DM.

Finally, I personally liked the combat in DM better than in AG, however
the different races and abilities in AG did make for a refreshing change
of pace.  Admittedly, I am more familier with DM (having played it nearly
7 years, as to my 6 months in AG), so I doubt I know everything that is
available in AG.  However, for me, the big difference was the player
interaction.  The collaborating on stories and bantering between players
seemed more prevalent in DM than it did in AG, but perhaps I was in the
wrong city.

Deric

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References

Duelmasters vs Adventurers Guild
aly@bdt.com (Alan Yip)
Fri, 31 Jan 1997 00:00:00 +0000