Ars Magica CRPG Kickstarter from Creators of Academagia
Ars Magica CRPG Kickstarter from Creators of Academagia
Information - posted by Crooked Bee on Sat 20 October 2012, 16:34:55
Tags: Ars Magica; Atlas Games; Black Chicken Studios; KickstarterBlack Chicken Studios, the creators of Academagia (of which we had a review penned by Darth Roxor), have launched a Kickstarter for translating the Ars Magica PnP RPG system, with its emphasis on creative spellcasting and all things arcane, into a turn-based computer RPG: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/blackchickenstudios/ars-magica-video-game
More info about Ars Magica here: http://www.atlas-games.com/arm5/
Personally I'm hyped for this one, because I've only heard good things about PnP Ars Magica. I assume the game will be similar to Academagia in presentation, i.e., have a CYOA-like interface with tons of skillchecks and events - because otherwise I don't see how it would be possible to translate Ars Magica's countless spells aimed at environment manipulation (moving mountains anyone?) into the computer medium. That's just my assumption for now, though, but more details should be upcoming in a Codex interview that we're about to do with the devs. Stay tuned.
Black Chicken Studios, working under license from Atlas Games, is delighted to present a new simulation role-playing game for the PC. After 25 years and 5 editions, Ars Magica will at long last be paid tribute in a single-player, turn-based video game. Authentic to the original, this is a faithful, beautiful, and accurate depiction of covenant gameplay and the RPG’s legendary magic system during a dangerous century in the Stonehenge Tribunal. With your help, we’ll bring Ars Magica: Years of Conquest and its tapestry of wars, intrigue, invasion and, above all, magic to life! [...]
You’ll create your own character, and then try to survive from the first spring of your covenant to a final, epic winter a century later … and possibly renewal, if that is your destiny. Combat and other forms of conflict are resolved using a unique turn-based system, in which your environment plays a dynamic and critical role. Where you are, and how you interact with your surroundings, is as important as your choice of weapon, or the tactics you emply. Stories, opportunities, armies, and crafty agents of your foes will appear on the world map, and you must decide which challenges to face, and which to allow to go by.
Over the years and decades, the least decision you make may have long-term unforeseen consequences. The bonds of family and friendship will be tested, too, as the years age everyone, new generations arise, and old sins are visited upon sons and daughters.
This is a game of many powers, and the pieces have a mind of their own. [...]
We at Black Chicken Studios have loved Ars Magica since it was first published, but creating a PC version of the core ruleset would normally be beyond the means of an indie … never mind the difficulty in attracting the attention of AAA developers even to a game as unique, historically grounded, and magically flexible this one.
Crowdfunding allows us to bring the project directly to the people who understand it, who want to play it, and who are willing to help create it. There is no more respectful way to create a game than with the aid of its fans.
You’ll create your own character, and then try to survive from the first spring of your covenant to a final, epic winter a century later … and possibly renewal, if that is your destiny. Combat and other forms of conflict are resolved using a unique turn-based system, in which your environment plays a dynamic and critical role. Where you are, and how you interact with your surroundings, is as important as your choice of weapon, or the tactics you emply. Stories, opportunities, armies, and crafty agents of your foes will appear on the world map, and you must decide which challenges to face, and which to allow to go by.
Over the years and decades, the least decision you make may have long-term unforeseen consequences. The bonds of family and friendship will be tested, too, as the years age everyone, new generations arise, and old sins are visited upon sons and daughters.
This is a game of many powers, and the pieces have a mind of their own. [...]
We at Black Chicken Studios have loved Ars Magica since it was first published, but creating a PC version of the core ruleset would normally be beyond the means of an indie … never mind the difficulty in attracting the attention of AAA developers even to a game as unique, historically grounded, and magically flexible this one.
Crowdfunding allows us to bring the project directly to the people who understand it, who want to play it, and who are willing to help create it. There is no more respectful way to create a game than with the aid of its fans.
More info about Ars Magica here: http://www.atlas-games.com/arm5/
Personally I'm hyped for this one, because I've only heard good things about PnP Ars Magica. I assume the game will be similar to Academagia in presentation, i.e., have a CYOA-like interface with tons of skillchecks and events - because otherwise I don't see how it would be possible to translate Ars Magica's countless spells aimed at environment manipulation (moving mountains anyone?) into the computer medium. That's just my assumption for now, though, but more details should be upcoming in a Codex interview that we're about to do with the devs. Stay tuned.
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