Hi!
A lot to think about, there is no doubt. I have my reservations with
Epic A that much is obvious. Even with further development it's
something I don't think I will be playing. The main thing I'm not so
convinced that if Epic A dies there won't be another "attempt" several
years hence. Epic 40k died horribly and it still got a second chance. Of
course, my practical voice inside suspects you are closer to the truth
than I.
It irks me too that they will never return to SM/TL, regardless of what
we do. For whatever reason (pride, stubbornness, etc.) that system while
the most successful epic system in any form, seems to have big enemies
up "top" somewhere. Heck, I'd bet anything that the sole release of
SM/TL in its original form would boost epic sales more than any of these
"new" systems.
I support Net Epic and do whatever is needed gladly because I believe in
the system. It would be very hard to genuinely support Epic A since in
the end it's just an uninspiring, insipid little game. It's hard to pull
punches under those circumstances.
As I said above though, in practical terms you are probably right.
Peter
-----Original Message-----
From: deaconblue3_at_... [mailto:deaconblue3@...]
Sent: Tuesday, July 16, 2002 8:35 PM
To: netepic_at_yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [NetEpic ML] Epic A: should we say someting?
I've been very, very quite of late (Hunting wabbits), but decided to
pipe
up here. Epic A is Epic's "last best hope." I said befoer that this is
do or die for Epic. If Epic A doesn't fly well enough, that will be it
for this line, probably for ever, no matter how much Jervis likes it.
The bean counters will win out. That said, if we (NetEpic) want to have
any meaningful input, and truly desire to see the line continue, then we
need to contribute in some manner, and let the bhoyo's at GW know that
we
haven't totally written them off yet. Reaction so far has been mixed to
Epic A from what I've seen. 40K3E players don't care for it, but that
was to be expected really. The E40K list has had generally positive
responses, but keep emphasizing that what's available are only test
rules, and not finished product. though I gather that some of Jervis'
pet rules are what are disliked the most, and there are still a few
mechanical bugs. But again, that is somewhat to be expected at this
stage.
all in all, I believe it is in our (NetEpic's) best interest to see Epic
A succeed. Why? Biggest reason will be availablity of minis. Yes I
know that there are a bazillion proxies out there, but actually getting
them can sometimes be problematic. It would be in the interest of the
greater hobby if the minis were available through GWoutlets, and stores
that carry GW products, rather than relying solely on teh whims of a
store, or online. Second, is that if Epic A fails, we will, in effect,
truly be on our own. No more "official" ideas, no more neat minis, and
a
distinct lack of interest by anyone other than ourselves for the game.
In conjunction with reason 1, getting anyone new into the game will only
be that much harder than it is now. There will be little to no freesh
blood (yum) into either NetEpic or E40K, and all that will rermain will
be those of us who have plenty with which to play. What will remain, if
Epic A fails, will eventually stagnate and die. And do we really want
that?
There are good things and bad things in Epic A. the focus is better,
and
the Amry construction is more defined, and less willy nilly
specialization. Mechanically, I still have issues. The game remains a
bit too abstracted for my tastes, but there is far more depth and
structure than exists in E40K. It is a step in the right direction, but
is falling into some of the same old traps as with E40K (marketing
aside).
Ultimately, it is we who will either make or break Epic A. Because we
bailed on E40K, like voting in Chicago (early and often), E40K died a
slow death. If we bail on Epic A, it too will die, but there is no
chance of resurrection after this. Our feedback, what ever form it may
take, will have a greater impact than we might think. Even though many
at GW consider us heretics, fools, communist insurgents, or what ever,
if
we want Epic as a hobby line to survive, and keep available greater
interest and support, then we have to respond in some fashion. A group
letter is good, but follow ups by individuals as well would also help.
Peter, feel free to attach my name and/or email addy to any such letter
that gets sent. I've already sent two emails (no responses, but hey,
I've been ostracized by bigger game companies), and more wouldn't hurt.
Just don;t be nasty, or condescending, or anything like that. Be as
specific as possible, and be as supportive as possible, but in a
critical
sort of way.
Josh R
"No matter where you go, there you are." B.Bonzai
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Received on Wed Jul 17 2002 - 01:08:58 UTC