Maybe I'm wrong, but there are people who seem to be trying to convince others that Destiny should just be abandoned and that people are wrong for liking it based solely on the fact that they personally like Total Warfare and ATOW better. Maybe I frequent different gaming circles, but I know there are definitely people who like the rules lite, narrative RPG experience too.
Do I think Destiny should be abandoned?
Yes.
Part of that is because I don't like the system
Part of it is because I think Destiny is, in some way, too simple, too rules lite.
Part of it is because I saw the Destiny Beta and think it is making many of the same mistakes previous RPGs in the BTU have made.
Part if it is because I think MW2 is a far better rules lite version
And a big chunk is because fragmenting an already small player base and increasing the maintenance costs of an RPG, with each RPG section in future books having to supply stats for two systems, is not a good idea.
Its a concept that can only have value if CGL are convinced that it would be a gateway product, one which would inrease the popularity of BT as a. RPG setting.
I hope it will...but I don't expect it to.
So yes...I think Destiny is a step in the wrong direction but hopefully, time will prove me wrong. I hope it'll be a huge success. But I still think I a huge waste of time, money and effort.
But am I going to call for it to be abandoned?
No...at least, not directly. I think it a mistake but CGL want it so I'm not going to waste energy over it. I'll even buy it...I simply won't run it.
I would prefer a streamlined version of AToW, one with simplified rules mechanics. What I think of as simple?
GM: That's a difficult task...roll 6 or under on 1D20 (30% or under)
or
GM: That's a very easy task...roll 19 or under on 1D20 (95% chance of success)
or
GM: That's going to be a Legendary result if you succeed...roll a Double Zero on 2D10 (1% chance of success)
In other words, let your actions and the environment determine the difficulty which then sets an appropriate range of values within which the GM can set a suitable target rather than worry about modifiers. Modifiers, of course, have their place
GM: That's a difficult task...roll 6 or under on 1D20 or 2D10 (30% or under)
Player: I'm gonna use burst fire
GM: That makes things a it easier...roll 9 or under on 1D20 or 2D10 (45% or under)
That, to me, is the core of a streamlined system. Of course, it has its own set of drawbacks so it isn't perfect and yes, I am simplifying things, but the essence is to minimise the work and calculations during the game and get the player to use his actions to boost his chances of success or make meaningful tradeoffs.
But an improved AToW with streamlined mechanics and combat, removal of the Tactical rules in favour of Integration which transfers your player skills into the board game and uses existing stats and TROs and Record Sheets, an improved chargen system and a rulebook that uses the space freed up to include critters, NPCs, a better and enhanced GM section, enhanced and streamlined combat rules that revamps AP/AV/BAR, vehicular rules and so on....a lot of stuff that the core rulebook is missing but which made it into the Companion - that's what I would like. I ain't gonna get it but it's what I'd like. A lot of that is stuff the game needs regardless. And yet Destiny is also missing quite a bit here as well. Well, the Beta is - the finished version may include some of it.