Love this! My proposed rule addition for a potential full World of Assaasination marathon would be to disallow autosaves and force a full level restart on death. A little harsh, but makes death much more impactful, avoids the semi-random nature of autosave timings, and may actually be helpful in allowing the player to find a fresh route rather than remain commited to a losing strategy.
Really enjoying the deliberations this year! One thing I found myself wondering during the best party discussion is where the seemingly ubiquitous perception that Aerith is some sort of hyper-aloof mystic comes from. As someone whose only experience with the FF7-verse is Remake, I don't get it. She's bubbly and headstrong to the point of being pretty much the most beloved person in her community, and the first to break through Cloud's armor of distant cool. Her whole motif is the flower busting through the pavement.
I'll echo a sentiment expressed by Jeff B in one of the prior New Year's Beastcast specials and say I don't know how anyone plays TTRPGs without Austin Walker. He always gives a masterclass in meeting every player where they're at in terms of worldbuilding, agency, and mechanical depth. TTRPGs are such multi-faceted things, and his ability to recognize which elements are resonating with which players to what degree, and seamlessly direct the session so that everyone feels engaged and included is such a rare thing.
Wow, congrats on making it happen!! Asking on behalf of the world for the next series to be "Fortnite with a safe, effective, and easily distributed covid vaccine."
stise's comments