The RPG Sanctum - #16: Moral Choices and Alignment Systems

[Rosestorm]

In this episode of the Sanctum we discuss the effects of morality and its underlying systems in RPGs. We also gain some insight into the challenges of implementing those systems into an RPG.

Listen: http://www.rpgamer.com/rpgsanctum/sanctum16.mp3
Download: http://feeds.feedburner.com/rpgamer/DJog
itunes: http://itunes.apple.com/podcast/the-...um/id416583261

Our next topic will be Simple vs. Complex Character Creation. We have some projects currently in the works for the Sanctum. We would like to congradulate user TheMaddness for winning the Sanctum's content contest with his localization show topic.

On another note, are their any new download services that you guys would like to see the Sanctum available on?

[Rosestorm]

So what does everyone think?

[Drav]

Mostly I feel that Obsidian is the only one who's doing anything interesting and progressive with morality/reputation systems these days, and the other guys need to step the **** up.

[TG Barighm]

Morality and reputation systems would be a lot cooler if they had a greater impact on the game world, like altering the storyline to give you a villain's perspective of events, but that is very rare. More often than not, the story will advance the same way regardless of how saintly, evil, liked, or disliked you are, and the differences usually come in the form of alternate endings, a change in your appearance, access to faction specific gear and forgettable side-quests, and, sometimes, a unique character. Special characters and alignment specific abilities are cool and all, but it would be nice if the game treated a villainous character like a villain.