Summary:

Role-playing games is the genre that most meticulously evokes a parallel life for the playernot infrequently down to the detail of what kind of wine is in their hip flask. In addition to the gameplay and simulation aspects of this genre, "Game Guru: Role-Playing Games" looks at the conventions that underlie itthe threat of evil, the archetypal playground of the sword-and-sorcery setting, and so on. With hundreds of examples and in-depth interviews with the experts, this book reveals the secrets to what makes great games compelling and successful. Whether you are a professional or a die-hard role-playing gamer, you'll be intrigued by the clear analysis of play balance, character and level design, learning curves, risk versus reward, puzzles, scale and scope, catch-up effects, symmetry, and many other aspects of game theory. This book gives you the insight you are searching for to enrich your gaming experience.

Table of Contents:
Introduction 1. A Life on the Other Side of the Glass 2. Once Upon A Time 3. Onwards! 4. I Want to Be Anarchy 5. Behold the Man 6. Beyond the Crack of Doom 7. Gather, Ye Housecarls 8. On the Wings of a Dragon 9. The Thirsty Blade 10. In the Glowing Mist 11. Wonders never seen before 12. Touching Cold Stone 13. A Kingdom for All 14. The Greatest Quest