Definition of "Matrix Game" x WiTP

[fbastos]

Monkeys bite me, I would never imagine this:

"
Matrix Game

A game in which only the very basic framework of a conflict is outlined, and is resolved by a structured sequence of logical arguments. Each argument has an Action, a Result, and three Reasons Why (e.g. In a Peninsular War campaign, Wellington might argue "I shall fortify the town (Action), with the Result that its defences improve (+1 to combat rules when defending). I am able to do this because: (1) I have a ready source of trained manpower, (2) I have an experienced Engineer in command, and (3) the British Government has recently sent me the money with which to pay for the work"). These arguments are weighted by an Umpire based on historical precedence, personal experience, and his own judgement (or sometimes the other player's judgement), and a probability of success arrived at (a dice then being then thrown to see if the Result was achieved). There are very few rules, arguments being allowed about anything at all, and what rules there are can be modified as the result of a successful argument. Mainly used to model whole campaigns quickly and not the detailed mechanics of combat resolution. Very successful in games covering some areas where "traditional" gaming techniques work poorly, such as those involving political issues.
"

Kinda interesting, eh? I'm throwing in WiTP in the thread so it won't be moved out of this forum..

F.

[steveh11Matrix]

Where's that from?

Steve.

[Onime No Kyo]

I'm thinking he came up with it after his latest 100 turn/20 cups of coffee night and forgot about it until he found it on his desktop the next morning. [:D] I'm sorry, but that just reminds me of "the smell of petroleum prevails". [:D]

[strawbuk]

Some eg Google will say Tom Mouat's site http://www.mapsymbs.com/wdmatrix.html. Bet you found when you googled Matrix?

But origins also in the intelligensia/wacky side of British wargames thought in Wargames Developments, originally driven by Paddy Griffiths. and subsequently involved several aquaintances of mine - all mad but all very clued up on a good and interesting games (PC freaks look away now). Site http://www.users.dircon.co.uk/~warden/ full of interesting stuff (SOME NOT FOR FAINT HEARTED eg Black Games) and you are not a wargamer unless you have played a mega game...

[steveh11Matrix]

That's a fascinating site. Ta for the link!
Steve.

[fbastos]

In fact I initially found it at "Wargame Development Handbook" at

http://www.users.dircon.co.uk/~warden/

This site has everything you want to know about pen-and-paper wargames. It tells you there what a "Black Game" is, for example.

F.

[Cap Mandrake]

hey, this is kinda cool. Try this one out.

I propose, 2 hrs after a surprise atack on Pearl Harbor, to sortie a group of 10 wooden hulled PT boats with inexperienced crews, unreliable torpedos and no radar under the command of a Lt JG some 360 nm away from PH, (even though they will not have enough fuel to return to port) in order to surprise a previously unspotted group of IJN capital ships with full destroyer escort and superior night battle training. I expect to achieve 10-15 torpedo hits, sinking 2 or 3 DD's, crippling two BB's with the loss of only 1 or 2 PT boats. This will succeed because PT Boats are really fast, Lt JG McHale is really well liked by his men and most of them haven't had shore leave for 18 hrs so they wont have very bad hangovers.

[fbastos]

You attack failed, as a sniper on the battleship's book depot shot the Lt(Jg) in the head thinking that McHale was Kennedy...

f.

[Cap Mandrake]

ORIGINAL: fbastos

You attack failed, as a sniper on the battleship's book depot shot the Lt(Jg) in the head thinking that McHale was Kennedy...

f.

See..the whole idea falls apart if the judge is biased.

[Onime No Kyo]

Good god, y'all. First of all, I'm shocked. I would have bet money that Mr. Griffith was too synical a bird for this type of stuff. Second, how do you play a game where you make up the rules as you go along? I havent done that since I was 10 and even then it wasnt very easy.

[Mynok]

You've never heard of Calvinball?

Action: I am putting a big slab of cow on my grill.
Result: Steak for dinner

Why:
1) They are made of meat.
2) See #1.
3) All of the above.

[Skander]

This is simple role-playing game style, the difference being that in general most role-players tend to play team style rather than oppositional. It works quite well, though I don't necessarily prefer it to a good standard wargame for oppositional play.