Clash of the Ancients Released
Some game mechanics are like standardized industrial components: ubiquitous and self-contained, with known properties and effects; often generating random numbers. Gaming has usually rellied on the same small set of components. But these should be interchangeable with other, yet-to-be-invented parts, assuming the same inputs and outputs—that is, a common interface with the rest of the system.
Here is a short game that experiments with such mechanical components. Not without hyperbole, I’ve titled it Clash of the Ancients. You conquer the old world with armies and trade and art, as in many other such strategy games.
But the mechanical components are never dice or spinners or tables. They do use props but in more elaborate ways, and they involve a lot more interaction between players as people. It may all call to mind live-action role-playing.
Clash of the Ancients is unabashedly an experiment. I might not even suggest you attempt playing it—though it is written to be theoretically playable. If you do try it, please report back.
Download Clash of the Ancients
Feb 02, 2009 | Filed in news