Post by Judge Sam on Dec 8, 2009 1:23:12 GMT -5
There are a few reasons why the alias system is used that give several advantages. In a perfect world, every game would have 28 new players that have never met and use their own name. Unfortunately, that's not possible, even though 50-66% of players in each game are new to the series. This alias system gets as close to 100% that as can be done.
99% of other offline or online mafia games are played between a group of friends or people who may already know each other. That makes for different gameplay. That's okay, but that system leads to the following disadvantages:
- Players factor in previous games into their judgments on who may be mafia. Many times whether or not someone is a Spy is compared to previous games in which they were Spies, same with Citizens. In Spies, there is no comparison to past games so players must decide only on the evidence presented to them.
- Alliances or agreements may form between experienced players. Sometimes good friends may "swear" to each other they are Citizens. Players may be more willing to trust friends they've known for awhile. This greatly influences gameplay. In Spies, you can't trust anyone because you don't know who they are.
- Players may have pre-established friendships that bias them on who they vote for. Players may not want to vote for their friends unless they are sure they are mafia. New or unconnected players are at a disadvantage because they don't have people looking out for them. In Spies, everyone is on an equal playing field from the start.
- Players may play with future games in mind. Players may not want to lie if they think it will hurt their chances in the future. In Spies, players can go all out without future repercussions.
The alias system puts everyone on an equal playing field - no advantages or disadvantages for experienced or new players. It also creates a unique game experience because past or future influences do not exist.
The things that suck about having to use a fake character are:
- Sometimes people don't act the way they would if their reputation would be affected; for example they might act a little crazier.
- It sucks having to log on to a separate AIM name than your own.
- Players who have played a few Spies games before may have to adjust the way they type and the catchphrases they use commonly if it is easily identifiable.
- In order to prevent people from gaining an advantage through revealing their alias, penalties have to be put in place.
The alias system does have it's ups and downs, but I like the way it has worked out. It has been very successful so far.