Why SR4 ?, A basic flaw with SR3 Options

[Earthwalker]

Well in a few posts about the new system and the hate it is causing requests have been made as to why do we need a new system. Basically asking what is wrong with the current system, as the question has been asked I will try to put an answer here.

The most basic flaw with Shadowrun 3 and in fact this is common to all of the first three editions of Shadowrun is the variable target number system. Well not variable target numbers as such more the fact a target number modifier isn’t a constant modifier. That might sound like nonsense so I will try to explain using a magical example.

If Billy Mage was wanting to cast a invisibility and a personal bullet barrier on himself and sustain them. He gets much better benefits for casting the invisibility first.

Ok so working with my limited stats knowledge (sorry but if I make mistake) and using average success here is how it works out.

Invisibility First

Cast invisibility 12 dice against target 4 = 6 successes
Cast barrier 12 dice against a target of 8 (base 6 + 2 for sustaining) = 1 successes
Total successes 7

Barrier First

Cast Barrier 12 dice against target 6 = 2 successes
Cast Invisibility 12 dice against target of 6 (4 + 2 for sustaining) = 2 successes
Total Successes 4

That’s a difference of 3 successes, and its all because making a 4 to a 6 is much worse then making a 6 to an 8.

Now SR4 is trying to address this and make it all equal as the target number will always be 5 and you will just need more successes for casting a spell while sustaining, or perhaps have less dice. The point is that the spell you want the most successes on will be the spell you cast first.

Now I am sure I aren’t saying anything here we all don’t already know. The variable target numbers has been an issue in Shadowrun from day one. So has the fact that 7 is basically the same target number as 6.

So there is my one reason to change. I may be able to think of more as more FAQ is released.