There was a bit of talk about hacking and crosstalk at the table over in Morningstar’s thread the other day.

Short form: Some people like the idea, others don’t.

Slightly longer form: Folks who like their games like a movie don’t like it, as they want everyone at the table to be able to audience scenes they aren’t in. Other folks like it, as it lets the focus stay on someone for some time while letting others stay engaged in character.

Potential issue: there’s a bit of player skill/focus that may be involved that folks didn’t seem to discuss a lot. Crosstalk yay/nay may be less the issue in some specific cases than crosstalk that refocuses, remains relevant, etc. For example, even in movies there are often fast cuts, and in games there are frequently voice-overs or radio calls from absent team mates. So having some methodologies and guidelines may be in order.

Other thing: You have pretty much, with this review, confirmed that this is the PtbA game I WILL play with my brothers this Christmas, and that this is the PtbA game I WILL NOT play with Mo.