Re: [HoE] What makes a Western? (wuz' Sneaky Automatons.)

[Grogskar@aol.com]

In a message dated 98-09-06 17:07:08 EDT, you write:

<< While it's still a cool game and while I'll still play it and enjoy it,
 I'm hard-pressed to see how it could be "Western" without the "Steampunk".
 If it's 21st-Century technology that is distinguishable from current
 technology only by virtue of the fact that some of it uses Ghost Rock, it's
 "Mad Max Horror," not "Future Western Horror."
 
 	AB >>

The idea holds up better if you assume that the true qualifier of a Western
isn't just period or setting, but that particular type of storyline. HOE is a
Western in the sense that it involves groups of people trying to get by in an
untamed frontier, plagued by lawless gangs and bandits, and protected by
legendary lawmen and gunfighters. Think of it as a western with new trappings.
Or, if you prefer, you could ditch the Western feel altogether (Not terribly
hard when you consider that the nature of the story is the major factor.) and
just go for the good ol' post apocalyptic world with mutants and green glowy
stuff. 

-Grogskar