Interesting approach to analyzing the systems produced by the OSR. I think it might be worth taking a look at the dustinction between pre and post 2012 (when reprints of thecold editions started to become available) clones. The lines between clone, a rulest produced to support an alternate setting/aesthetic and something that significantly changes mechanics offer another way to look at these design influences.
Great point! After the original rules-sets became available in .PDF, straight retroclones became less necessary, which may have opened-up space for more creativity and freedom in third-party design.
Interesting approach to analyzing the systems produced by the OSR. I think it might be worth taking a look at the dustinction between pre and post 2012 (when reprints of thecold editions started to become available) clones. The lines between clone, a rulest produced to support an alternate setting/aesthetic and something that significantly changes mechanics offer another way to look at these design influences.
Great point! After the original rules-sets became available in .PDF, straight retroclones became less necessary, which may have opened-up space for more creativity and freedom in third-party design.