Greetings, Travellers!
I have several times tried book-keeping RPGs with a computer.
The only time the computer was worth using was when I used my little
Casio programmable calculator for various formulas. I think a normal
sized computer only gets in the way, while a small programmable
calculator can easily be handled along with the dice, paper and pen.
Using computers for other things than record-keeping and number
crunching destroys the GM's control of the game, I think.
One way to use a computer in play is to let it simulate the
ship's computer. If you like complex in-system navigation, why not let
the navigator player and the computer sort the course out? The GM
won't have to control the course and the navigator player really feels
like the navigator character.
Maybe other ship systems could be simulated as well. These
could be piloting, engineering and gunnery. Care has to taken though,
so that game success isn't only a function of player dexterity and
arcade game experience.
The computer could also have a small library program. In the
library are general facts concerning space, science, society and
different worlds plus hints, red herrings and facts about the current
adventure. This would add a new dimension to investigative type
adventures. It would also require a lot of work, but several people
could maybe coordinate their efforts?
(I've heard that such files alreday exist. Could anyone
confirm?)
See ya, I mean read ya!
Martin