While we wait for the second edition of Covert Ops, I was thinking about my own little hack to update the attributes and skill system to make it more like Frontier Space. Basically, uh, just straight-up using the attributes and skills (and the relevant action check mechanics) from Frontier Space. Any reason that wouldn't work? Any implications I'm overlooking?
It should work just fine. I'm actually doing the opposite, bringing Frontier Space back into the 1/2 Stat + 10%*Rank system of Covert Ops, BBF, and of course, Star Frontiers. I figure since BBF, CO, and Art of Wuxia all use that system, it's easier to bring FrontierSpace back in than change the rest.
I ran some math on it; the numbers are so close, I don't find it worth quibbling over.
Interesting! So you're not having any trouble running CO by the book? Not feeling a need for a 2nd edition?
I'm looking to do the same thing. About the only thing I'm thinking of changing is to rename Explorer to Scout. And the equipment lists, of course.
One mechanical difference is how armor works, and I have mixed feelings on which way to go. I'm inclined to use the CO armor, where armor just reduces damage but keeps the same value (and have a smaller value so most guns will usually do *some* damage), rather than the FS system where armor is ablative (because otherwise people with big guns either kill everything they look at, or people with big armor are unkillable).
I haven't run a long campaign, so perhaps there are issues that I'm not seeing.
While I'll buy a 2nd edition, I don't think it's essential. What I do like is consistency across the line - BBF, Covert Ops and Art of Wuxia use the 1/2 Stat + 10%/level method; FrontierSpace uses Stat + Skill modifier, which, while it works well, is not consistent.
I'd actually prefer a Superhero ruleset before a 2nd edition of anything (hint hint) :)
Thanks for the responses, appreciated!