Spell components in PC games

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As may of us know, according to the rules you need spellcomponents to cast arcane spells. Take the fireball: material component a small ball of sulpher and bat guano. Whit divine spells you sometimes need a divine focus. (3.5)

So is there a place in pcgames for it. I say yes, but optional in a check box because it will be a pain for new players.

 

Only with ultra-rare components or XP, I would think.

To me, the whole spell-component system seems a bit cumbersome. I tended to omit it altogether when I played PnP, or just explain it using roleplaying (my character has a belt stocked full of the necessary components, all of which he simply picks up as he travels, for example). I would like to see a similar system in CRPGs.

 

Yeah, Spell components are another thing I don't miss with 4e.

 

I think there is enough inventory tetris to play without the addition of spell components to carry.

 

RP-wise, it was just some nice fluff, so I'm not bothered by them. Mechanically, I think spell components were a limitation for the wizard, just as holy symbols were for the cleric and druid. Sure, wizards rock - but when a simple sundered pouch can ruin their day, they have to be careful. On the other hand,, this can be a bother to enforce, especially for druids - I think they needed fresh mistletoe as their divine focus. Does this mean they need a survival check every day?

 

The Ultima series used spell components, if I remember correctly. Didn`t bother me there. We also use it abit when we play PnP games over here. It somtimes adds a side quest here and there, + the "nature classes" gets to do some searching for stuff in the woods.