One of the things that really felt different in Burning Empires was the idea of scenes as a resource. Each player has a limited number of scenes per maneuver, including the GM!
So in my playtest, a few things happened. First of all, each scene was important. The players needed to get their beliefs addressed with only 3-4 scenes that maneuver. Secondly, each player had an equal amount of scenes. This meant each player had equal screen time. The socially dominant players had to sit back and let the wallflowers have their chance to play. This was mechanically enforced, and is awesome.
There was tons of roleplaying. I put in a chilling scene where a recently hulled father sat down to dinner with his family, promising “presents for all” as they, one by one, pass out from the drug-laced food.
One player set a scene involving a full on argument between his character and that same father mentioned above, regarding easing planetary regulations. This argument entered into a duel of wits, and the player was crushed, but loved every minute of it. There was a great moment when the father said “The family unit would benefit greatly from the opening of our borders!” (a great point, made horrible by the previous scene)
So yes, it’s roleplaying. No, it doesn’t restrict decision making, it FORCES decision making. Players have more freedom than they know what to do with. Players can set scenes, traditionally only a GM could do that! The difference is that it is mechanically limited. You get a handful of chances to make your character shine, and get those beliefs attended to.
And at the very end of the maneuver, the players take account of their efforts. Every win gives them a chance at countering the Vaylen threat. Every loss brings the worm closer to their skulls. That die roll at the end of each maneuver puts everyone at the edge of their seats. It’s nailbiting.
I gotta say, this game has me hooked. With this and Burning Wheel on my plate, I’m a happy man.