RPGs and the last few weeks
Though Atlantis remains very much in the forefront of may gaming at the moment, there has been lots of new RPGs being released in the lead up to Gencon. Its all a bit hit and miss but here's what I have seen and my quick thoughts:
1. Age of Rebellion: Fantasy Flight continues to do a good job with its Star Wars line with Age of Rebellion. It is one of my "pre-written adventure" RPGs and I would look forward to running it. Its a nice balance between something light and narrative with some depth and interesting mechanics. I will definitely remain on board for Force and Destiny and the various adventures released for the three lines.
2. D&D 5e: Basic and the Starter Set are out. I think its commercially a smart move for WotC and shows some good design. However, it doesn't seem to hold my interest enough and I feel it will soon be beyond my crunch level for what it offers.
3. The One Ring: The One Ring has finally picked up steam, with a revised "one book" version of the rulebook and Rivendell. The game's quality remains high with rich setting and interesting yet not overwhelming mechanics that seemed genuinely built from the ground up. The ideas for powerful PC options like Dunedain Rangers and High Elves, as well as dealing with magic treasure are great. With a few more releases, this RPG will hit its maturity.
4. Icons: I skipped the first edition initially due to overabundance of FATE like aspects. And then found myself unable to buy it due to Gareth Michael Skarka's involvement. Fortunately, the second edition dealt with both of these and it looks like it provides a nice, slicky designed, simple Supers RPG package. I am hoping to run a few games for Ayla and Sophie given their love of animated superhero shows.
5. Barbarians of Lemuria: I was looking forward to a new edition of BoL for a few years. The Legendary Edition is a great RPG but I felt it could do with a tightening of both the physical presentation and the mechanics. Since then Atlantis came along, doing everything I hoped BoL would do but even more so, with a move to something that was still heroic pulp but also culturally rich and grounded. Legendary Edition has tightened the rules a little but not significantly, but have added a few more sub-systems which I am note sure add to the final game. The physical presentation is also a step back from Legendary. All in all, I will still gladly play BoL and may look at the final product, but it is not what I hoped for.
1. Age of Rebellion: Fantasy Flight continues to do a good job with its Star Wars line with Age of Rebellion. It is one of my "pre-written adventure" RPGs and I would look forward to running it. Its a nice balance between something light and narrative with some depth and interesting mechanics. I will definitely remain on board for Force and Destiny and the various adventures released for the three lines.
2. D&D 5e: Basic and the Starter Set are out. I think its commercially a smart move for WotC and shows some good design. However, it doesn't seem to hold my interest enough and I feel it will soon be beyond my crunch level for what it offers.
3. The One Ring: The One Ring has finally picked up steam, with a revised "one book" version of the rulebook and Rivendell. The game's quality remains high with rich setting and interesting yet not overwhelming mechanics that seemed genuinely built from the ground up. The ideas for powerful PC options like Dunedain Rangers and High Elves, as well as dealing with magic treasure are great. With a few more releases, this RPG will hit its maturity.
4. Icons: I skipped the first edition initially due to overabundance of FATE like aspects. And then found myself unable to buy it due to Gareth Michael Skarka's involvement. Fortunately, the second edition dealt with both of these and it looks like it provides a nice, slicky designed, simple Supers RPG package. I am hoping to run a few games for Ayla and Sophie given their love of animated superhero shows.
5. Barbarians of Lemuria: I was looking forward to a new edition of BoL for a few years. The Legendary Edition is a great RPG but I felt it could do with a tightening of both the physical presentation and the mechanics. Since then Atlantis came along, doing everything I hoped BoL would do but even more so, with a move to something that was still heroic pulp but also culturally rich and grounded. Legendary Edition has tightened the rules a little but not significantly, but have added a few more sub-systems which I am note sure add to the final game. The physical presentation is also a step back from Legendary. All in all, I will still gladly play BoL and may look at the final product, but it is not what I hoped for.