Regarding traumas. The book says that you, of course, don't have to note anything on your character sheet that would make the game less fun for you. This should be mentioned by the GM before character creation begins. For example, I eat a couple of medications daily. Maybe I don't want everyone around the table to know that, so I don't write that down, and thereby this fictional version of me don't need these meds. Or maybe, if I do, and don't mind, that could be used as a plot in the game. Like all RPGs communication is key. The few times I've GM'd this I usually also tell the players that their family and loved ones are away visiting friends/family, work trips, anything else to make the game not devolve into "I need to find my wife and kids" for all the players.
I had not heard of these books so many thanks for bringing them to our attention, good to see a different take on the RPG genre. Would be great to hear your take on other RPG's you may play in the future
Go to gas station and get a map is not really a silly scenario. If the communication infrastructure get damaged enough, GPS might not work at all. Having backup is ALWAYS a good plan
Immersion....I play a ton of boardgames and now rpgs. Its cool seeing you talk about Rpgs. I just got into Fantasy Flight's Starwars Edge of the Empire and Force and Destiny. I recall you use to have The Edge beginner box. Cool stuff Joel.
Another great review. I haven't played tabletop RPG's before but I think this might be a cool introduction. What kind of player count would be best? What's the minimum do you think?
+Pesky blowfish You could do it with just two if you wanted, but I would think at least 3 (two players + GM) is the minimum you would want. I don't think I'd be interested to play it with less than four, but I don't really feel strongly about that though so....
Thanks for the review. This is something I've had my eye on for some time now to introduce to my gaming group. A few questions: could my group prepare their character sheets on their own leading up to our gaming night, or would we need to do this all together? How long would say a scenario takes to play? Does the scenario provide end game objectives, or is it all pretty much made up on the fly by the game master?
+Bill Braun There's nothing stopping you from making your characters beforehand. As long as someone doesn't give themselves a 6 in everything or whatever, it should be fine. Unless, everyone is OK with someone doing that, but that wouldn't be a fun game I don't think. The book suggests several possible scenarios and objectives to pick from. You can really make the game as short or as long as you want. Maybe the scenario is just, "Everyone makes it from the cabin to the van." And, that's it. Or, you could set up a campaign that takes place over months.
Thanks for the feedback. I think I'll start by suggesting this game to my group to see if there is any hesitation and go from there. If the character sheets can be downloaded from FFG, I would just email each of them a sheet with some directions to complete before we actually give it a go (a little light homework). Perhaps we just review everyone's stats before starting to ensure they are somewhat "realistic".
I recently tried this with a group, and it was everyone's first time with an RPG. I was the DM and found it to be really interesting. I'd recommend getting the group together for character creation. it's easier to explain to everyone the mechanics of the game at the same time, and it's also a great group exercise to keep everyone in balance with their true personality. as far as campaign length goes, you can make it as long or short as you want. my group wasn't entirely sure how long we wanted to go, so we started and ended at a good point where we could pick it up again. but the book does a great job of giving you ideas and allowing for a short intense play or a long dramatic campaign. I'd highly recommend it for first timers
A little long for a review.I'm waffling on purchasing the Alien one and a positive comparison to 5e and EotE doesn't bode well. I'm not a huge fan of either's mechanics.
Regarding traumas. The book says that you, of course, don't have to note anything on your character sheet that would make the game less fun for you. This should be mentioned by the GM before character creation begins. For example, I eat a couple of medications daily. Maybe I don't want everyone around the table to know that, so I don't write that down, and thereby this fictional version of me don't need these meds. Or maybe, if I do, and don't mind, that could be used as a plot in the game.
Like all RPGs communication is key.
The few times I've GM'd this I usually also tell the players that their family and loved ones are away visiting friends/family, work trips, anything else to make the game not devolve into "I need to find my wife and kids" for all the players.
I had not heard of these books so many thanks for bringing them to our attention, good to see a different take on the RPG genre. Would be great to hear your take on other RPG's you may play in the future
Go to gas station and get a map is not really a silly scenario. If the communication infrastructure get damaged enough, GPS might not work at all. Having backup is ALWAYS a good plan
Thanks for another excellent review! I've been quite curious about these books for a while now so found your reflections very helpful.
Immersion....I play a ton of boardgames and now rpgs. Its cool seeing you talk about Rpgs. I just got into Fantasy Flight's Starwars Edge of the Empire and Force and Destiny. I recall you use to have The Edge beginner box. Cool stuff Joel.
Nice overview. This is one of my number one picks as a first RPG. I thought you illustrated both the system and the over all experience well.
Thanks for the RPG focus. The group I play with prefers Pathfinder, which I am bored with, so this game seems to be a viable change.
Another great review. I haven't played tabletop RPG's before but I think this might be a cool introduction. What kind of player count would be best? What's the minimum do you think?
+Pesky blowfish You could do it with just two if you wanted, but I would think at least 3 (two players + GM) is the minimum you would want. I don't think I'd be interested to play it with less than four, but I don't really feel strongly about that though so....
Sounds like it could be cathartic.
Joel Craig Most definitely!
I hope they make a 5th book.
Mabey it could be like a Mad Max kinds apocalypse
End of the World Civil War
Thanks for the review. This is something I've had my eye on for some time now to introduce to my gaming group. A few questions: could my group prepare their character sheets on their own leading up to our gaming night, or would we need to do this all together? How long would say a scenario takes to play? Does the scenario provide end game objectives, or is it all pretty much made up on the fly by the game master?
+Bill Braun There's nothing stopping you from making your characters beforehand. As long as someone doesn't give themselves a 6 in everything or whatever, it should be fine. Unless, everyone is OK with someone doing that, but that wouldn't be a fun game I don't think. The book suggests several possible scenarios and objectives to pick from. You can really make the game as short or as long as you want. Maybe the scenario is just, "Everyone makes it from the cabin to the van." And, that's it. Or, you could set up a campaign that takes place over months.
Thanks for the feedback. I think I'll start by suggesting this game to my group to see if there is any hesitation and go from there. If the character sheets can be downloaded from FFG, I would just email each of them a sheet with some directions to complete before we actually give it a go (a little light homework). Perhaps we just review everyone's stats before starting to ensure they are somewhat "realistic".
I recently tried this with a group, and it was everyone's first time with an RPG.
I was the DM and found it to be really interesting.
I'd recommend getting the group together for character creation. it's easier to explain to everyone the mechanics of the game at the same time, and it's also a great group exercise to keep everyone in balance with their true personality.
as far as campaign length goes, you can make it as long or short as you want. my group wasn't entirely sure how long we wanted to go, so we started and ended at a good point where we could pick it up again. but the book does a great job of giving you ideas and allowing for a short intense play or a long dramatic campaign.
I'd highly recommend it for first timers
Ghoul horse, awesome!
Why did you get suspended from D&D?
Sorry I don't follow. Suspended?
A little long for a review.I'm waffling on purchasing the Alien one and a positive comparison to 5e and EotE doesn't bode well. I'm not a huge fan of either's mechanics.