Over several months of contemplating Star Wars and the two older RPGs thereof (don't have anything like the money to even touch the FFG trilogy of tomes), I've continued to find my mind split right down the middle. I own the core books for both the West End Games D6 version (the original one), and the Wizards of the Coast d20 version (revised). My miniatures habit has continued to swell like Val Kilmer's ego once did, and I'll briefly put some notes in bullet points.
- The Star Wars Miniatures game based on the d20 rules is pretty good. Relatively fast to play, and the abundance of characters in the Fringe faction means that I might be able to adapt the rules for three sides instead of just two (living with two other nerds, one wants to include them when possible). The very small number of New Republic minis that aren't Luke or Han's kids is a bit disappointing, but there are still some gems out there.
- Thirdly, as much as I like the core of the d20 System for combat skirmishes, the roleplaying games based on it are just too much. Not running Star Wars d20 unless at least one of my potential players makes a massive commitment to mastering the rules - in exchange for which, I might be persuaded to make a similar effort for her Starfinder campaign. Quid Go Pro, and all that.
- Next, the D6 version has some peculiarities. Part of this is my own unfamiliarity with things that aren't D&D or D&D-based, but some of the rules are a bit confusingly worded and structured. Perhaps the 2nd edition resolves some of these issues, but I'm reluctant to drop more cash on that core book without trying this one in more detail.
- Sixth and lastly, this White Star game that everyone's been talking about (or was a few years ago, back before the Renaissance turned into the Old School Ragnarok). It's pretty cool! Rules-lite enough for me, but maybe a bit too rules-lite in places - especially where starships are concerned. Still might pick it up at some point, though.
- And in conclusion, I nabbed the Star Munchkin RPG at my game store. Might actually be persuaded to give this a shot if I find the right group - who I might have to sew together from HackMaster 4e and Halberd players.
I've been using the version of WEG d6 Star Wars that's a fan "restatement" called REUP (Revised, Expanded, and UPdated). It's a massive, unwieldy PDF, and there are still oddly worded rules passages and some contradictions we've found, but it's been going alright for my game. The PDF is a free download, although I'm not sure how legal it all is.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to get a physical copy of either 1st or 2nd edition, but the prices are a bit much. Maybe I'll treat myself for Christmas. The PDF is a great resource for lots of aliens, worlds, tech, etc. but it's hard to find rules when you need them, even with a Find Text search (the bookmarks in the PDF are a total mess).
From what you've described, REUP sounds a bit like that old "Gray Book" PDF that's a combination of oD&D, Holmes, and AD&D. Might have to seek it out when I get the chance.
DeleteRegarding the physical copies: FFG did a reprint of the 1e WEG version a couple of years ago. It was the core book and The Star Wars Sourcebook, at a list price of $60 USD for the pair. They seem to be almost identical except for updating copyright information and such (much like the AD&D premium reprints a while back, except without the "premium" binding). I'm not sure if there are still new copies floating around, but if nothing else it might be a good way to get a clean book without paying top dollar for a vintage one.
Ordered a copy of that 1e reprint from the evil online monopoly last week as a birthday present to myself. It should arrive right around Christmas.
Delete