Help me find a sci-fi game. I’m looking for a PbtA game that fits the following traits:
1. It’s as simple as DW. The only sci-fi PbtA game I have is the Sprawl. It has to many bits to it for my tastes plus I want to sandbox. I want something as close to 1 basic moves sheet + playbook with no multiple clocks or subsystems.
2. Gonzo space opera. An insectoid cyber ninja vs. Squidoid psionic hitman type deal. Not interested in human centric or hard sci-fi. One of the reasons I love DW things start crazy and only get crazier as moves snowball.
3. Prefer dead tree rules but this is the least important trait.
4. Makes vehicles smooth and simple. Even outside Of PbtA games I find vehicle rules can slow down play.
So any suggestions?
Sounds kinda FARFLUNG to me.
Uncharted Worlds would likely suffice. Though by default its human-centric in my mind, I can’t see why having a insectoid psionic ninja would pose a problem at all.
I haven’t played it, but there is a Kickstarter for Infinite Galaxies (a hack of DW) going on right now…
kickstarter.com – Infinite Galaxies Core Rules
Uncharted Worlds is great, even simpler (and in some specific aspects better) than Dungeon World (imho). Its expansion Far Beyond Humanity largely covers non-human stuff.
Otherwise, Adventures on Dungeon planet is a Dungeon World set of playbooks and custom rules to play space pulp type games using only the normal DW rules.
Uncharted Worlds+Far Beyond Humanity, Space Wyrm vs Moonicorn, or Adventures on Dungeon Planet
+1 for Space Wyrm vs. Moonicorn
Adventures on Dungeon Planet rpgnow.com – Adventures on Dungeon Planet
I’ll start researching. Thanks for the leads!
I’m the developer of Infinite Galaxies, which is a full-fledged game based on DW and keeps some of its underpinnings. All of what you’re talking about is totally possible. The game is pretty abstract, in terms of characterization, so you can feel free to be as crazy with the characters as you and your group want, I suppose. Vehicles are super easy to play with. Check it out!
Here’s an actual play of Infinite Galaxies, in case you want to see how it plays in action: youtube.com – KPS invades Infinite Galaxies with its creator, Rory!!!!
Space wyrm V’s moonicorn is sparkly and Gonzo as hell. I can’t speak to vehicles tbo. http://www.drivethrurpg.com/m/product/169564
Impulse Drive
Beyond
A little off topic but I have to take this opportunity to plug Danger Patrol. Always a favorite at my table for one shot fun.
Gary Mcilvenna Beyond was discontinued – it’s been converted to steampunk
Robert Slaughter I’m currently running an Impulse Drive campaign for friends on Roll20. With a few additions from other PbtA games. Specifically – setting creation questions and races from Beyond, Bridge positions from PbtaStarTrek, Chase rules from AW 2e and a post on this community.
FarFlung drivethrurpg.com – FARFLUNG: Sci-Fi Role-Play After Dark
I have to say that Infinite Galaxies (the Kickstarter linked above) hits on all your main points, and is a great game, to boot.
Rory MacLeod I’m curious about the game. Does it cover things like power armor, mechs and psionics? Are there any samples of how you cover vehicles (everything from hovercycles to capital ships). Would it be possible to run a Star craft campaign?
Erik Buchanan most of the things you’re asking about are available in the game. The one thing Infinite Galaxies does not have – at this time – are mecha. I am considered a number of options to add them and I don’t think it would be that difficult to do on your own. Vehicles are fully integrated into the game and it’s very easy to use them in the rules. Vehicles have a set of basic moves that cover a lot of what you might do in a vehicle. The Core Rules will have a lot of vehicles for use in your game. Psionics are definitely part of Infinite Galaxies – there is even a Psi playbook.
Rory MacLeod thanks for the info.
I’ll be backing when I’m able.
Spaceworld ! But it’s in French ! If you want it in English let me know for translation work if their is enough people