I began to get excited again about the prospect of running a mixed genre game with the announcement of the release of Gamma World. It is evidently going to be different than standard 4e with the inclusion of mutation/tech cards? But I have also heard that it will be compatible with standard 4e. Will 4e characters and rules be able to be exported into Gamma World and vice-versa?
I very much hope so. I also hope that this time around that WotC, if they have plans for re-introducing d20 modern and d20 future, will make an effort to make these systems compatible with 4e.
Expedition to the Barrier Peaks has to be one of the earliest examples of mixed genre in rpgs.
I am sure there have to be some gamers that feel the same as me. Any other fans of mixed genre out there?
I don't think the characters are compatible. But you can adapt other material, like the monsters and environs (traps, hazards, etc) and such, at will between them, it seems.
What about mutations and tech?
So it sounds like character compatability is out. Monsters are better than nothing.
What about mutations and tech?
Probably not, since they're like your powers, racial features, and class features.
There have to be others out there who want to run/participate in multi-genre games?
So it sounds like character compatability is out. Monsters are better than nothing.
What about mutations and tech?
Probably not, since they're like your powers, racial features, and class features.
From D&D: Beyond the RPG audio
Gamma World - seminar - Rich Baker talks.And by the way, I do want to mention that the game is very compatible with D&D. For the first time in GW‘s history you could play D&D and GW pretty much inter changeably. There are a couple of rules that need a little adjustment. The skill list is a little different. You can drop D&D monsters in GW and they work just fine. You can drop GW monsters in D&D and they work just fine. The artifacts would be spooky and scary in the D&D game. (Laughs!) But it is build on the same chassis as how D&D powers are described. So, you know here’s the Fusion rifle. It’s going to be +17 attack that does 6d10 radiation damage. Not many D&D monsters have resist radiation. (laughs!)
So far Amethyst is probably your best bet. Not from WotC but I have high opinions of Goodman Games. Metamorphosis Alpha is suppose to get a 4E D&D treatment by Signal Fire Studios but I haven't heard anything new about it. Metamorphosis Alpha is the precusor to Gamma World.
Thanks for the link! This is exactly what I am talking about, a product that is compatible with 4e. I have heard good things about Goodman Games from 3.0 and 3.5. All that is left is for historic, steampunk and interplanetary sources to make true mixed genre game. It seems that this product is better suited to a fantasy post-apocalyptic game with d and d characters than Gamma World.
I am still interested to hear if there are others interested in 4e compatible mixed genre games. How great would it be to sit down at the character generator and decide whether or not to make a historic, fantasy or science fiction character.
I am sure there are others who wish to play mixed genre games, I would be interested to hear about some of their experiences and wishes.
Monsters should be compatible. That's all we know. The signs say that the characters are done completely differently – i.e., levelling up happens at a much faster rate, only levels 1-10, and ability scores are much lower, since you roll single dice for them.
I don't think the characters are compatible. But you can adapt other material, like the monsters and environs (traps, hazards, etc) and such, at will between them, it seems.
I wonder if their abilities scores will just equal DnD's stat bonus.
Honestly, besides detrimining HP and keeping the purists from eating their PHB's, why do we bother having a stat of 20, when really it just means +5?
I wonder if their abilities scores will just equal DnD's stat bonus.
Honestly, besides detrimining HP and keeping the purists from eating their PHB's, why do we bother having a stat of 20, when really it just means +5?
Ability/stat scores are the same. You roll 3d6 for them unless the Ability/stat is used in a THEME, then it will be 18. Theme are power grouping. When you roll up you character you roll 2d20 for a pair of Themes and they are "bolted" together to create your character's preminent mutations.
I'm starting to dislike the idea of temporary mutations, which is what the random card draws are for.
Why 20?
Heck if I know.
They said early on once that it was continuity. Another time that +1 just doesn't look HEROIC!
EDIT. Also: Gnolls demand MOAR DAKKA GNEHEE HEE HEE HEE!
I wonder if their abilities scores will just equal DnD's stat bonus.
Honestly, besides detrimining HP and keeping the purists from eating their PHB's, why do we bother having a stat of 20, when really it just means +5?
Ability/stat scores are the same. You roll 3d6 for them unless the Ability/stat is used in a THEME, then it will be 18. Theme are power grouping. When you roll up you character you roll 2d20 for a pair of Themes and they are "bolted" together to create your character's preminent mutations.
I'm starting to dislike the idea of temporary mutations, which is what the random card draws are for.
Why 20?
Heck if I know.
They said early on once that it was continuity. Another time that +1 just doesn't look HEROIC!
The themes from Gamma World sound similar to what I have seen on the Dark Sun sample character sheets. I agree the idea of temporary mutations just does not make sense logically. One day I have this type of mutation, and the next day I have something different? I think it will be fun as the game is intended to be played, but it does not help the importablility and exportability of Gamma World characters to other games. I am suprised to hear that a 4e compatible game is going back to rolling ability scores.
Star Ocean lately has got my Fancy, and that has you got Fantasy in my Science Fiction! I love those mixed bag genres... It's just so very hard to... write one.
I think the hard part about writing a mixed genre adventure is making sure there is balance between characters from different genres. Will my sci-fi warrior with a lazer outshine my barbarian with an axe. The same goes for antagonists, can fantasy antagonists be a challenge for a sci-party or other combinations. That is why I am hoping WotC puts out some games of different genres so there can be some balance. I think 4e has done a great job with balance.
Another one that mixes Sci-Fi and Fantasy is Neverwhen has lots of crunch in that one, from equipment to classes and races. Interesting stuff, it's a little priceyer though at 30 bux, but I really believe you get what you pay for, most of the time any way.
Dead Age may be another one to keep an eye on, but It looks like more like straight Sci-Fi, than a mix. Reminds me of Fallout, but only apparently there's no humans.
Amethyst is definitely one to look foward to. There is also Adastra: Nucleus, it's mostly fluff concerning their own galaxy, but it does have some interesting stuff in it, and it's only 5 bux!
Another one that mixes Sci-Fi and Fantasy is Neverwhen has lots of crunch in that one, from equipment to classes and races. Interesting stuff, it's a little priceyer though at 30 bux, but I really believe you get what you pay for, most of the time any way.
Dead Age may be another one to keep an eye on, but It looks like more like straight Sci-Fi, than a mix. Reminds me of Fallout, but only apparently there's no humans.
These all look like cool items. Are any of them 4e compatible? I must admit I do not know if I will ever go back to d20. I thought the fantasy flight books like dragonstar and their steampunk resource were great for d20. I am definetely going to check out Amethyst. Thanks for the links!!!
Any one ever run a multi-genre game? My Time Enders, Dr. Whoish campaign was super fun. You would not believe the varied collection of characters my players came up with.
Cheers!
