D20 Modern
Versatile and adaptable, D20 Modern can handle sci-fi relatively well, with the D20 Future supplement.
Rifts
Rifts crosses genres with sci-fi mixing with fantasy.
GURPS
GURPS can, theoretically, handle any genre.
Traveller
I don't know much about this game other than a) it has had many versions and editions, b) it's been around almost as long as D&D, and c) it is currently being published by Mongoose.
Trinity
White Wolf's sci-fi offering, though it is out of print.
Finding Players
I would try online first and foremost. Finding a full group of players in your local area can often be problematic, especially when tackling something beyond D&D.
Followed by Star Wars d20 from WotC
GURPS by Steve Jackson Games - GURPS can do it all, but it is not a user friendly system, far too many choices. Still I have run a few successful campaigns with the system, but it is for GMs who design their own worlds. GURPS Space has almost no crunch and is all flavor, so if you are a GM who can do his own flavor you could skip it, but if not it is a fine buy for ideas.
Rifts by Palladium Books - Rifts has some mechanical defects, mainly as it is a little too complicated in parts, but it is about the best fusion of sci-fi and fantasy out there. The setting is evocative and really most gamers love the feel of Rifts. It's post-apocalyptic and really has it all, except it is terrestrial so if you want space ships and skipping around the galaxy this is not so good. Palladium did do more traditional sci-fi setting (Three Galaxies), but personally, I found it weak and not very engaging.
D6 Space by West End Games - This is a descendant of the legendary D6 Star Wars system. It's not bad and if you want that old D6 feel, but tweaked to remove some of the problems with that system this one works pretty well. But formatting and some of the design is less than desirable and it is another generic system so you need your own setting. West End Games does produce a few settings, but I haven't checked them out. But if you are looking for a cinematic style of space opera for your sci-fi this is the way to do, unless you can get a hold of the old D6 Star Wars system, which I prefer to the current d20 versions.
D20 Modern/Future by WotC - This is not a bad system, especially, if you are shooting for more realism. I've run a number of campaign with the d20 System and it works pretty well, if you want realism over cinematic this is a good system. Of course, the starship, mecha, and most of the sundry rules in d20 Future are weak and poorly conceived. Actually, that is a problem with a lot of the d20 Modern line. There is d20 Cyberspace, d20 Apocalypse, which are OK, but are skimpy in material and look more like loose design notes thrown together.
Take a look, it's a good book for, well... most anything. I use it for everything but D&D, D6 Star Wars, L5R, and WHFRP.
You can develop your own ideas and put them to paper, but there is a lot of GM front work on the campaign.
Also GURPS but that's gonna cost you in books. Hero get's it done in One book, two if you want examples of how to build things in the first book.
Also Ninjas and Superspies. It's got some problems, but my gaming group has been using it with homebrew for the better part of 20 years.
ICON Star Trek by Last Unicorn Games - very simple and elegant system and it really captures Star Trek which is about as sci-fi as you get. Sadly, it has been out-of-print for awhile after WotC bought and dissolved Last Unicorn Games. Decipher acquired the license for Star Trek RPGs and produced the CODA System, and it's not a bad system, but they really mishandled it and they dropped the line last December.
Yeah, Decipher's management really screwed up their RPG Studio.
Or, if you're looking for a darker game, Dark Heresy is finally released and supported, so you can play in that grim future of mankind. What sort of sci-fi are you looking for?
What sort of sci-fi are you looking for?
Any kind, really, but if I actually was to run or play in a Sci-Fi game, I would want it to be high, epic, possibly space opera stuff with tons of tech and gadgets, sort of like cyberpunk, but also with traveling in space and a bunch of weird science stuff, possible psionics. Also, I might want to mix magic and fantasy in as well. I basically want everything :D .
Any kind, really, but if I actually was to run or play in a Sci-Fi game, I would want it to be high, epic, possibly space opera stuff with tons of tech and gadgets, sort of like cyberpunk, but also with traveling in space and a bunch of weird science stuff, possible psionics. Also, I might want to mix magic and fantasy in as well. I basically want everything :D .
Sounds like Dragonstar, a d20 setting from Fantasy Flight, might be just what you are looking for. It is out of print, but here's the info page on it.
http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/dragonstar.html
Star Wars D6 - Although I prefer the system before the revised edition, the Star Wars D6 game is really good at doing what it was meant to do, and providing entry into the action quickly. It's Super-Duper hard to find now, though.
Gurps Space - Whenever I feel the need for a gritty Space Game, I tend to turn to Gurps.
Serenity RPG - In all the good ways, it reminds me of the Star Wars D6 game, and it's a descent universe to play in... or you can strip away the universe, and you still have a descent system to build Sci-Fi adventures on.
TORG - Let's face it, Time Travel is hard to do, much less the 'Sliders' multi-universe thing. However, Torg does it in a heroic fashion, and is still one of the most unique and interesting Game Worlds ever created. TORG is definatly worth checking out.
Dark Matter - I prefer the Alternity to the D20 Modern version, but either one will do. Dark Matter is a X-File-esque RPG, and it's a lot of fun. I defiantly prefer it over other Paranormal games.
Trinity - If you can get a hold of the original, the better. It can be played like X-Men in space, or it can be played like Mega-Corps in Space with Super Powers Doing Bad Things to Each Other... or a lot of different ways. It's a fascinating universe, if you ignore the fact that the poor supersoldiers are doomed from the get go. .... but that's White Wolf for you.
Special Mention : Albedo - Okay, Albedo is not everyone's cup of tea. Heck, it's not even my cup of tea, really. However, it has one of the most realistic damage and bullet shock systems you can find in a RPG, and with one bullet kills more assuredly then GURPS, you have to admire the amount of Physics they squeeze into the system. Better known for handing Diplomacy due to that, Albedo is a interesting game, but really designed for fans of the comic, and not much more.
Special Mention - Robotech RPG - The Robotech RPG is attempting to make a comeback (And definatly will make one when the Live Action movie comes out... sometime). While Giant Transforming Robot Jets attacking Space Aliens is not everyone's cup of tea, and while it is the Paladium System, which has it's own sets of flaws, it is fun, and IMO, the Robotech Masters has a lot of things to mine for other campaigns in it. If you never have picked them up, you might want to do so. It's a goldmine of good and interesting nuggets.
Have you considered Star Frontiers?;)
At least, that's my opinion at the moment. When I was younger I thought that scifi games should be number intensive, featuring percentiles in particular because it sets a mood of scientific study and mathematical precision and technology.
On that note, my two bits go in for there not being a 'best' Sci-Fi RPG
You can still get the Alternity fast-play books downloaded free at http://alternityrpg.net/downloads.php.
Star Wars d6 / Space d6 - Fast and easy to play. Great for beginners or GMs who don't have alot of time for preperation.
What is the best Sci-Fi RPG? What is the best way I can play a science fiction themed RPG? And would it be easy to find a gaming group, online or offline, to play with in this game/system?
If you want classic space opera, Traveller.
and Shadowrun
Any kind, really, but if I actually was to run or play in a Sci-Fi game, I would want it to be high, epic, possibly space opera stuff with tons of tech and gadgets, sort of like cyberpunk, but also with traveling in space and a bunch of weird science stuff, possible psionics. Also, I might want to mix magic and fantasy in as well. I basically want everything :D .
Fading Suns by Holistic Designs.
There is a d20 system and their original mechanic. I personally like their system better but it's purely a matter of taste.
It's a complicated mix. It's a sci-fi space game, it has feudal power structure, corporate power structure, blasters/sheilds/swords, magic... you name it. Take a look, it might work for you.
1. Star Trek RPG by FASA
2. Star Wars RPG by WEG
3. Shadowrun by FASA
I have to admit thought that in all 3 the fact that I loved the settings made me overlook problems with the game systems used in each.
Taking all of that in, I am spitting out a few things
Sci-Fi Space Opera
1. Star Wars d20 both versions- as a fan of d6 I kept my feelings under wraps and realized that with a good mix of crunchy and story, Star Wars really had the best elements of a sci FI Space opera even when compared to d6. However d6 had a grittier realism. All versions of star Wars failed to account for "the Force" and if you took out Jedis and the force d20 is still worthwhile as a system. Heck d6 was better without the force.
2. Traveller- really you can't go wrong with this game, but this game requires a level of immersion that many modern players do not find comfortable
3. d6 Star Wars--still in their it is the next best thing to d20 star wars.
Sci-Fi true Grit
There are none that deal infinitely with technology, most sci based rpgs are character driven not equipment driven. But games like Starship troopers might fall into this category (if it wasn't infinitely bad my opinion)
Sci Fi Westerns
Yes I realize most people put westerns and opera together but I think they deserve a separate recognition Most Space operas revolve like you are a cog in a greater piece. Most star wars games put you some place close to the action in the movies, books, or video games, and therefore you have a defined place in the cosmos. Space Westerns rely on the wily tricks and deviants of the world.
1. Serenity--while the system needed some work, it's a good feel
2. The entire cyberpunk genre belongs here but I have separated it
3. Torg - for those who have played it, there is something alien yet bizarrely western about this game system, it probably belongs in space opera but I am putting it here, for no other reason than the storm knights reminded me of Texas Rangers
4. Buck Rogers- I'm one of three people who played this system and probably the only person I know who enjoyed it. (you'll never find it, so don't try to look)
Sci-Fi near future
1. Spycraft
2. Dread (more horror as it's supposed to be but it works in the sci fi category too)
3. d20 modern (which can also be used as a more future based sci fi
Sci- FI
Post apocalyptic
Well there are a few that belong here but Gamma World is the only one I played, and it bored me.
Sci Fi-Fantasy (also sometimes steampunk, victorian space, and various modern sci-fi with a twist)
1. Godsend Agenda- a really nice game. A few problems with nature of skills and powers but altogether a nice game. The maker has come up with a second concept helios which I believe is roman/greek in the future
2. Forgotten Futures
Sci-FI Conglomerates, politics and big evil business
1. Shadowrun
2. Traveller
3. Paranoia
4. And you'll probably hate me for this but Mechwarrior if you took out the mechs.
Sci fi
Anime
1. Besm
I haven't played any others, but I liked BESM
Prime time adventures deserves it's own category as they make a great concept that you can take any of your favorite sci-fi settings and put the PTA mechanics to them. I hear it works well for your own Star Wars game. Although truly I will not be satisfied until I see Peter Pan Space Adventures done with PTA.
There is a game that everyone talks about who plays it called arcanis. Supposedly it's a great game even if I have never played it, the people I know who do play it tend to be the more interesting role players.
A game not to play "Vegas After Midnight" another indie RPG but not one released yet. I played an early edition and couldn't help but think how horrendous. Hopefully the kinks are worked and the setting modulated. It's a pretty bad mixture of Stephen King's The stand, the movie The Warriors from the eighties, and the plot device of Day Without a Mexican. In fact if someone asked me to quickly describe it I would Say it's The Warriors given better weapons and they are stuck on someone elses turf permanently
Another great system is the Tri-Stat System, by Guardians of Order. I think they went out of business a while ago, which is very sad. They put out a lot of different books (the one I have is Silver Age Sentinels, which is a super-hero game; they also have a Cyberpunk one and BESM, the Anime RPG), but they use the same basic rules; as a matter of fact, unless its been taken down, you can download the rules from their website as a PDF file. Instead of having different dice, everyone rolls 2 of the same dice for everything, the exact die used depends on how high-powered you want the game to be (for instance, SAS uses d10s, but BESM uses d6s), you can assign however many points you want to give for each player to make their character, they even have different skill point costs depending on the type of game you want to play (such as Fantasy, Crime Drama, Western, Sci-Fi, Space Opera, etc.) Its so easily adaptable, and its free, which is a huge bonus in my book, I can't stop recommending this game.
EDIT: Well, after some checking, the Guardians of Order website seems to be gone, but here's a link that features the download if you want to check it out: http://tristat.wikispaces.com/
Any kind, really, but if I actually was to run or play in a Sci-Fi game, I would want it to be high, epic, possibly space opera stuff with tons of tech and gadgets, sort of like cyberpunk, but also with traveling in space and a bunch of weird science stuff, possible psionics. Also, I might want to mix magic and fantasy in as well. I basically want everything :D .
The game with the most material is Traveller. Scores of supplement books over a 30 year period.
Any kind, really, but if I actually was to run or play in a Sci-Fi game, I would want it to be high, epic, possibly space opera stuff with tons of tech and gadgets, sort of like cyberpunk, but also with traveling in space and a bunch of weird science stuff, possible psionics. Also, I might want to mix magic and fantasy in as well. I basically want everything :D .
I just read this. Ok, I have no magic in my setting whatsoever, but as for everything else you named, check out the Land of Nod in my signature. The setting is homebrew. I am constantly putting out more material. It is a sci-fi game with space opera, cyberpunk, and post-apocalyptic elements, and it has a strong psychic element to it as well. It is run using a slightly modified Star Wars Saga as its core system, but includes some adapted rules from the d20 Modern line (specifically, it adapts much of d20 Cyberscape and some of d20 Apocalypse to its setting). You will get the most out of the setting if you possess the Star Wars Saga Core Roleplaying game and d20 Cyberscape. Any Star Wars supplementary book as a place in the setting as well, as does some of the rules in d20 Apocalypse (though I will need to post notes on how to use those rules converted to Star Wars Saga rules). Before you buy any of the books, I invite you to go check out the fluff by clicking on the link in my sig. It can give you a chance to read through what I have written up for the setting so far, and decide whether The Land of Nod is for you. And the best part is, if you do get into it, your input could have a direct effect on the setting. The setting is my baby, but I am not adverse to listening to peoples ideas. If I feel their ideas fit, I sometimes add them in. Jekolmy actually created a couple factions which I will put up in good copy form once I am done with school work this month.
I love Cyberpunk 2020. I also have a game of that going right now.
Have you considered Star Frontiers?;)
This is my type of GAME!
Fully agree.
if you are, maybe narrow down what you are looking for, and i can give you a lengthy review of them. I own everything everyone has mentioned here, except Albedo, and Trinity.
Traveller, in its various incarnations, is pretty good. I find the "older" Trav a bit bland - too much like Firefly but without the grittiness. I've never gotten a kick out of keeping track of income and expenditure of my business as part of an RPG! That said, Traveller: The New Era is spectacular. The mechanics are neat and simple (though a few house-rules are necessary) and based on GDW's d20 rules system (same as Twilight:2000 Ver 2.2). It's much more exploration/adventure based than the earlier versions, and actually manages to combine a post-apocalyptic feel with Star Trek!
Star Wars, obviously. I've liked all the incarnations, but SAGA (the current version) is by far my favourite. It's a good window into what 4E could have been.
Star Trek is another obvious choice. I'm still torn between ICON (Last Unicorn Games) and CODA (Decipher) systems, but I lean towards ICON. That's also the harder one to find, of course! The big upside for us was the Starfleet Academy boxed set...allowed us to run "Harry Potter"-type Star Trek adventures!
And I've left the best 'til last:
2300AD. Originally a spin-off of Traveller (and called "Traveller:2300"), this is the best sci-fi RPG in existence, assuming you're looking for hard sci-fi, not space opera. The mechanics are awesomely simple, and the game universe is logical, sensible and internally consistent.
Well, yeah, I left off XXVc off my list of games, mainly because even though I LOVELOVELOVE the universe, The game system is a bit aged, and the only one who ever really wanted to play it was me.
It's kinda like how I also left Dreampark off the list. Lovelovelove the game system, but I'll be darned if I can get anyone to play it.
Why do I always fall in love with games other people don't want to play?
A game not to play "Vegas After Midnight" another indie RPG but not one released yet. I played an early edition and couldn't help but think how horrendous. Hopefully the kinks are worked and the setting modulated. It's a pretty bad mixture of Stephen King's The stand, the movie The Warriors from the eighties, and the plot device of Day Without a Mexican. In fact if someone asked me to quickly describe it I would Say it's The Warriors given better weapons and they are stuck on someone elses turf permanently
Hey qmslager, I'm sorry that you didn't like Vegas After Midnight. I suppose you played it at Gen Con with Mick? It's definitely not going to be for everyone, or even as large a group that likes DnD. It has also gone through major revisions since Gen Con, based on the feedback of those playtest sessions.
I would even say that it takes a decent amount of inspiration from several of the sources that you mentioned, in addition to several others like Six String Samurai and Dark City.
I'm surprised that you didn't mention it to me or Mick at the time, since you know both of us personally. We definitely want feedback from those sessions, and even if you aren't the target for the game feedback is always useful.
-- David
--
The Game Master Show
Vegas After Midnight