A modern generic rules light game

architect.zero · June 02, 2008, 02:22:38 AM

The following aren't exactly rules-light, but they're not too heavy either:

Tri-Stat DX
d6 Adventure (or the old d6 System book)
Silhoutte Core (SilCORE)

Of those three I'd go with SilCORE. It's quick playing and scaled around the "average human" (though it can be easily tweaked for cinematic, or gritty action as you desire). The only issue might be the "complexity" mechanics for skill usage.

I'd love to suggest any of the Unisystem standard games, but the books are full of setting/theme fluff. Conspiracy X would be my choice based on your "Films that fit".

Lancer · June 02, 2008, 02:43:00 AM

FUZION

Claudius · June 02, 2008, 04:06:41 AM

Quote from: Consonant DudeCORPS (BTRC)

Is CORPS really rules light? Mind you, the only BTRC RPG I've got is Time Lords, and man is it complex...

If you think it would derail this thread, we could open another one.

David Johansen · June 02, 2008, 07:46:05 AM

Mercenaries Spies and Private Eyes by Flying Buffalo. It's Tunnels and Trolls with a saving throw based skill system, is supported by R. Talsorian's Edge of the Sword Vol 1 Modern Weapons and writen by Mike Stackpole, what more can you ask for?

Oh, also, don't get shot. Seriously, put the gun away and fight hand to hand whenever possible or barring that shoot the other guy first. Getting shot kills you dead. Personally I rule that with prompt medical attention you can survive the 5d6+ damage you're looking at from most pistols, but I'm generous that way.

David R · June 02, 2008, 07:50:01 AM

Over the Edge is pretty good for the films you mentioned. Just use the system. It's very rules light.

Regards,
David R

Dr Rotwang! · June 02, 2008, 10:11:59 AM

Just use Exalted!

Tom B · June 02, 2008, 10:18:51 AM

Quote from: ClaudiusIs CORPS really rules light? Mind you, the only BTRC RPG I've got is Time Lords, and man is it complex...

If you think it would derail this thread, we could open another one.

If you stick to the basics, CORPS is pretty lite. Much more so than TimeLords. Now, there are a lot of advanced rules you can use, and CORPS can quickly become pretty complex, especially in combat. We usually kept it pretty basic, though, and in our games it was pretty lite.

Another option is EABA, also by BTRC. Not quite as gritty as CORPS, and somewhat more streamlined and refined. Both are excellent games, though.

jrients · June 02, 2008, 11:47:15 AM

Quote from: David JohansenMercenaries Spies and Private Eyes by Flying Buffalo. It's Tunnels and Trolls with a saving throw based skill system, is supported by R. Talsorian's Edge of the Sword Vol 1 Modern Weapons and writen by Mike Stackpole, what more can you ask for?

I agree that this might be the way to go. Also, Flying Buffalo still has copies last time I checked.

HERO System could also work well. I've done a little espionage with it. I recommend the softcover rulebook from the edition before FRED.

Ian Absentia · June 02, 2008, 12:42:25 PM

Quote from: jrientsI agree that [MSPE] might be the way to go. Also, Flying Buffalo still has copies last time I checked.

I'm pretty sure they do. I ordered my copy during the last year, and there was no delay in its shipment. The game is light, easy, and fast, though abstracted in a fashion that doesn't please everyone. Run a search on it here -- we started up a few good threads on the game over the last year.

!i!

Engine · June 02, 2008, 12:45:30 PM

Oh, god damn it. I can't visit wizards.com or Flying Buffalo or rpg.net, but I can visit theRPGsite? Firewall of Randomness -4.

Ian Absentia · June 02, 2008, 01:05:51 PM

Plainly we're the less odious productivity-killer here.

!i!

Dr Rotwang! · June 02, 2008, 01:16:46 PM

I'd recommend a few tweaks to MSPE in actual practice, by the way -- namely, reduce cost of skills to 1:1 (at chargen, anyway) and maybe (maybe) condense some of the HtoH skills into just 1 or two.

Oh, and a note: blade combat against an opponent who actually has blade skill is so close to suicide, it's practically moronic.

That's my very, very limited experience, anyway. Or should I tell you the tale of poor Mr Cigarillo Poniard...?

Zulgyan · June 02, 2008, 01:29:26 PM

Somebody recommended me to go with FUDGE and make it my own game. How good is that? Any modern era supplements for it? I'm new to the system. How good it is? For what I have read from the download file looks quite good.

Kyle Aaron · June 02, 2008, 01:30:55 PM

John Kim's list of free rules-light rpgs, and the modern ones.

I am quite keen on giving RealTime a go, even though the lazy slug of an authour never replied to my emails.

J Arcane · June 02, 2008, 01:35:55 PM

Quote from: ZulgyanSomebody recommended me to go with FUDGE and make it my own game. How good is that? Any modern era supplements for it? I'm new to the system. How good it is? For what I have read from the download file looks quite good.

The thing with Fudge is that it's not really a game. It's a set of guidelines and advice on how to make your own game, coupled with a basic die mechanic. It's a wonderful primer on game design, but unless one of the prebuilt variants in the anniversary book strikes your fancy, you'll be stuck basically building it all yourself.

Really, if you're willing to go to the effort to put together your own FUDGE variant, you may as well go the extra step and just make your own game. then you can skip the silly custom Fudge dice.