I recently learned about the game HARD NOVA and it seemed interesting. I don't remember ever seeing a copy or hearing about it at any convention. I'm always a sucker for an interesting sci-fi game.

Have you read it?
Have you played it?
What do you think???

If you'd like, PM me with your email address and I'll send you a PDF.

I ran a short Hard Nova II campaign. It's one of the best rules-light science fiction games I've played.

The core mechanic is similar to Traveller but there are gimmicks which add exceptions-based mechanics to the game. Characters are thus delightfully customizable. The gimmick system is extended into vehicles and starships and robots and so on.

My major complaint is that I wish Brett had split Fitness into something like "Fitness" and "Reflexes". He defends the decision on the basis that a good campaign should focus on other attributes and I suspect that played as intended he is right. Sadly, my players are warmongers whose idea of space opera is like Starship Troopers but with more guns and they simply all maxed out Fitness. (This complaint is not unique to Hard Nova. In Cyberpunk and Mekton, they all play Solos or Mech Pilots and max Reflexes. In every sci-fi game I have to house-rule the game so that there isn't just one stat they max out.)

Quote from: amacris on February 18, 2022, 04:09:06 AM
Starship Troopers but with more guns

Just spat coffee all over my monitor. Thanks Alex!