We've had threads here about the quintessential British and Australian RPG, but let me ask: is there really a "quintessential American" RPG?
RPGPundit
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Wolverines! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoM6IFiyRjE)
Quote from: RPGPundit;343442We've had threads here about the quintessential British and Australian RPG, but let me ask: is there really a "quintessential American" RPG?
If it's not D&D, then I have no idea what it is.
Quote from: Bradford C. Walker;343444If it's not D&D, then I have no idea what it is.
That was my first impulse.
D&D and Traveller, obviously.
Champions
Quote from: jeff37923;343450D&D and Traveller, obviously.
Ditto.
I think I heard Unknown Armies tossed out there as a "American," game on TBP somewhere. Don't know if that counts as far as this thread goes, though and my lack of experience with the game prevents me from saying anything further.
My vote goes for GDW's catalog as a whole.
I'd say D&D too, yet its interesting to examine the nature of games and theri difference culturally.
For example, some of the most awesome games I own in terms of quality of material were not to my knowldge created by U.S born writers (Waste World, Qin, Warhammer 1E.)
There are a LOT of U.S/Canadian designed games in my library that are just fine and of good quality, but lack a certain atmosphere, and I can't quite place what it is about the games that some European ones have.
D&D
Traveller
Champions/Hero System
D&D is as chaotic as American Culture... and just as diverse. Mix-n-match in a way that makes no sense, but still works.
Traveller is 17thC Yankees in Space.
Champions and Hero System (same game) is one of the first thoroughly point based buy-the-effect games. It has been used off-label so much that Stan gave up and started publishing adaptations, then later gave in and went to generic core with worldbooks. Plus it starts out emulating well the most peculiarly American genre of literature: Superhero Comic Books.
Cyberpunk 2020
Quote from: Danger;343467My vote goes for GDW's catalog as a whole.
Specifically, I was thinking of
Twilight: 2000, which, if nothing else, is so gloriously Reagan era American.
!i!
If you're going for feel as well, I'd say Deadlands is just about as American as you can get, from prettymuch every angle.
Well more of a setting but - Dragonlance.
Regards,
David R
I'd rule out Traveller due to the nobility/feudalism.
Quote from: David R;343484Well more of a setting but - Dragonlance.
Regards,
David R
Absolutely.
Face it people, it's Rifts.
Those other games may've been made here, but "quintessentially" American?
Only Rifts.
Quote from: J Arcane;343491Face it people, it's Rifts.
Those other games may've been made here, but "quintessentially" American?
Only Rifts.
You pretty much nailed it.
Quote from: Peregrin;343481If you're going for feel as well, I'd say Deadlands is just about as American as you can get, from prettymuch every angle.
I agree. And prior games in that genre, such as Boot Hill.
Most anything with comic book superheroes - Champions, MSH, Heroes Unlimited, etc.
Unlike fantasy, supers are the American mythos.