Hackmaster
Explorer
Stay away from Serenity!
Horrible game for people who are new to the hobby. It's a nice looking book but unfortunately the rules are poorly written and explained. The nice folks at MWP went on and did a much better job with later games like Battlestar Gallactica, but Serenity was a dud. If you are dead set on it, I'd recommend getting one of the other MWP core books like BSG to help you make sense of the Serenity Travesty.
Personally I'd suggest something like the new Mongoose Traveller if you want to play a Firefly type of game.
If you are looking for fantasy, there is a new D&D starter set out with some quick start rules and all the stuff you need to play a few sessions for under $20. This is a good way to 'try out' the system before spending big bucks on the full core books. Alternatively, Hackmaster Basic can deliver a lot of bang for the buck and has a full 'quick start' section at the beginning and a detailed example of play that makes it fairly accessible to new players.
Savage Worlds is a good system that's easy to learn and the plot point campaign books provide a good blend of setting information and pre-written adventures. Definitely worth checking out.
Just about anything from Eden Studios is a good choice as well. Conspiracy X for x-files type games, Witchcraft, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, All Flesh Must Be Eaten are all great systems but you'll have to do all of your own adventure writing.
Lastly, The new World of Darkness books are pretty easy to pick up. The core book will get you started with the system and allow you to play a game centered around mortals and if you like it, you can pick up one of the other books to focus on your choice of supernatural (Vampires, Werewolves, Wizards, Faery, Hunters etc.)
Lots of great choices out there, but Serenity isn't one of them (Which saddens me)
Horrible game for people who are new to the hobby. It's a nice looking book but unfortunately the rules are poorly written and explained. The nice folks at MWP went on and did a much better job with later games like Battlestar Gallactica, but Serenity was a dud. If you are dead set on it, I'd recommend getting one of the other MWP core books like BSG to help you make sense of the Serenity Travesty.
Personally I'd suggest something like the new Mongoose Traveller if you want to play a Firefly type of game.
If you are looking for fantasy, there is a new D&D starter set out with some quick start rules and all the stuff you need to play a few sessions for under $20. This is a good way to 'try out' the system before spending big bucks on the full core books. Alternatively, Hackmaster Basic can deliver a lot of bang for the buck and has a full 'quick start' section at the beginning and a detailed example of play that makes it fairly accessible to new players.
Savage Worlds is a good system that's easy to learn and the plot point campaign books provide a good blend of setting information and pre-written adventures. Definitely worth checking out.
Just about anything from Eden Studios is a good choice as well. Conspiracy X for x-files type games, Witchcraft, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, All Flesh Must Be Eaten are all great systems but you'll have to do all of your own adventure writing.
Lastly, The new World of Darkness books are pretty easy to pick up. The core book will get you started with the system and allow you to play a game centered around mortals and if you like it, you can pick up one of the other books to focus on your choice of supernatural (Vampires, Werewolves, Wizards, Faery, Hunters etc.)
Lots of great choices out there, but Serenity isn't one of them (Which saddens me)
