Basic Sets in General...

[Scribble]

So the talk about the new D&D beginner set had me start thinking about other game systems, and "basic sets."

I can't really recall any other systems having a basic set. Am I missing some?

What do other companies do to entice new players into the hobby? Anything?

Paizo for instance... Right now the marketing seems more focused on selling the game to 3.5 players who want a few things updated, and the rules to stay in the market. Is it looking to expand with new players in some active way though?

I know GURPS has the quick rules, but does this really count as a basic set?

Does whitewolf have a basic WoD setup I don't know about?

 

[Keefe the Thief]

Well, The Dark Eye has a Basic Rulebook... which is 300+ pages long. They use other methods to spread the word: there are some good introductory modules, mobile games (read: solo adventures you can play on your phone), and the full basic book pdf was included in the new TDE computergame. I actually think that spreading around your Brand a lot can lead to some people coming on board.

Beyond that.... i´ve got nothing. Well, perhaps the Dragon Age box. Or the Dr. Who box - but both are basic GAMES, not introductions to more complex rule sets.

 

[ggroy]

There's always "Rolemaster: The Basics".

5501 Rolemaster The Basics

 

[darjr]

There are 'quick starts' for many games, the WoD games too.

Also HEX, CoC, Castles and Crusaders, mongoose traveller, Paranoia, and many others.

Though I'm not sure that's what your looking for.

The 'Basic' set is mostly a D&D phenom, I think, though there is the Hackmaster basic.

 

[Nikosandros]

While we're at it... how many basic sets have been released throughout the history of D&D?

We have Holmes, Moldvay and Mentzer, but how many after the Rules Cyclopedia? I think at least two. During the 3e era there were also at least a couple of starters set, IIRC.

 

[Lord Mhoram]

Hero 5th had Sidekick, and the 6E rules have something similar, although I forget what it is called.

 

[Chainsaw]

While we're at it... how many basic sets have been released throughout the history of D&D?

We have Holmes, Moldvay and Mentzer, but how many after the Rules Cyclopedia? I think at least two. During the 3e era there were also at least a couple of starters set, IIRC.

I started with the '91 black box/red dragon basic set... $5 on E-Bay.

Dungeons & Dragons game D&D AD&D 1991 black box - eBay (item 120525488302 end time Feb-08-10 07:58:39 PST)

 

[Pseudopsyche]

What do other companies do to entice new players into the hobby? Anything?

I wonder if most other RPGs expect players to have started with D&D. Their new players are new to that game, not to role-playing. I don't know, perhaps WoD is an exception?

I'll be interested to see how well Dragon Age does at pulling in new gamers who have experience with the video game but not with D&D, since it's designed as suitable for beginners.

 

[Mercule]

I really think the idea of a "Basic Set" only works when you build vertically, rather than horizontally, upon it. In other words, it worked for BECMI because later suppliments covered higher levels exclusively and didn't add any more classes, races, etc. The Basic set was of value to anyone looking to play, even casually, and didn't become worthless even when you got serious.

As much as I like the idea of recreating the red box experience and/or having an inexpensive, self-contained entry point, I just don't think it's the right approach for the current game.

 

[juboke]

The only ones I can think of other than D&D are:

- Marvel Super Heroes Basic Set / Marvel Super Heroes Basic Set Revised
- GURPS Basic Set Deluxe
- Hackmaster Basic