Best single volume RPG?

[Aus_Snow]

You know, a whole roleplaying game in one book, that you can just pick up and easily use on the spot, or cart around without incurring massive encumbrance penalties.

So. . . what would your fave(s) be?

An example that springs to mind is the D&D Rules Cyclopedia.

In addition, single volume RPGs that gain bonus points here would be those whose legacy doesn't feature a range of splatbooks, or other such money-spinners. IOW, where the whole idea truly is that you get that one book, then play the game to your hearts' content.

 

[Glyfair]

YSo. . . what would your fave(s) be?

Savage Worlds: Explorer Edition is a pretty strong contender (can't beat $9.95 for a strong, flexible RPG).

IMO, RQ2 is up there, but it's just a bit too "archaic" for some.

 

[Teflon Billy]

Spycraft 2.0

It's good for everything. Seriously. The rules themselves show you exactly how to easily make the game into everything from Old West to Cyberpunk

Not just one of my favorite "One Book" rulesets, but one of my favorite rulesets period.

 

[Kolvin]

Shadowrun 3rd ed is pretty much it for me.

Good, game, and pretty much all you need in one volume.

 

[ivocaliban]

I don't have that many single volume rpgs, but I'd have to say A Game of Thrones by Guardians of Order.

 

[Aust Diamondew]

Shadowrun

 

[RichGreen]

Call of Cthulhu, hands down. Although the d20 version is good, I'd go with the Chaosium BRP rules.

Cheers


Richard

 

[Gentlegamer]

I'll nominate Dungeons & Dragons Cyclopedia, and GURPS Basic Rulebook, 3rd Edition.

 

[McBard]

Call of Cthulhu, hands down.

And far and away. 5th edition, specifically.

 

[Steel_Wind]

And far and away. 5th edition, specifically.

Agreed.

I would think that ICE's MERP comes close though.

Rolemaster 2ed, now in one hardback - is also a nice runner up. Admittedly, that single volume hardback was not available in RM2's heyday - and the lack of RMC1 and RMC2 from the new hardback volume hurts it. You still need em.

Add those two in - I'd say it's a winner.