Compare/Contrast: Old West - GURPS & Mythras (RQ6)

[SavageCole]

I'm trying to decide on a system to use for a gritty, realist Old West game. I've played Mythras (RQ6) some and liked it, but also hear generally good things about GURPS.

What Pros and Cons are there to each of these systems? Which would you recommend? I'm open to other suggestions, too.

 

[Nagol]

Since you mentioned gritty and realist I'll ignore the cinematic style game engines like FATE.

There are universal systems like GURPS or Hero (which I prefer) that can do pretty much any genre. Which of the universal engines a person gravitates towards ends up being a personal taste issue. The primary drawback is adapting (generally through restricting which parts the players can use) the system can take a fair amount of upfront time for the DM. GURPS has a large number of setting/genre guidebooks that provide GM inspiration and do a lot of that work for you, but I do not recall one specifically for the American Wild West though it probably exists for one edition or another.

There are a few systems specifically designed for that genre from the original Boot Hill by TSR to Aces and Eights by Kenzer & Company.

I would probably run either Aces and Eights or construct a campaign using Hero. Boot Hill ruleset is pretty much built around using a frontier town backdrop and having a roving gunfight.

 

[SavageCole]

I was an earlier adopter of Aces & Eights, but frankly I don't care much for the combat system mechanics. Shot clock, poker chip stuff. It's just not for me, but you're dead on for the sort of tone of game that I'd like. I'm a big fan of that game, even if some of the gimmicky resolution side games don't click for me.

I'm leaning towards Mythras (RuneQuest) rules as my option.

 

[giant.robot]

If you have Mythras now and like the rules I'd suggest sticking with that. You can use the BRP Aces High monograph with Mythras pretty easily for your old west pastiche needs. If you went GURPS but don't already own it then you're looking at a $60+ investment for a game you might not like. You'll be able to get all the grittiness you're looking for with Mythras.