Gamma World ? Any New News ?

[Vrylakos]

I'll admit, Lizard, that there's still a "childlike awe" part of me that digs the craziness. I could probably interact with it well as a player, but as a GM those aspects hit me in my "Uhm.. ok.. what do I do with these guys?" nerve.

Then again, I run a D&D game with 3' tall call people, so maybe I just need to readjust my perspective...

Vrylakos

 

[Patrick O'Duffy]

I hope they kept the odd ball science-fantasy equipment, the "Black Ray" gun was great, among numerous others. I don't want it to be too serious of a sci-fi game. GW has always been sci-fantasy. I just can't wait to dig in.

We've gone more for a sci-fi feel this time round, rather than science-fantasy.

But that doesn't mean this edition of Gamma World lacks wackiness. It's just straight-faced gonzo surrealism rather than bad puns and slapstick.

A lot of the critters I designed have a humourous aspect, but they'll still chew your face off if you don't shoot 'em.

 

[hong]

But that doesn't mean this edition of Gamma World lacks wackiness. It's just straight-faced gonzo surrealism rather than bad puns and slapstick.

Mmm, straight-faced gonzo surrealism. Our playtest campaign took place in the ruins of post-apocalypse Sydeney, Austalarya, and over two sessions I managed to include:

- huge mutant wild boars with wings (yes Virginia, there are such things as flying pigs)

- four-winged sulphur-crested cockatoos

- mutant dire rabbits

- two-headed cows (some of which got sucked dry by a bot)

- six-legged dingos

- man-eating cane toads

- huge swarms of bloodsucking fruit flies that make the Glass Sea, past Broken Hill, almost impassable

- the John Howard Memorial Research Institute for Biotechnology

- two hillbilly farmers called Bob and Jeb, because rednecks always come from West Virginia, no matter where they are

I'll always remember the comment from one of the players, "this world is too weird for me".


PS. I thought Lizard did the critters chapter?

 

[Gallo22]

Well humour is good but Comedic isn't I hope it isn't as Comedic as Omega World was, which although a great mini game lost the post apocalyptic grit by being too light hearted IMO.

I'm sorry to say Neo but it does not sound like you've played much GW. Gamma World has never had that post apocalyptic "grit" you talk about (with the exception of the last version, which to die-hard fans was not GW). GW has always been off the mark, light hearted and more fantasy than sci-fi. I have every rule set and adventure ever published and played all the versions. GW has never been gritty, Mad Max-ish. I'll be very disappointed if its too serious. There are plenty of sci-fi post apocalyptic games, I want my old simple sci-fantasy setting. Sometimes less is more. And I think Omega World was very good for the most part.

 

[Gallo22]

We've gone more for a sci-fi feel this time round, rather than science-fantasy.

Thats too bad Pat. I love the old GW. I'll have to wait and see the product before I make a full opinion, but personally I don't think the game will work (for GW fans) if too much of the fantasy aspect has been taken away. It might be a good sci-fi game but I now have my doubts about it being a good version of GW. The crazy fantasy aspect is what made the game great. I don't want logic or hard sci-fi. You can get that anywhere, but there are no sci-fantasy games out there. I truly hope I am jumping the gun and am very wrong!!!!!!!!!!!

Gallo22

 

[VorpalBunny]

I'm sorry to say Neo but it does not sound like you've played much GW. Gamma World has never had that post apocalyptic "grit" you talk about (with the exception of the last version, which to die-hard fans was not GW). GW has always been off the mark, light hearted and more fantasy than sci-fi. I have every rule set and adventure ever published and played all the versions. GW has never been gritty, Mad Max-ish. I'll be very disappointed if its too serious. There are plenty of sci-fi post apocalyptic games, I want my old simple sci-fantasy setting. Sometimes less is more. And I think Omega World was very good for the most part.

I really have to disagree with you, Gallo. I've been playing GW since the 1st edition too, and some of my GW games have been about gritty post-apoc survival, and others have been about flying squirrels that shoot laser beams from their eyes.

There's plenty enough room for both in GW, and I'd be very dissapointed if the rules didn't take the more "serious" aspect of global armageddon into account.

 

[NarlethDrider]

IMHO, after Alternity-GW, up is the only way there is

Though, seriously, I'm looking forward to GWD20

 

[Gallo22]

I really have to disagree with you, Gallo. I've been playing GW since the 1st edition too, and some of my GW games have been about gritty post-apoc survival, and others have been about flying squirrels that shoot laser beams from their eyes.

There's plenty enough room for both in GW, and I'd be very dissapointed if the rules didn't take the more "serious" aspect of global armageddon into account.

I hear what your saying and I agree alittle, but don't we already have gritty post-apoc's out there? I guess I just like the "flying squirrels w/ laser eyes to the other. I'll try and be open minded folks, but my fondest memories are of playing GW into the wee hours in my search for the long lost freeze-ray pistol!!!

Gallo22

 

[Gallo22]

IMHO, after Alternity-GW, up is the only way there is

Though, seriously, I'm looking forward to GWD20

Good Point!

 

[VorpalBunny]

I'll try and be open minded folks, but my fondest memories are of playing GW into the wee hours in my search for the long lost freeze-ray pistol!!!Gallo22

Those were some of the best games my group had also. I remember my PSH's search for a power cell for his MkV blaster was one of the best and at the same time one of the most infuriating games I've played in.

When it comes dpwn to it, if GW6 allows a complete and faithful conversion of Legion of Gold I'll be a very happy man. I'll worry about the gritty/light-hearted argument after I run my players through that classic adventure.