History of Gamma World (link)

[Biohazard]

Look what else I just found! It's a bit dated (written before S&S made the d20 version) but it's enough to bring a tear to the eye of any true Gamma World fanatic. If this site doesn't make you weep, doesn't make your lower lip tremble, doesn't make you reach desperately for a Kleenex (TM) then you aren't a true Gamma Worlder.

http://www.jpbs.homechoice.co.uk/gw/f_gw.htm

 

[Vigilance]

For someone like me, who has run every single one of those GW incarnations, including 1E back when I was a kid, that was a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

Unfortunately, it also makes the problems with the new edition even more glaring. I got out my 1E black and white copy after reading that article, and it is a MUCH more complete game in 56 pages than the new GW hardcover is.

Chuck

 

[Bendris Noulg]

>sniff<

 

[VorpalBunny]

Never forget James M. Ward, who authored the game and who, with Metamorphosis Alpha, invented Sci Fi/Sci Fantasy RPGs. His first edition of Gamma World was genius. Nothing will ever beat that image of Hoops yukking it up, or the cover of that game with the explorers finding the lost city. As for his rules... they are, in many ways, the cleanest and best expression...

Pretty much nails my feelings toward GW1.

 

[MrFilthyIke]

I'll at least chime in with how much I enjoyed the old Gamma World...

And how much I *like* SSS's d20 Gamma World. And no, I don't have
an interest in Darwin's World. I guess this makes me very "alone" in my
opinion from reading these (and other) boards.

 

[Vigilance]

Everyone's entitled to their opinion and I certainly respect yours.

However, the fact that a 56 page book can give me more of the tools I need to actually run a longterm campaign, and more mutations, without expecting me to buy another book or adapt them from another source, is just an inexcusable sin on the part of an expensive hardcover.

I realize they had lots of new things they wanted to add to the game and I respect that. But you have to make the book able to stand on its own first, before you add any bells and whistles.

Too few mutations, bad editing, confusing layout.

Chuck

 

[MrFilthyIke]

Too few mutations, bad editing, confusing layout.

Chuck

And one could say "this is a business, not a charity"

Guess I've been working for a big business to long, my brain is gone Merc on me.

edit: And yes, bad editing = unacceptable, but seems standard in high-turnout companies.

 

[Vigilance]

And one could say "this is a business, not a charity"

Guess I've been working for a big business to long, my brain is gone Merc on me.

edit: And yes, bad editing = unacceptable, but seems standard in high-turnout companies.

So if bad editing is done by everyone I should just accept it? That's the way to go. *not*

Also, I would like to point out that I HAVE bought products by large companies that were well-edited. Mutants and Masterminds leaps to mind.

Lastly, let me point out, that I would be willing to overlook editing issues if the book actually did its job. Giving me so few mutations, with so little variety, that PCs end up being too similar, is just not acceptable. Especially not when the immediate answer is "we have another book coming for that!"

So if I buy *THREE* hardcovers you will give me the information I need to run a campaign? Gee thanks.

And again I point out that the 1st edition of GW, with all its flaws, gave me more mutations, and enough artifacts and monsters to run a campaign for years, in *56* pages.

Sorry, I am not one of these old school people who would not have been satisfied had the game walked on water. I always felt like GW was a great setting marred with some rules issues. I *wanted* this book to be great.

But it just was, in my opinion, not good.

Chuck

 

[Biohazard]

I'll at least chime in with how much I enjoyed the old Gamma World...

And how much I *like* SSS's d20 Gamma World. And no, I don't have
an interest in Darwin's World. I guess this makes me very "alone" in my
opinion from reading these (and other) boards.

You ain't alone, bro. Though maybe *we* are... I love S&S's new Gamma World, and, like you, I'm not really interested in Darwin's World.

 

[Biohazard]

I'll at least chime in with how much I enjoyed the old Gamma World...

And how much I *like* SSS's d20 Gamma World. And no, I don't have
an interest in Darwin's World. I guess this makes me very "alone" in my
opinion from reading these (and other) boards.

You ain't alone, bro. Though maybe *we* are... I love S&S's new Gamma World, and, like you, I'm not really interested in Darwin's World.