Is D&D the only game that radically changes each edition?

[Robbastard]

BECMI isn't really compatible with 1e or 2e (Well, it is, if you're willing to do a bit of work, but the systems are rather different).

Ummmm. What is "BECMI"? Is this some kind of 1337?

 

[Spell]

BECMI: Basic, Expert, Companion, Master, Immortal
is the edition of D&D in which the ruleset came into coloured boxes... the one most people are familiar with.

 

[coyote6]

It's interesting that you mention Twilight: 2000 (one of my all-time favorite RPG's), as that's certainly another example of a game that's had both a complete overhaul in one change of edition and a less drastic polishing/tweaking in the next change of edition.

That reminds me: someone is doing a new version of T2K, called Twilight: 2013; that's about all I know, though; I suspect it's going to be a fairly different system, though. They have a website.

 

[Goodsport]

That reminds me: someone is doing a new version of T2K, called Twilight: 2013; that's about all I know, though; I suspect it's going to be a fairly different system, though. They have a website.

Interesting. Thanks for the link.

I'm guessing that the proposed 2007 release date won't happen.

In modernizing/streamlining the system, hopefully they'll start from the previous Version 2.2 onward rather than starting from the First or Second Edition.

Considering that the "new edition of Twilight will use our present timeline of events and the current state of world affairs as the precursors to a devastating and chaotic WWIII", it'll be interesting to see how it gets to that point, particularly who the enemies will be - it's unlikely that it'll be the same U.S./NATO (minus France) vs. the U.S.S.R./Warsaw Pact, and the U.S.S.R/Warsaw Pact vs. China, as from the previous editions since you young folk probably weren't even born during (or at least probably don't remember much of) the Cold War that inspired the game in the first place.

It'll be particularly interesting to see how the background timeline of a new edition of 2300AD (or whatever subsequent year will be used in the title) would change, if at all.


-G

 

[Wik]

Yeah, I'd be curious to see a new Twilight 2K game. That'd be fun. And well done mentioning it - I think it is a perfect example of editions that change (for the better) each time around.

 

[Deset Gled]

The Star Wars RPGs have had drastic changes over the years. 1e to 2e saw only a few minor changes, mostly adding on more specs and details. SW 2e to SW d20 saw a change from the d6 system to a d20 system (obviously), and was about of drastic of a change as you can imagine. 2e didn't even have classes or levels. This was also a change in publisher, so it's not that surprising. The changes from SW d20 to SW: Saga edition are less pronounced than from 2e to d20, but are relatively major IMO.

 

[Wik]

I think the Star Wars RPG is a special case, though - rather than one RPG that has made changes from edition to edition, it is actually a series of RPGs that all draw upon the same license.

I think Star Trek would be another example, as would Dr. Who.

For what it's worth, after they lost the SW licence, they still published the d6 system. And d6 Space, which could be considered "third edition" star wars with all SW references dropped, is considerably different than earlier editions of Star Wars. It uses a different damage system, adds in special abilities, and the much hated (in my group, at least) "Wild Die". So, I guess it was considerably different - proving myself wrong. Ha.

 

[Deset Gled]

I think the Star Wars RPG is a special case, though - rather than one RPG that has made changes from edition to edition, it is actually a series of RPGs that all draw upon the same license.

You could say the same thing comparing Gary Gygax's OD+D to TSR's 2e AD+D to WotC's 3.x. All different RPGs designed by (mostly) different people in different companies, using the same liscensed name.

You may have just hit on the main reason for the most "radical" changes, though.

 

[Ranger REG]

For what it's worth, after they lost the SW licence, they still published the d6 system. And d6 Space, which could be considered "third edition" star wars with all SW references dropped, is considerably different than earlier editions of Star Wars. It uses a different damage system, adds in special abilities, and the much hated (in my group, at least) "Wild Die". So, I guess it was considerably different - proving myself wrong. Ha.

Didn't the "Wild Die" mechanics first appeared in the WEG's Star Wars Expanded and Revised RPG?

Star Wars is not only brand to cross between rulesets. As you have mentioned, Star Trek also went through at least 3 or 4 rulesystems. Traveller, Vampire, Werewolf, Judge Dredd, Conan, Babylon 5, etc.

 

[SuStel]

Star Wars is not only brand to cross between rulesets. As you have mentioned, Star Trek also went through at least 3 or 4 rulesystems. Traveller, Vampire, Werewolf, Judge Dredd, Conan, Babylon 5, etc.

Doctor Who, Star Frontiers, Gamma World, Paranoia, (Land of) Og, Lord of the Rings...

P.S.: Oops! That first one was already mentioned!