New Roleplayers - What game should they start with?

[MerricB]

G'day folks!

Once upon a time, if I saw a young person who had never played a RPG before, and who was going to be playing - indeed, DMing - with a group of people who also had never played a RPG before...

...I'd have no hesitation in giving them a copy of the Moldvay edition of the Basic D&D rules to learn from.

What would you suggest they start with today? And is it sufficient to their needs?

Cheers!

 

[Kamard]

d20, Fudge, or Fuzion.

Probably Fuzion.

 

[MerricB]

I'm not talking about system here, by the way.

I'm talking about a RPG that is a good introductory RPG, that will basically teach them how to be a DM, create characters, and get them into the hobby. That sort of thing.

Cheers!

 

[Piratecat]

I find a lot of folks who aren't gamers simply don't like the fantasy genre. In these cases, I recommend Feng Shui for their very first game. Simple mechanics, high action, high fun. Usually leaves them interested in learning more.

For an actual starter game that is ongoing, I'm more inclined towards Spycraft or an interesting game of d20 modern. These make good "gateway" games towards the more fantastic genres such as D&D. Everyone has seen James Bond and action movies; pattern the game after these, use common sense, and they become relatively easy to run and assimilate.

 

[Chauzu]

Well, if they like fantasy then I'd suggest Basic D&D.

 

[MerricB]

Are those games good for a complete novice DM, Piratecat?

This is someone who's going to have no help at all, and has to teach themself DMing from the book.

(Incidentally, PKitty, it might be worth your while to wander across to Dragonsfoot and see what happened to my poor avatar there...)

Well, if they like fantasy then I'd suggest Basic D&D.

I don't disagree... but I would like to limit this discussion to games readily available today.

Cheers!

 

[John Smallberries]

PHB, DMG & MM, in about 4 months.

3e D&D: easy to learn, fun to play, and doesn't give the DM so much power that he ruins the game before you have a chance to enjoy it.

 

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Try the 3e Dungeons and Dragons adventure game, it's only 10.00 and has everything you need to get your foot in the door.

Alternately if they're older and want something more advanced, go for regular D&D, they can get by with just the PHB for a good streach with a little advice.

The Spycraft/d20 modern idea is also very good for older players.

 

[Chauzu]

I don't disagree... but I would like to limit this discussion to games readily available today.

Cheers!

Well, maybe Hackmaster. I've never played it before, but I've heard that it is similar to Basic D&D.

 

[MerricB]

Hackmaster is not even close to Basic D&D.


Cheers!