Non-fantasy RPG suggestions?

[not-so-newguy]

I’m struggling to properly phrase this, so bear with me here.

At some point I’d like to run a one shot game (3-5 sessions) using an RPG that does not have any fantasy elements, including future tech (e.g. laser guns and warp drives). The premise behind Twilight 2000 4E would fit my needs perfectly, but it seems too complex for me and the rest of our group, especially for a one shot.

Some context: We’re playing 5e Curse of Strahd right now and having a lot of fun with it. We’ve been playing for about 9 months, and I expect that we’ll finish within another 9 months. After we’re finished, I’d like to run something without magic or future tech as a sort of “palate cleanser.”

Any suggestions?

 

[Jd Smith1]

T2k4E isn't complex at all, but the rules are badly laid out.

I would suggest War Stories:

War Stories

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firelockgames.com

 

[John Dallman]

Along the same lines, but less costly: Operation White Box.

 

[aramis erak]

I’m struggling to properly phrase this, so bear with me here.

At some point I’d like to run a one shot game (3-5 sessions) using an RPG that does not have any fantasy elements, including future tech (e.g. laser guns and warp drives). The premise behind Twilight 2000 4E would fit my needs perfectly, but it seems too complex for me and the rest of our group, especially for a one shot.

snip

Any suggestions?

Twilight 2000 4e is actually pretty straightforward; I found it perfectly cromulent. If you are looking for that setting, 4e is the simplest mechanics.
2e (available in PDF) and 2.2(also in PDF) are a more traditional mechanic.
4e is (att die)+(skill die) count successes on 6+ (all sizes) and 10+ (second success on d10 and d12).
2.0 is 1d10 ≤ skill × difficulty. Difficulty is ×2, ×1, or × ½.
2.2 is 1d20 ≤ (Skill + Attribute) × difficulty; difficulty is ×4, ×2, ×1, ×½, ×¼...

GURPS can be used for a realistic moderns setting easily, but not everyone can stomach it.
Ibid Hero System, Fate, CORPS, d6 Adventure

 

[The Soloist]

A Savage Worlds modern spec-ops mission would be easy to run.

 

[thullgrim]

You might try something like the GURPS Action! line. It’s designed to emulate 80’s action movies.

Core GURPS would also work just fine for this.

 

[Theory of Games]

You could do what you want with d20Modern and the system is similar to 5e. OR, you could run with Everyday Heroes, a reboot of d20Modern using the 5e system.

 

[Reynard]

Savage Worlds can do "mundane" easily, but does require the right mix of campaign rules to get away from its inherent action adventure tone if that's not what you are after. What sort of tone are you aiming for?

 

[The Soloist]

If you are looking for cinematic modern adventure or pulp adventure, Outgunned and Outgunned Adventures are fun and easy to grasp.

 

[not-so-newguy]

Twilight 2000 4e is actually pretty straightforward; I found it perfectly cromulent. If you are looking for that setting, 4e is the simplest mechanics.

T2k4E isn't complex at all, but the rules are badly laid out.

Are there free basic rules somewhere? I couldn't find any with a search.
I may have gotten the wrong impression with this game.

Thanks for all the different recommendations, folks.