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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Azgulor" data-source="post: 5085468" data-attributes="member: 14291">I recently introduced my son to RPGs with the Pathfinder RPG to great success.  While that is proceeding quite well, I still get an itch to work on sci-fi RPG campaigns.  The last one I ran used GURPS 3e and converted to 4e when it was released.I also recently picked up the True20 Revised book based upon recommendations on this board and the Reign of Discordia setting.  While both appear to be a good read, I’m looking for input on using True20 for sci-fi specifically.My initial inclination is that True20 would be a shorter learning curve for my son since it’s an OGL game.  However, there’s a good bit of detail & variation that I like in my sci-fi and based on early discussions, my son seems to lean towards details/options as well.I know the strengths and weaknesses of GURPS – rich character detail and consistent mechanics that flow pretty quickly once you learn them.  The Detail dial can be turned from cinematic to simulationist as desired.  The downside: it can be a significant time investment for a GM (if you let it be – and I find myself reflexively doing so at times).True20 is more of an unknown for me.  I can kit-bash d20 Modern/Future and while it’s workable I find it as GM-intensive or moreso than GURPS, primarily b/c I’m blending various 3rd-party publisher support products into the d20 whole.True20 seems like it would be easier, however, I’m not certain it can emulate everything I’d wish to be able to do.Can True20 (either core or via a supplement) handle the following:Called shots.  i.e., Targeting the Death Star exhaust port, a sniper going for the headshot, targeting the weak spot in the alien’s armor, etc.Differentiated technology.  Can you customize gear, armor, and weapons or is a pistol a pistol, a rifle is a rifle, etc.  Can I see a meaningful difference between gear from different tech stages (e.g. sword vs. vibroblade vs. lightsaber; alien tech vs. human tech)?Alien creation.  Can I readily duplicate aliens from Star Wars, Halo, Mass Effect, etc.  Or are the differences effectively window dressing with an occasional modifier to a stat/ability?Space combat.  Can I do a scene from Star Wars or Battlestar Galactica if I wish to do so?Vehicle chases.Finally, if the core rulebook won’t address such items, which supplements contain the info I’m seeking?</blockquote>

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