What is the D&D of Science Fiction RPGs...

[Eben]

I have to agree that Traveller would be in a similar "saurian" categorie as D&D. But the D&D of science fiction? That would be suggesting similarities between these games that imho don't exist.

 

[Ranes]

In terms of longevity and flexibility, Traveller is the best SFRPG, IMO (although that may not be the question you're asking). Star Frontiers was for Battlestar Galactica chumps (sorry fans), Space Master was Role Master with tech (in other words, fine if you liked RM), Space Opera (Fantasy Games Unlimited) was pure pulp (qv Star Frontiers), Shadowrun was science fantasy as opposed to SF (nicely done though). I can't speak about Alternity; I know too little about it. Ditto Dragonstar. There are (or were), of course, Star Trek and and Star Wars RPGs. Their titles speak for themselves.

Oh... Chaosium's Ringworld. Great game based on Larry Niven's Known Space mythos. It was supported by a single supplement, The Ringworld Companion. Sadly, it was as short lived as the exotic debris from an atom-smash.

If you'll excuse me, I'm going to fondly remember Skyrealms of Jorune for a while.

 

[Desdichado]

There is no D&D of Sci-fi. Only one game has D&D's longevity, but it doesn't have D&D's fan base or consistency over the years, and that's Traveller. Although lots of folks play it still (I presume) it's often been out of print, gone through controversial setting upheavals, been bandied about through various owners, and faced competition that actually outsold it many times.

 

[Tsyr]

My two favorites are Fading Suns (Awsome setting, the rules are so-so... I actualy prefer the D20 version, but I started on the original), and the old WEG D6 Star Wars... A much-hated system, but personaly I find it does Star Wars soooooooo much better than D20.

 

[Cedric]

For actual Science Fiction...my favorite would be Space Master...based on the RoleMaster rules. If you really want to get into the nitty gritty of Science Fiction, that's the system.

After that...I would choose Champions, cause Champions can be adapted to any time, setting or power level.

Then my last choice, also filling the most unique category, would be Fading Suns.

Cedric

 

[Horacio]

Traveller is one of my favorite RPGs. I began with it by 1989 and I've loved it since then. And the new T20 (Traveller d20) is simply superb, with all the old Traveller feeling and good mechanisms.

Fading Suns is a wonderful game in a wonderful setting. I liked the d20 version, but most people disliked it. But to me it's Space Fantasy, not Sci Fi. Almost as Dragonstar (wonderful setting!!!).

The WEG Star Wars was a classic. Even if the buckets of d6 needed made it a bit clumsy sometimes (but it developed mental calculation abilities, all those sums). The new Star Wars d20 is ok, really, but I'm a bit nostalgic.

 

[smetzger]

Traveller

 

[Henry]

Longevity? Traveller. It's gone through about as many changes (moreso) than D&D has, though not as popular.

However, there really isn't one game that stands out as "KING OF SCI-FI" like D&D does for fantasy. Plus, I really don't categorize Star Wars as Science Fiction - more like science fantasy, because the first movie itself was a direct analog of an earlier asian film (Forbidden Tower?)

 

[Ranger REG]

Dragonstar is Science Fantasy not science fiction. There is a difference ya know...

Sorry, but I have a broad view of sci-fi. Dragonstar fit just as nicely as Star Wars in that genre category. The poster did asked what is the D&D of sci-fi, so what is more appropriate than Dragonstar?

Okay, so I took it as a literal interpretation.

 

[Mistwell]

Plus, I really don't categorize Star Wars as Science Fiction - more like science fantasy, because the first movie itself was a direct analog of an earlier asian film (Forbidden Tower?)

You are not really trying to claim Lucas watched Forbidden Tower and copied the ideas in there, are you?