What RPG systems do you like?

[Shalewind]

d20 and D&D are great systems. Recently I've been looking around at other spin offs or just plain stand alone RPG systems. (My personal goal has been looking for other systems which give a little less "pulp" feel than standard D&D). I've seen Harn and YAGS (http://www.bifrost.demon.co.uk/games/yags/). And I was curious as to what favorite RPG systems and spinoffs the community has. So, query in an state your mind. Homemade systems are fine too. What other high quality systems do you like and why?

 

[diaglo]

Original D&D(1974) is the only true game. All the other editions are just poor imitations of the real thing.

but i've heard good things about Savage Worlds.


also try other Original works from T$R. Gamma World....Metamorphasis ALpha, Boot Hill, Top Secret

and Car Wars, Star Fleet Battles, Bushido

Talisman

there are many, many games out there. what are your favorite genres?

 

[heirodule]

Everway

The other Jonathan Tweet RPG from WOTC

 

[Shalewind]

Everway

The other Jonathan Tweet RPG from WOTC

I've actually played that one. Damn nifty game.

 

[Viktyr Gehrig]

d20 Modern is the absolute top of the pile for d20 systems. (And before the smartasses start in, that's high praise from me.) It avoids most of the weaknesses of class-based systems while playing well to their strengths and allows a staggering amount of customization for your character. It also does a good job of allowing for high action, pulpy games while making sure high-level PCs are still nervous about incoming fire.

You can also use it for non-modern games with a minimum of customization. I'm currently using it for Star*Drive, in lieu of an official S*D campaign setting designed to work with d20 Future.

Other than that, most systems don't impress me much... but a game with a good premise and a decent system, I will often play in the original system to maintain its flavor. Adventure! is a good example. Shadowrun is a great game with a terrible system, but I play it anyway because d20 conversion seems wrong.

 

[VorpalBunny]

I'm doing a lot with Decipher's CODA system lately. It's sufficiently "d20ish" so that the learning curve isn't too steep, but it features a merit/flaw and skill based combat system that I really like.

Shadowrun's d6 system has its share of detractors, but I think it suits the game well. The magic system is one of the best IMO.

1st edition Gamma World has its issues, but I've always had fun with it.

 

[HiLiphNY]

I love the HERO system, especially with all of its new forms: Space HERO etc. That said, Champions remains my favourite usage of the system . . .

 

[kengar]

but i've heard good things about Savage Worlds.

I am a big fan of Savage Worlds but if you are looking for a non-pulpy game, it may not be your best bet. Of course, that also depends upon your definition of a "pulp" game.

Savage Worlds is about streamlined play. Combats are a blast and run quickly and with more detail & flexibility than most other systems (d20 included). If by "Pulp" you mean you don't want cinematic action, then SW is not a good match. If you're referring to the pulp genre (1930's, etc.) then SW can be played to almost genre you like (heroic fantasy, sci-fi, etc.).

 

[francisca]

Count me in as another fan of 1E Gamma World. It's just plain fun.

Other than that I don't have much experience outside of Basic/Expert, 1E, and 3E D&D. Dabbled in Gurps, went back to D&D due to lack of a group. Looked at Rolemaster and all the tables, put the book right back down, though I am sure it is a great game when played with a seasoned group.

I'd like to give Harn a shot. Not much interest/time for much else. D&D in it's various incarnations have been more than adequate for me.

 

[NeuroZombie]

I really like the Fuzion system, which is a hybrid of R. Talsorian's (Cyberpunk) house system and the HERO system. It is a generic rpg that works really well and has the strengths of HERO (point based, universal, etc...) but is not quite as dense as HERO can be. It is also totally free and has so many plug-ins (magic, psionics, space combat, etc..) that it can be used as the basis for just about anything you want. The following line is to one of the best fan sites on the net, and it has links to the core rules (v. 5.02 currently) and all of the other good fansites as well for additional plug-ins:

http://www.mecha.com/~conkle/fuzion/