WOTC D20 Modern vs AEG Spycraft

[JacktheRabbit]

I know the two systems are slightly different in focus but I am interested in hearing what people think of the two when comparing them.

Which is stronger in what areas and which is weaker and why.

Also what about other similar modern era items like say D20 CoC. How does this product stack up?

Finally are there any other products out there that also cover the modern era?

I plan on purchasing D20 Stargate SG-1 when it comes out and I am curious what other products will segway with it well to create my own little campaign world.

(Btw I know AEG is putting out Stargate SG-1 based on the AEG Spycraft design.)

 

[JacktheRabbit]

As a further aside which would you recommend if I only bought one of the following:

AEG Modern Arms Guide

Green Ronin Ultramodern Firearms

 

[dpmcalister]

Both (d20 Modern and Spycraft) are good at what they aim to do. Personally I prefer Spycraft over d20 Modern, but then, I'm a big espionage fan (although Spycraft can do more than that but that's a different discussion).

As for Modern Arms Guide v Ultramodern Firearms, I'd go with the one that fits your final choice of system (MAG for Spycraft, UMF for d20 Modern). Both are, again, good for their respective systems.

Doesn't help much does it?

 

[Wraith Form]

Doesn't help much does it?

That's the dual-edged sword about having so much CHOICE: it's wonderful (very refreshing, actually) to have all these options...but when it comes down to it, sometimes we need a nudge to help guide us in the "right" direction. "Which book/system/genre/etc. is going to work for me and my particular style of game?" Is d20 Modern the "ultimate solution"? No, of course not. Spycraft has many strengths, but it also has inherent weaknesses, too, that may not help you with your particular game. Arguments could be make for both products--it all rests on the type/style/mood/feel of the game YOU wanna run!

Ahhhh, choices, choices......

 

[Crothian]

As a further aside which would you recommend if I only bought one of the following:

AEG Modern Arms Guide

Green Ronin Ultramodern Firearms

I perfer Ultramodern Firearms.

 

[Morpheus]

Spycraft has a more 'cinematic' realism to it and d20 Modern is modern-day D&D with trolls, gnolls and magic. I prefer Spycraft because it is easier to get a "Suspension of Disbelief".

 

[Ranger REG]

AFAIC, d20 Modern doesn't force you to accept supernatural elements like trolls, ogres, magic, etc. You can ignore them, which is why they're presented in later chapters of the core rulebook.

Similarly, Spycraft could have done the same by offering a chapter about their official setting, Shadowforce Archer, with Physical Adept, Mentalist, Telepath, and Mystic classes and their campaign-specific rules.

 

[Dismas]

.. d20 Modern is modern-day D&D with trolls, gnolls and magic. I prefer Spycraft because it is easier to get a "Suspension of Disbelief".

No it is not. d20 Modern is a generic toolkit.

Urban Arcana is closer to what you describe and that is only one of the sample campaign settings. What about Genetech, Mecha Crusade, Iron Lords of Jupiter?

 

[Morpheus]

No it is not. d20 Modern is a generic toolkit.

Ah, my mistake. Of course, your opinion must be the correct one because of your use of boldfacing. I've got to get that down so people will start taking me more seriously...

 

[Dismas]

Ah, my mistake. Of course, your opinion must be the correct one because of your use of boldfacing. I've got to get that down so people will start taking me more seriously...

Sorry, I was in grumpy mode (must stop posting before 1st cup of coffee)

I still stand by what I said though, d20 Modern is not modern-day D&D with trolls, gnolls and magic. It can be if you want to play it like that, but the main rule book makes no assumptions to the type of game you are going to be playing. All of the fantasy elements are kept at the back at the book (including classes), along with the samples campaigns. I agree that the sample campaigns presented in the do not do much to dispell the myth. Personally I would have prefered if they had merged Shadow Chasers and Urbana Arcana into one, and then added in Genetech (The Dark Angel themed setting) into the main rules.

Both Spycraft and d20 Modern set out to the same sort of thing, provide a set of rules for use in the modern day. Spycraft created a set of rules on the back of a strong theme, d20 Modern did not. As result Spycraft is seen primarilly as a Spy game and d20 Modern is seen as DnD Modern, when the truth is that both are strong rulesets for any modern setting.

I own Spycraft and d20 Modern and I enjoy playing them equally whether it is a Sneakers inspired d20 Modern or Shadowrunesque Spycraft.