[ExI] Transhumanist/sf themed tabletop games

Fri Feb 27 03:34:10 UTC 2015

I'm a tabletop RPG nerd - definitely picking up Posthuman Pathways.

Keith Veronese, Ph.D.
veronesepk at gmail.com
205.907.3602
keithveronese.com

On Thu, Feb 26, 2015 at 7:14 PM, John Grigg <possiblepaths2050 at gmail.com>
wrote:

> I was perusing the Noble Knight Games website, and came across this
> innovative new transhumanist themed rpg....  I would love to play this with
> Anders, Max and Spike, as well as many other people on this list!  :  )
>
>
> http://www.nobleknight.com/ProductDetail.asp_Q_ProductID_E_2147556616_A_InventoryID_E_2148134053_A_ProductLineID_E_2137431177_A_ManufacturerID_E_2145087099_A_CategoryID_E_12_A_GenreID_E_
>
>
>
> "Posthuman Pathways is a one-shot roleplaying game that focusses exploring
> what individuals are willing to sacrifice in the name of progress. It
> explores the themes of transhumanism, seen through the eyes of the player
> characters during their lifetimes. During play, you explore how the world
> is transforming and what impacts that has on the people within it. You can
> play this game multiple times to explore different potential futures. This
> game is both diceless and GM-less, designed for three people to play over a
> single 3-4 hour session."
>
>
>
> I think of Eclipse Phase as one of the two best truly transhumanist rpg's
> out there...  Though a friend thinks it is "too much fantasy, and not
> hardcore sf to the extent of Transhuman Space..."
>
>
> "Eclipse Phase is a post-apocalyptic game of conspiracy and horror.
> Humanity is enhanced and improved, but also battered and bitterly divided.
> Technology allows the re-shaping of bodies and minds, but they also create
> opportunities for oppression and put the capabilities for mass destruction
> in the hands of everyone. And other threats lurk in the devastated habitats
> of the Fall, dangers both familiar and alien.
>
> In this harsh setting, the players participate in a cross-faction
> conspiracy that seeks to protect transhumanity from threats both internal
> and external. Along the way, they may find themselves hunting for prized
> technology in a gutted habitat falling from orbit, risking the hellish
> landscapes of a ruined Earth, or following the trail of a terrorist through
> militarized stations and isolationist habitats. Or they may find themselves
> stepping through a Pandora Gate, a wormhole to distant stars and the alien
> secrets beyond…"
>
>
>
> <http://www.nobleknight.com/ViewProducts.asp_Q_ProductLineID_E_2137424581_A_ManufacturerID_E_2145085760_A_CategoryID_E_12_A_GenreID_E_>
>
>
> http://www.nobleknight.com/ViewProducts.asp_Q_ProductLineID_E_2137424581_A_ManufacturerID_E_2145085760_A_CategoryID_E_12_A_GenreID_E_
>
> The first Lawnmower Man film is one of my all-time favorite movies!  I
> think it is superior to Transcendence and Lucy...  I had no idea a rpg had
> been based on it...
>
>
>
> http://www.nobleknight.com/ProductDetail.asp_Q_ProductID_E_-1672160027_A_InventoryID_E_2147661866_A_ProductLineID_E_2137419113_A_ManufacturerID_E_89_A_CategoryID_E_12_A_GenreID_E_
>
> Mindjammer is an updated take on space opera, and won an Ennie game
> designer's award!
>
> "Grab your blaster, thoughtcast your orders to the starship sentience, and
> fire up the planning engines - come and Defend the light of humanity's
> greatest civilization as it spreads to the stars! The ENnie Award-winning
> transhuman science-fiction RPG setting returns, in a new edition updated
> and massively expanded for the Fate Core rules. Mindjammer is an
> action-packed tabletop roleplaying game about heroic adventurers in the
> galaxy of the far future, filled with virtual realities, sentient
> starships, realistic aliens, and mysterious worlds. Using the popular and
> award-winning Fate Core rules, Mindjammer lets you play hardened mercs,
> cunning traders, steely-nerved pilots, intrigue-filled spies and culture
> agents, aliens, divergent hominids, artificial life forms, and even
> sentient starships. It's a standalone game with everything you need to
> play, including innovative new rules for alien life, planets, and star
> systems, organizations, culture conflict, hypertech, starmaps, background
> material, virtual realities, techno-psionic powers, and much more. It's the
> Second Age of Space - the transhuman adventure is just beginning!  Made in
> the USA."
>
>
>
> http://www.nobleknight.com/ProductDetail.asp_Q_ProductID_E_2147554972_A_InventoryID_E_2148200841_A_ProductLineID_E_2137431586_A_ManufacturerID_E_2145087094_A_CategoryID_E_12_A_GenreID_E_
>
> My favorite transhumanist themed rpg, Transhuman Space...  :  )  I've read
> that David L. Pulver, it's creator, has been having financial struggles...
> I suppose Steve Jackson is the exception to the rule, about game designers
> living lives of poverty.
>
>
> "It's the year 2100. Humans have colonized the solar system. China and
> America struggle for control of Mars. The Royal Navy patrols the asteroid
> belt. Nanotechnology has transformed life on Earth forever, and
> gene-enhanced humans share the world with artificial intelligences and
> robotic cybershells. Our solar system has become a setting as exciting and
> alien as any interstellar empire. Pirate spaceships hijacking black holes .
> . . sentient computers and artificial "bioroids" demanding human rights . .
> . nanotechnology and mind control . . . Transhuman Space is cutting-edge
> science fiction adventure that begins where cyberpunk ends.
>
> This new Powered by GURPS line was created by David L. Pulver and
> illustrated by Christopher Shy. The core book, Transhuman Space, opens with
> close to a hundred pages of world and background material. The hardback
> edition includes a customized GURPS Lite - no other books are required to
> use it, although the GURPS Basic Set and Compendium I are recommended for
> GMs."
>
>
> http://www.nobleknight.com/productdetailsearch.asp_Q_ProductID_E_16512_A_InventoryID_E_0
>
> I am fascinated by post-apocalyptic settings, and this is one which
> reminds me of Poul Anderson's classic sf novel, Brainwave....
>
>
> "Mankind has changed. Between the Mutts, Roms, Rippers, and Rejects,
> humanity is but a shadow of its former glory, especially now that the
> animals have developed sentience. Prepare yourself for the new face of the
> apocalypse.
>
> This expanded game compiles the EarthAD.2 core book, companion Enhancement
> Pack, and submarine pack"
>
>
>
> Another post-apocalyptic rpg, with this one involving deadly asteroid
> strikes...  It has overtones of David Gerrold's "War Against the Chthorr"
> series...
>
>
> "Degenesis is the story of mankind’s struggle in the wake of Earth’s
> greatest catastrophe: a rain of massive asteroids. Europe and Africa have
> been cut off from the other continents and battle against each other for
> control of the known world. In Europe, the people are finally emerging from
> a dark age that spanned half a millennium, whereas Africa has become
> complacent and corrupt after centuries of wealth and splendor. Meanwhile, a
> new threat to mankind has emerged. With the asteroids came a new and
> sinister life form which poisoned the earth and its creatures."
>
>
>
> http://www.nobleknight.com/ProductDetail.asp_Q_ProductID_E_2147477659_A_InventoryID_E_0_A_ProductLineID_E_2137426308_A_ManufacturerID_E_2145085760_A_CategoryID_E_12_A_GenreID_E_
>
> This science fantasy rpg came out in 1981, during the Star Wars craze, and
> was truly crazy fun and over the top, with game mechanisms where were ahead
> of it's time...  I have lost my copy of the game and for the last three
> years have been on various waiting lists, in an attempt to get a copy.  If
> I had the money to burn, I would hire a creative team to write and publish
> the expansion modules that were never made, but discussed in the basic set
> manual.  Of the two rpg creators, one has died, but the other is still
> living.
>
>
> "THE FIRST STEP in your journey to the outer limits of your imagination!
> This introductory module fuses the worlds of science and fantasy to form a
> space/fantasy role playing game which is easily learned by beginners, and
> gives the experience gamer future worlds rich in technology, equipment, and
> danger.
>
> STAR ROVERS is a game system of interlocking modules which allow you to
> create whole universes to explore, and supplies you with everything
> necessary to generate realistic and well-rounded player characters. It is
> also an ideal sourcebook for ANY space role playing adventures. Complete
> rules allow you to quickly create deadly firefights, narrow escapes, and
> bizarre encounters in all conceivable times and places among the stars.
>
> MODULE ONE CONTAINS over 130 pages of fully illustrated,
> easily-referred-to rules, Starship Floorplans, Quick Reference Sheets, 5
> Dice, a Mapboard of Moondog Maude's Cantina, Encounter Charts, a Time Line
> Chart of all ages and technologies, and everything you need to create whole
> star systems and explore them. Journey with STAR ROVERS into the future and
> learn the incredible secrets that await you!"
>
>
> http://www.nobleknight.com/ProductDetail.asp_Q_ProductID_E_2147360622_A_InventoryID_E_0_A_ProductLineID_E_2137420019_A_ManufacturerID_E_1952643922_A_CategoryID_E_16_A_GenreID_E_
>
> This could perhaps be viewed as not a transhuman, but posthuman, rpg...  A
> particular quote by Arthur C. Clarke comes to mind!
>
>
> "Solipsist is a diceless role-playing game for 2 or more players.
> Stylishly presented with a luscious green cover it features the artwork of
> author David Donachie as well as Gregor Hutton (Best Friends), Kurt Taylor
> and Frieda Van Raevels.
>
> Solipsists are people who think so strongly and individually, that they
> can literally change reality, teasing out the fabric of the consensus and
> changing it.
>
> In this game you and your friends play a group of balanced Solipsists,
> struggling to fulfil your grandiose dreams, retain your desperate grip on
> reality, and fight the un-making of the Shadows before they can end the
> world for good."
>
>
> *“Imagine that someone offered you a door to an alternative world in which
> everything you ever dreamed of was fact. Would you go?”*
>
>
> http://www.nobleknight.com/ProductDetail.asp_Q_ProductID_E_2147382681_A_InventoryID_E_0_A_ProductLineID_E_2137423016_A_ManufacturerID_E_2145084493_A_CategoryID_E_12_A_GenreID_E_
>
> Now for the ultimate horror scenario rpg, life as a highschool student!
>
> *"Alma Mater* is a role-playing game in which players may choose to be a
> Jock, Cheerleader, Tough, Brain, Criminal, Average, or Loser. Their
> challenge is to successfully live as a teenager through four years of
> modern-day American high school. The game rules cover nearly every aspect
> of teenage life, including sports, social situations, fights, and hot rods.
>
> In *Alma Mater*, you can act out your wildest fantasies and do anything
> that you would normally consider exceptionally foolish, suicidal, or
> down-right crazy."
>
> /ProductDetail.asp_Q_ProductID_E_1978502872_A_InventoryID_E_2148174735
> _A_ProductLineID_E_362270611_A_ManufacturerID_E_-1109488870_A_CategoryID_E_12_A_GenreID_E_
>
> Sexy alien rock musicians come to Earth to help us chill out and learn to
> really love life!  If rpg's had been around during the sixties, and
> embraced by hippies, this would have probably been very popular...
>
>
>
>  "In 2073¸ the alien Starchildren arrived on Earth¸ following lifetimes
> of rocking among the stars. Expecting to find a musical utopia here on
> Rock's home planet¸ they instead land upon a quiet¸ fearful world¸ where
> music has become a controlled substance and free speech is a thing of the
> past. Undaunted¸ the Starchildren secretly walk among the Resistance¸
> sowing the seeds of the rebellion to come! Starchildren: Velvet Generation
> provides a breakneck Rock & Roll setting and a fast¸ innovative card-based
> system. With full rules for live performances¸ strange alien abilities¸ and
> the occasional ballroom blitz¸ this lavishly illustrated hardcover rulebook
> contains everything players need to save the world - one Rock concert at a
> time!"
>
>
>
>
> http://www.nobleknight.com/ViewProducts.asp_Q_ProductLineID_E_893438896_A_ManufacturerID_E_-525001013_A_CategoryID_E_12_A_GenreID_E_
>
> A fun non-fiction work about the gamer subculture, and who inhabits it....
>
>
> "The funniest gaming book of the year!
>
> When Jonny Nexus (The Jonny Nexus Experience and Game Night) and James
> Desborough (The Munchkin's Guide to Power Gaming) come together to cast an
> irreverant eye on gamers, expect weirdness and much hilarity!
>
> "Sex, Dice and Gamer Chicks" casts an introspective and irreverent eye
> onto gamers themselves. Just what drives a rules lawyer? What are the
> secrets to fame, success and riches as an all-star games designer? Are
> female gamers weird?
>
> These questions and many others are ignored as Sex, Dice and Gamer Chicks
> tweaks and teases apart the very fabric of gaming and those who call
> themselves gamers. Written by James Desborough and Jonny Nexus, both
> World-class Gaming Personalities themselves, Sex, Dice and Gamer Chicks
> will have you in stitches from beginning to end!
>
> Essential reading for gamers, gamer spouses, gamer family members and
> gamer widows provided they have a sense of humor."
>
>
> http://www.nobleknight.com/ProductDetail.asp_Q_ProductID_E_2147432494_A_InventoryID_E_0_A_ProductLineID_E_2137424277_A_ManufacturerID_E_617212936_A_CategoryID_E_12_A_GenreID_E_
>
> This is actually a fantasy boardgame, based on my beloved John Carter of
> Mars novel series, by Edgar Rice Burroughs.  I remember lovingly looking it
> over when I was around twelve, and eventually I plan on buying it.  It can
> be played solitaire!
>
> "This game simulates the legendary world of Edgar Rice Burroughs, Barsoom.
> Players are involved in Barsoomian epics in the role of one hero or one of
> his companions, and strive to perform as nobly as those heroes of the past.
> There are evil villains to be met, Martian wildlife to be tamed, great
> treasures unique to Barsoom to be gained and lovely lasses to be wooed and
> won.
>
> Players do not strive for victory points, but for greater glory, high
> romance and their attendant acclaim."
>
>
> http://www.nobleknight.com/ProductDetail.asp_Q_ProductID_E_15273_A_InventoryID_E_2148092625_A_ProductLineID_E_2137430485_A_ManufacturerID_E_37_A_CategoryID_E_12_A_GenreID_E_
>
>
>
>
> This is the mother of all super-detailed science fiction galactic empire
> wargames!  A game can sometimes take up to around 12 hours...
>
> "Twilight Imperium continues to be the board game that all other science
> fiction games are measured against. A big box Fantasy Flight game, Twilight
> Imperium can last a staggering 11 hours, but players will be enthralled
> throughout the game. You’ll take control of an alien race with their own
> special abilities, technologies and ships and must trade, negotiate,
> develop and battle your way to galactic dominance."
>
>
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twilight_Imperium
>
>  A major award winner…
>
> "Eclipse is the latest hot 4x (explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate)
> science fiction board game. It has a streamlined, almost Euro-game-style
> approach to the 4x genre that focuses on the explore, expand and
> exterminate aspects of the genre. Great designs and graphics keep Eclipse
> streamlined and fast, keeping everyone involved through the entire game."
>
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eclipse_%28board_game%29
>
> The decades popular classic....
>
>
> "Cosmic Encounter has been reprinted multiple times since its initial
> release, with various publishers editing the game slightly. Through the
> years, the highly popular core mechanics of racial abilities and a simple
> combat system has stayed the same. Cosmic Encounter is a fast, highly
> interactive game that provides players with few, but significant, decisions
> as it plays out."
>
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmic_Encounter
>
> I hope I am not the only one who has enjoyed this walk down memory lane.
> I look forward to any replies about these games, and those not on my
> list...
>
>
> One day we should have an Extropy List Gaming Con!  Lol....
>
>
>  John  :  )
>
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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>
>
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