Stars without numbers vs. terminal space vs. x-plorers

[kenmeister]

Can someone break down the differences between these 3 versions of OD&D in space? (and specify if there are any other similar games)

[Koren n'Rhys]

I'll give it a shot since no one else has...

Terminal Space is, IMO, a very "rough" system, written to be totally compatible with the LBBs. So, that is your true OD&D supplement SciFi option.

X-plorers is based off of S&W WhiteBox. Single saving throw, unified XP table, simplified skill system based on a d20 roll, against a target number that improves as you level (as opposed to a d20 roll with a bonus against variable DCs or some such modernish system). There's not a lot of support for it out there, but I like it the best of the lot. Simple and quick to use.

Stars Without Number is the heaviest of the lot and hews closest to B/X. IT has a pretty detailed skill system tacked on, which is the thing I dislike the most about it. That said, Sine Nomine has published a lot of supplements and extra material for it. Certainly the most professional product of the bunch.

If you're looking for the most robust game as far as rules as written, lots of options and support, then SWN is your game. If you want a loose, quick to play game and love S&W already, then use X-plorers. If you're a proper LBB OD&D guy, then Terminal Space it is.

All are free (or have free versions at least) so download them all and see for yourself.

[Falconer]

There are two others:

Humanspace Empires
Starships & Spacemen

The latter is my favorite of the five, because it’s pretty solidly Star Trek inspired, which means I know what I’m getting into (i.e., something I already like). Whereas with the other four, the author’s influences may or may not align with mine. It’s also meatier than most of the others — it’s still OD&D in space, so mechanically lite, but it has more tools and resources in the rulebook for sustaining long campaigns.

X-Plorers, Terminal Space, and Humanspace Empires are all pretty bare-bones, IMO — great for a one-shot, but there’s not enough support to sustain a campaign. Terminal Space stands out as an actual OD&D supplement rather than a D&D-like game. Humanspace Empires is inspired by Tekumel.

Stars Without Number is pretty popular, but I don’t find it particularly appealing.

[EdOWar]

As Falconer mentions, Terminal Space literally transitions OD&D into space. Magic-users side-by-side with scientists; clerics with laser rifles riding around space ships, fighting Beholders on barren moons. I found it works well enough with Swords & Wizardry Whitebox, if you don't have OD&D.

X-Plorers is a great, pulpy rules-light sci-fi system. As others have mentioned, it bears many similarities with Swords & Wizardry. But it isn't based on hard science, so you don't have to worry about calculating spaceship mass, or figuring out a particular planet's gravity or atmosphere type (unlike, say, Traveller).

I believe the new version of Starships & Spacemen is based on Labyrinth Lord, so it should be compatible with that game, as well as Mutant Future, if you're looking to go in a gonzo science-fantasy direction.

[Koren n'Rhys]

Hmm. Don't know anything about Humanspace Empires - will have to check that one out.

S&S is a strong choice if you want the Star Trek vibe, for sure. Totally ST:TOS with the serial numbers filed off. I'd point out that it's LL and MF compatible, yes, it is NOT an OGL product.

Another contender, due to be released on Monday (May the Fourth) is White Star, from James Spahn. Fully S&W WhiteBox compatible Star Wars.

[kenmeister]

Thanks guys this was VERY helpful.

[tetramorph]

Hey, helpful folks:

How do these various games line-up with sci-fi genres?

Star-wars-like
Star-trek-like
Other

I really want something that feels RETRO, like I am gaming in a 1930's Buck Rogers / Flash Gordon / Tom Swift movie serial world. Like what those guys on Star Trek Voyager used to play in the hologram room. Big robots that say "Danger, Will Robinson," and disintegrator guns and hover crafts and jet packs and T.A.S.A.R.s and mad-scientists with rubbery high-collored capes and rocket-ships and radar-men and little-green-men-from-mars and hot-wired radio units and flying saucers and PU-38 Space Modulators and, well just crazy old-school space gonzo!

[derv]

Jun 10, 2015 14:29:47 GMT -6 tetramorph said:

I really want something that feels RETRO, like I am gaming in a 1930's Buck Rogers / Flash Gordon / Tom Swift movie serial world.

I can not speak for the other games, but I've always liked Xplorers for it's simple and easily modded rules. It definately conveys retro to me.

I've written a little on it in the Xplorers subforum if you're interested.

Also, JB has been sharing his Star Wars mods for Xplorers over at his blog- Kloane Knight Wars

[idrahil]

Awesome info for that Star Wars mod for Xplorers. I also agree that Xplorers is the way to go for that brand of old school sci-fi.

[Koren n'Rhys]

"KWN" as JB abbreviates it for some reason has been a great read, and I've enjoyed it a lot. I have no idea why Xplorers didn't (and still doesn't) generate more buzz. Just bad timing I suppose. Fortunately, it's all nicely cross-compatible with fantasy WB and the slew of White Star products people are producing right now.