On the Radar: SF RPGs (2 Science Fiction, 1 Speculative Fiction)

Here are a trio of RPGs that are currently of interest to me -- two of them are science fiction (one harder science than the other), and one falls into the broader genre of speculative fiction.

The Expanse RPG (Quickstart)

The full RPG for The Expanse isn't out yet, but you can avail of this quickstart to try out the AGE system as applied to this setting. For those who haven't really tried out any of the seasons of The Expanse, nor read the books that the TV show is based on, you may wish to hop online to get a briefing (but beware spoilers).

Here's the product blurb:

Don't Wait For A Countdown. Launch Right Into the Action.
We've got the crew assembled and ready. Strap into your ship and go full-burn toward adventure across the Solar System. The Expanse Roleplaying Game uses the AGE system to explore the science fiction universe created by James S. A. Corey. 

The Expanse RPG Quickstart includes everything you and your friends need to play your first game except some six-sided dice and pencils: condensed rules to help you learn how to play, six pre-generated characters ready for action, and Cupbearer—a complete adventure that sends the crew on a job aboard Ganymede Station.

I myself am curious about how they handle explaining to folks who may not be as versed in hard science fiction (or, indeed, real-world physics) how deadly adventuring in space really is. I'll be downloading this shortly.

Star Trek Adventures: Science Division Supplement

I've been waiting for this one to come out before I pick up all the division supplements and review them. And is that a Kzin on the cover? Hope so -- it would be interesting to see a crew with Klingons and Kzinti represented -- especially with a certain short story that was turned into a ST: TOS Animated Series episode involving them. They certainly weren't part of the Federation at the time...

Here's the product blurb:

The Sciences Division supplemental rulebook provides Gamemasters and Players with a wealth of new material for use in Star Trek Adventures for characters in the sciences division. The Sciences Division supplemental rulebook includes: This book requires the Star Trek Adventures core rulebook to use.

Detailed description of the sciences division, covering both the science and medical departments, Starfleet Exploratory Division, Starfleet Science, and Starfleet Medical.

• An expanded list of Talents and Focuses for science and medical characters, as well as new character creation choices for cybernetic and genetic enhancements.
• Guidance on creating truly strange and unique alien species, as well as advice on including spatial anomalies,parallel universes, the Q, and time travel in your adventures.
• A list of medical equipment and pharmaceuticals, and rules for their inclusion in Star Trek Adventures.
• Advice on creating plot components that focus on their scientific and medical Player Characters, as well as information on including counselors in a campaign.
• Rules for creating new, truly alien species, introducing hazardous and hostile environments into scenes, and new mechanics for suffering or curing diseases.
• Detailed descriptions and game statistics for a range of Science and Medicine focused NPCs and Supporting Characters, including Carol Marcus, Noonian Soong, and Zephram Cochrane.

The Star Trek Adventures supplementary rulebooks and sourcebooks require the Star Trek Adventures core rulebook in order to play.

TM & © 2019 CBS Studios Inc. © 2019 Paramount Pictures Corp. STAR TREK and related marks and logos are trademarks of CBS Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Over the Edge (3rd Edition)

I never bought the 2nd edition -- all my print materials (which I've hung onto) are 1st edition, and it's thrilling to see how they might've updated the system and the setting for the modern era. A lot has changed -- greater geopolitical awareness, shifts in societal norms, and a greater preponderance of weird fiction in popular media. I'm getting ready to buy this while it's on sale...

Here's the product blurb:

During your stay with us, please remember that Liberty is Job One, Disarmament Means Peace, It’s Polite to Speak English, and, of course, Paranormal Activity is perfectly legal.

Thank you for your consent.

The Edge is the weirdest city in the world. Get into trouble. Question your place in the crazed multiverse. Transcend mortal limits. Join a cult. Fight a baboon. Along the way, you might find out who really controls humanity. Unless, of course, you’ve been working for Them all along.

Over the Edge is the classic RPG of counter-culture conspiracy, weird science, and urban danger. For its third edition, the game comes roaring back in a completely reimagined relaunch by its original creator. Everything old gets a new take. Nothing is a retread. Every conspiracy, every neighborhood, every major gamemaster-character is portrayed with a new spin. It’s not “25 years later.” Everything on the Island is reborn to surprise new and existing players alike.

Pick it up if you're got an itch to see Al Amarja again for the first time.