Buzz
I've been immersed in the world of role-playing games for over three decades, attending more conventions and play sessions than I can count. Over the years, I've witnessed the industry's greatest triumphs and most disappointing failures. This list reflects my personal experiences, nothing more. If anyone has concrete evidence that contradicts this, then you must be a true RPG aficionado.
10. Rifts
Set centuries into the future, Earth experiences a cataclysmic shift. Ley lines—magical energy paths that span the globe—tear open Rifts in the fabric of space-time, offering gateways to other worlds, eras, and dimensions. These rifts bring with them strange entities known as D-Bees. Alongside the arrival of magic comes an intertwining of technology and sorcery, where it’s not uncommon to find an elf wielding an assault rifle or a wizard facing a robotic army.
Rifts is a world where the unexpected is the norm, and chaos reigns supreme. Japan has evolved into the cyberpunk society that sci-fi has long imagined. South America struggles with a vampire plague. Atlantis has resurfaced from the ocean depths. Europe is once again a vast wilderness, now opposed by an empire of gargoyles. Africa has returned to its primal state, reclaiming its title as a dark and untamed land. China has been overrun by demons. In North America, the Coalition States dominate as the leading power. Australia, now submerged by an immense inland sea, witnesses the resurgence of the Aborigines, fueled by the return of magic. Even the ocean’s depths are filled with conflict, as the Lord of the Deep battles the Whale Singers and the New Navy for control of the planet.
So why is Rifts ranked #10 on the list despite its incredible setting and story? The issue lies in the mechanics. Many players will agree that Rifts boasts an amazing world with a rich backstory and endless potential for adventure. However, the game mechanics can quickly become a barrier to enjoyment. Each new supplement introduces more powerful options, rendering earlier choices obsolete, and leaving some of the most exciting role-playing possibilities behind in the dust. The inconsistency of the rules within the setting itself makes it harder to enjoy. Picture playing as a regular human with no magical abilities or supernatural powers while your friend gets to play as a mighty dragon—that's the kind of imbalance commonly seen in Rifts games.
9. World of Darkness
The World of Darkness is a supernatural horror role-playing game published by White Wolf Publishing. It unfolds in a universe where vampires, werewolves, and other horror staples coexist, often clashing with one another in violent encounters. The main books in the series include the World of Darkness core rulebook, Vampire: the Requiem, Werewolf: the Forsaken, and Mage: the Ascension. Additionally, there are several other supplementary books that expand on the game world, featuring settings from various historical periods.
So, with its horror role-playing and deep backstory, why does it only hold the #9 spot? There are two key reasons. First, the original RPG was quickly eclipsed by its live-action counterpart, Mind’s Eye Theater. Second, in late 2003, White Wolf ceased publishing new books for the series, bringing the setting to a close in an event known as The Time of Judgement.
Some campaigns still persist, but overall, the role-playing game has grown increasingly rare, and even the live-action game is starting to fade, being mainly seen at conventions.
8. Mutants & Masterminds
Mutants & Masterminds is a groundbreaking superhero role-playing game from Green Ronin Publishing. Originally based on the popular d20 System by Wizards of the Coast, Mutants & Masterminds has evolved into its own unique system. It has seamlessly grown beyond its d20 roots and now offers a custom-designed framework to handle the complexities of super-powered role-playing.
The system is highly adaptable, enabling you to portray virtually any character you can imagine, from a humble street cop to a hero with world-altering powers. It's also well-balanced, ensuring that characters of similar power levels are roughly on equal footing, whether one possesses godlike powers or the other is more grounded, relying on skills and a few gadgets. Recently, Green Ronin has teamed up with DC Comics to release the DC Universe role-playing game, powered by Mutants & Masterminds.
The reason it’s ranked #8 is simply that superhero role-playing games don’t have the same following these days. Back in the early days of role-playing, there was a wide variety of superhero systems, but now, Mutants & Masterminds stands nearly alone in its genre. It’s a fantastic game, but it faces stiff competition and a general lack of widespread interest.
7. Traveller
Traveller is a legendary science-fiction role-playing game, and by legendary, I mean it was there right from the start. Many of us long-time players fondly recall our first foray into Traveller, and for many, it meant enduring the hardship of having a character die during the creation process. Yes, Traveller was unique for making character creation a major part of the fun, with the added thrill (or dread) of knowing your character might not survive long enough to even hit the table!
Traveller stands out as one of the few systems that not only evolved but also persisted over time. It transformed, adapted to new forms, and its timeline progressed, but its core setting remained unchanged. Recently, the classic Traveller has made a triumphant return, courtesy of Mongoose Publishing! The latest version evokes the nostalgia of the past, when character creation was a slow, immersive process. Although the dreaded 'sudden death' mechanic has been removed (though you can choose to reintroduce it if you like), and certain aspects have been streamlined, this is still the Traveller that shaped many of us.
So why does it sit at #7? The answer lies in much the same way as Mutants & Masterminds' low ranking. Traveller is weighed down by significant competition, and the science-fiction genre isn’t currently in the spotlight. However, this game is generating a buzz, especially among seasoned role-players, and we can expect it to experience a revival.
6. Call of Cthulhu
Call of Cthulhu draws its inspiration from the works of H.P. Lovecraft, a 1920s author renowned for his eerie and unsettling tales. The original game, produced by Chaosium, was set in the 1920s and featured ordinary humans confronting extraordinary adversaries. Often, they faced lesser beings from distant realms or dimensions, or the occasional cult of humans, but just as frequently, they would find themselves up against creatures from beyond time and space—beasts so powerful that defeating them was never a true possibility. In Call of Cthulhu, players rarely achieve victory in the traditional sense; instead, they often settle for winning the battle, but losing the war.
If success is never an option, why bother playing? Well, that’s where the fun lies. It’s not about conquering the darkness, it’s about surviving it and defying the odds. It’s often joked that the longest-living characters in Call of Cthulhu are the ones with the fastest movement rates, and there’s some truth to that. Knowing when to flee can be just as valuable as an ancient spell. And remember, you don’t need to outrun the monster; you only need to outrun the slowest member of your group. I’ve witnessed players maiming their own characters just to avoid being devoured.
I rank Call of Cthulhu at #6 because it continues to be a mainstay at gaming conventions. While it’s not the most popular role-playing game out there (it requires a specific type of player to embrace its style), it has a dedicated fan base and is still actively supported by its publisher.
5. Hackmaster
Some of you might be scratching your heads, wondering what on earth Hackmaster is. To answer that, we need to go back to 1990, when Jolly Blackburn created a cartoon strip for Shadis magazine. This strip gave a humorous glimpse into the lives of a group of role-players known as the Knights of the Dinner Table, and their game of choice was Hackmaster—a fictional role-playing game modeled after Advanced Dungeons & Dragons but with a tongue-in-cheek, satirical twist.
Fast-forward to 2001, when the Open Game License is in full swing and the d20 movement is gaining momentum. Kenzer & Company, founded in 1994, receives approval from Wizards of the Coast to create a parody of Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 1st edition, aptly named Hackmaster. The game became an instant hit with fans of the comic strip.
Though it draws clear inspiration from its source material, Hackmaster has evolved into its own unique experience. Fans of the original Advanced Dungeons & Dragons will find it nostalgic, yet the game introduces enough distinctiveness in its mechanics and setting to stand firmly on its own.
4. GURPS
GURPS, which stands for Generic Universal Role-Playing System, was published by Steve Jackson Games. It revolutionized the role-playing world by offering a single set of mechanics that could be applied to any genre, from fantasy to horror. The Basic Rules outlined how the system worked, while over 150 sourcebooks were released by 2005, expanding the system to cover everything from prehistoric adventures to the far future of Traveller.
GURPS has now reached its 4th edition, and while the core rules remain largely the same as in the original, they have been refined and simplified over time. Released in 2005, the 4th edition already boasts over 50 supplements, while still being fully compatible with the many sourcebooks from the 3rd edition.
For me, GURPS is all about embracing realism. While it can certainly be played as a heroic, action-packed game, its true essence lies in its focus on realism. Gunfights in GURPS tend to be deadly, and it sticks closely to the laws of physics, with no room for bending them. Whether you're seeking a system to enforce the laws of reality or one that allows seamless genre blending, GURPS will not disappoint, earning it a solid 4th place on our list.
3. Dungeons & Dragons
Did anyone honestly expect this not to make the number one spot? If so, you should reconsider. Whether you love it or hate it, there is no denying that Dungeons & Dragons remains the most popular and bestselling role-playing game of all time.
Dungeons & Dragons first came to life in 1974, thanks to Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson. The duo, passionate about miniature war-games, decided to add a unique twist by setting them in a fantasy world and shifting the focus from entire armies to individual characters. The game quickly became a sensation, and the role-playing hobby was born. Over thirty-four years and ten revisions, it has grown into the game we know today.
At its core, Dungeons & Dragons has kept the same foundation since its inception, but the mechanics have been drastically updated with each new edition. These changes have led some players to remain loyal to their preferred editions, avoiding the newer releases. Recently, the announcement of a fifth edition (which will actually be the 11th revision) has sparked excitement, as it enters early production stages.
Dungeons & Dragons has had its share of controversies throughout the years, especially in the mid-80s when religious groups and concerned parents attacked it, claiming the game encouraged witchcraft and even suicide. However, contrary to these accusations, the game has provided numerous benefits, such as enhancing math skills, promoting social interaction, and fostering creativity.
The 4th Edition of Dungeons & Dragons faced criticism for feeling 'too video game-like' and straying too far from the game's origins. However, it has been promised that the 5th edition will return the game to its roots. While the future remains uncertain, Dungeons & Dragons continues to hold its position as the leading role-playing game.
2. Pathfinder
Pathfinder originated as an expansion to Dungeons and Dragons . It preserves the best elements of , rectifies some of the major issues, and introduces a fresh, dynamic setting that revitalizes the familiar game system. The outcome is a distinctive campaign world filled with a deep narrative, numerous new possibilities for classic characters, and endless potential for growth and development.
The game operates on a straightforward mechanic: roll a twenty-sided die (an icosahedron, for those in the know), add any relevant modifiers, and compare the result to a target number determined by the Dungeon Master or a standard table. If your result exceeds the target, your action is successful.
What I find most fascinating about Pathfinder is the intricately crafted campaign world. If it’s a classic fantasy theme or a real-world culture, you’ll find its counterpart in the Pathfinder universe. An elven kingdom? Absolutely. A setting resembling India with maharajahs? You bet. A vast, shadowy jungle? Right here. A land with samurai and ninja? Definitely. A proud warrior society known for raiding neighboring territories? You got it.
To sum it up, Pathfinder provides an abundance of adventure options, wrapped in a familiar yet refreshingly original gameplay experience!
1. Savage Worlds
Savage Worlds made its debut in 2003, emerging as a fresh addition to the world of gaming. Designed to be a multi-genre system, it shares some similarities with GURPS, boasting the slogan 'Fast, Furious, Fun!' Every aspect of the mechanics aligns with this philosophy. The character attributes, which are limited to just five, are represented by different types of dice (ranging from four-sided to six-sided and beyond). Skills are also rated similarly, with broad interpretations. Character creation is quick and simple.
Skill checks are incredibly straightforward: you roll the die corresponding to your skill. Success is achieved by rolling a four or higher. It's that easy. Players gain extra advantages, like the chance to 'ace' a die roll (rolling the highest value allows you to reroll and add the results). This can earn 'raises,' leading to even greater success. Combat initiative is determined using a deck of cards, with jokers left in the mix.
Overall, Savage Worlds presents a solid core mechanic and is supported by a variety of setting books. It has quickly become a popular alternative to the more complex and realistic GURPS system. Adapting to the game might require a little adjustment, especially with its wide interpretation of actions—shooting can include everything from slings to rocket launchers, and driving spans vehicles from cars to tanks. The key theme remains 'Fast, Furious, Fun!' Once embraced, it becomes an excellent way to spend an evening or more.
