Links? On a Thursday?

Who would have thunk it?

• Charles Stross writes on the issues to do with spaceships.
• Lev Grossman chooses his top 5 fantasy books of all time! (via i09.com)
• Something Awful dissects the art of Traveller.
• Paizo are having another of their RPG Superstar design competitions.

I think the internet is playing Dragon Age too…

2008's Best RPGs

Over on NZRaG there has been a post about this years best RPGs. My two are:

3: 16 – as a game of kick arse space marines doing what they do best, it is excellent. As a game of moral conundrums and difficult calls it forces the player to do more than just kill aliens. The system is simple, elegant and ultimately easy to learn and use. I also love the fact that character gen really only takes 5 minutes.

Hot War – I’ve talked a lot about this game and a large part of what appeals to me is the alt history setting that is much a character as any of the PCs. It is dark and difficult and allows the telling of stories that don’t always go the way you think. The collaborative nature of the game play means that as a GM unexpected things happen which just adds to the richness. Also the use of traits and relationships instead of skills makes for really well rounded and complex characters.

However since I wrote this I have actually brought another game which I think I’d like to add. Mongoose Publishing has gained the licence for the classic Sci Fi RPG, Traveller and I think have done a damn fine job. I’ve never read any of the other versions of this game but I’ve found this version excellent. I’ll be writing up a full review soon.