The last month or so I’ve been reviewing three different games/systems with the intent of eventually running one of them for my group. They include Savage Worlds, Spycraft v2.0, and Alpha Omega. I have approximately a month or so to prepare for whatever game I run, but I’m still reading through each one. I’ve found various pros and cons to each game and system but am still undecided.

Savage Worlds

Initially, Savage Worlds was my system of choice. It would be a departure from the d20 system that my group is so used to. Savage Worlds is a tested system that contains solid rules for miniature combat (something very big for our group). The rules are also easier to learn than most game systems. And, there is a variety of different Savage Worlds settings that I have to choose from. Overall, Savage Worlds is a great choice for a game master that is starting a new campaign and wants something different than your run-of-the-mill d20 game.

However, after purchasing several Savage Worlds settings books and doing quite a bit of reading, I still haven’t found a setting for the game that really grabs me. I purchased both Sundered Skies and Necropolis 2350. I have also read several of the other settings and talked to other players about their favorite Savage Worlds settings. In every one though, I’ve either been unimpressed or found something in particular that I disliked about the setting. So although I love the Savage Worlds rules, I haven’t yet found a world to go with it.

Spycraft v2.0

I picked up Spycraft v2.0 at a hobby store after flipping through quite a few different books for an hour or so. My current game master ran the original Spycraft for nearly a year with my group. It was one of the most enjoyable campaigns I’ve ever been in. However, at that time there was a ton of problems with various parts of the system. We completely butchered the rules to make it easier for us to play; but that campaign eventually ended and we haven’t played it since.

The new version of Spycraft has fixed the vast majority of those system issues though. I really like the new system they’ve developed. They have added a ton of character customization, streamlined the rules, and developed a very solid OGL d20 system. The issue I have with this game though would be that they don’t have a defined world. There is the World on Fire setting that I have the book for, but it didn’t strike me as something I would want to play in. If I did decide to use Spycraft, I most likely would have to create my own Spycraft setting.

Alpha Omega

Alpha Omega didn’t show up on my gaming radar until I read some blog reviews on it. Then Mind Storm Labs graciously sent me a copy to review, along with their introductory adventure module. Since then, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading the Alpha Omega setting they’ve created, as well as looking at the gorgeous artwork in their books. Out of the three games/systems I’ve mentioned here, they are top for me in the setting and visuals department.

My main issue with Alpha Omega though has been trying to wrap my head around their completely new and unique rules system. Their combat is more simulation-based and less abstract than most games. It is also more rules intensive than the previous two games I mentioned. I am a little concerned that combat my take a while to do, but that might go away quickly once the game master and players learn the system. I think the majority of my gaming group is okay with a rules intensive system, but as a game master it is a little bit daunting because it is just that much more to deal with when you start a new game.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

So there is the breakdown of the three games I am considering running right now. Savage Worlds brings a proven, easy-to-use system but I have yet to find a setting that really caught my attention. Spycraft v2.0 brings a great OGL d20 system with incredible customization, but I would most likely have to create my own setting. Alpha Omega brings an incredible setting with stunning visuals, but is a more rules intensive system that could be a challenge to learn.

Honestly, I am still considering all three of these systems. I’d even consider another game that we haven’t played before if it had a solid system and a great setting. But whatever the chose, I must decide soon. That way I can focus on learning the setting and the rules system and be properly prepared once our current campaign ends.

The game I eventually run will most likely get some decent exposure since I’ll be talking about it over the next few months. It really needs to be a setting that my players can get into. It needs to be a system that supports miniature combat. And the primary essential is a solid core rules system. I don’t want to modify the basic system rules at all. I’ve found that once I start home brewing one or two rules in a system, it opens Pandora’s Box to house ruling everything in the game. At that point it doesn’t matter if the setting is good or not.

What do you think about these three games?

Do you have another game that you could suggest?

What game do you think I should game master for my upcoming campaign?