Running Alien RPG
The Alien films are so important to me so of course I had to play Alien RPG from Free League Publishing.
I've played as a player and run the game so I've got some thoughts.
- I heard some YouTubers saying you couldn't run a game based on Aliens the film... you totally could.
- I design new characters like it's a hobby but I actually really enjoyed having a pregen.
- The simplicity of the dice rolling with the number of dice representing stats. Because you're just looking out for sixes there's no big maths.
- A stress mechanic where the additional dice feel like adrenaline but you have to watch out for panic. A brilliant mechanic for horror.
- Secret mission structure gives each player motivations and goals. Designed to be opposing in some cases so it adds tension.
- How powerful the alien is in comparison to the players. The jeopardy is understandable and high-stakes but simple.
- The real enemies are each other and the NPCs - a very Alien thing. It also means GMs don't have to do as much. Let the players go with it a bit more. Once the structure was set.
- As a player it feels like a lot of agency. The environment seems to be naturally doing stuff. Your fate is in the hands of each other.
- Initiative is run with cards and the alien goes twice. When the players realise the alien gets to go twice there's real tension.
- People getting into character in the Alien Universe with lots of swearing.
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