The Complete Series
Day 14: Which RPG do you prefer for open-ended campaign play?
It’s been a long time since I’ve played in a campaign, and I’m not sure I’ve ever played in an open-ended campaign (which I take to mean “sandbox”). I’ve been a GM for a few campaigns over the past couple years, and each of them seemed to start off with a short intro arc, then build on whatever the players chose to do. I guess that counts as open-ended?
I’ve played Savage Worlds almost exclusively for 2-3 years now. I find it to be a fine system for playing off the whims of the characters, but I don’t think I’d consider open-endedness to be something that’s system-specific. I’m trying to think of even a single system that mandates a strict format for multi-session gameplay. Whether “open-ended” means “sandbox” or “no set plans in mind,” I think every system I’m aware of could handle it.
Day 15: Which RPG do you enjoy adapting the most?
Well, I did recently write a setting book for Savage Worlds. I found it to be a great system to creating a setting that combines folklore and kung fu, and if it can do that… I’m willing to bet it can adapt to just about anything.
Day 16: Which RPG do you enjoy using as-is?
Probably The Quiet Year. I’ve only played it 2-3 times, but it’s always an awesome experience. Do yourself a favor and just go buy it.
Day 17: Which RPG have you owned the longest but not yet played?
Call of Cthulhu 5th edition, which I’ve owned since 2010. I think the last time I played C&C it was 3rd or 4th edition, so I’m sure this counts. Come to think of it… I don’t even think I’ve ever read the book. There are a lot of PDFs collecting digital dust on my hard drive.
Day 18: Which RPG have you played the most in your life?
Savage Worlds is quickly gaining ground on this front, but nothing compares to the 12-hour marathon game sessions of my high school days. Those days, it was all about D&D 3.5, then Pathfinder when it came out. Over the course of 3 years, I played a 12-hour game every Friday night. I believe we switched systems halfway through that time, so that’s roughly… 900 hours each.
Day 19: Which RPG features the best writing?
I’m not really qualified to answer this question. I own a lot of RPGs, but most of them I’ve only skimmed (or not read at all). In fact, the notion of reading an RPG cover to cover is something I’ve only recently become aware is A Thing. I can see the value in it but I’m not at all in the habit.
Day 20: What is the best source for out-of-print RPGs?
If your local FLGS stocks old RPGs then you should support them first. That said, last Christmas I got the Mentzer edit of the D&D Red Box from my soon-to-be mother-in-law. She found it online, but since then I’ve discovered things about the Very Popular Online Store she used so I’d rather not recommend it.
Another word in support of the FLGS: Phil Vecchione had a great idea when he answered this question in the Misdirected Mark G+ community. Not only does he support his local game store, but he also keeps an eye out for game stores whenever he travels to another city. It’s helped him find a few deals, so give it a try yourself sometime!