I need folks to give me some feedback on my newest game, StarCluster 3. This is a SF game - the 1st edition came out in 2002, and the 2nd in 2004. Please contact me via reply or PM if you are interested.

Thanks!

-clash

Based on feedback at another site, I should give a description. SC3 is a far-future game, set about 2.5 millenia in the future in a star cluster some 300 LY from the solar system. Humanity came to the Cluster as refugees fleeing the destruction of the solar system and sterilization of everything within 60 ly of earth, They came in generational sub-light 'slow boats' - each carrying 10,000-30,000 people, seeds, frozen animal embryos, and such. The game is set some 500 years later, with humanity the dominant force in the Cluster.

The actual setting is up to the group, with tools for creating systems, worlds, aliens, uplifts, bioroids, robots, vehicles, ships, weapons, cultures, and most anything you might need. You can focus on what interests you.

The game is based around a company, created by the group - either players, GM, or players + GM as you choose. There are lots of options, from News Agency to Theatrical Troupe to Insurance Investigators. The group allocate resources and setus up what the company has available.

PC creation is via a non-random lifepath type system, with age being the moderator. Age is also the advancement mechanic - there are no equivalents to XP. PCs can be human, alien, human-sub-race, bioroid, uplift, or robot. Troupe play is a recommended option.

The system is a framework - extremely modular. Four resolution mechanics come with the game - percentile roll-under, resource based randomless, d6 additive pool, roll over with exploding 6s, and d10 roll over Risk die where you can declare a success without rolling for minimal quality, or chance failure to try for a better success. Choose whichever one you pprefer and use it. There will be other freely downloadable mechanics available as well. It uses abstract tactics if combat occurs, based around moving points between initiative, chance, and quality. Combat is not emphasized - the military sister game In Harm's Way: StarCluster is available for that - but it's not shirked either. Some companies have more dangerous lines of work than others.

I'm a traditional designer, so you shouldn't expect anything cutting edge or innovative.

-clash

Do you require/desire your playtesters to have experience with the previous editions?

Quote from: winkingbishop;395353Do you require/desire your playtesters to have experience with the previous editions?

No, it makes no difference, WB. I released SC 2E for free download when I began working on SC 3, so if anyone wants to take a look, they can, but there are substantial differences, and I doubt anyone would gain much understanding by doing so.

-clash

I would like to takea look at it if you don't mind. Sounds like something my group might actually be up for.

Quote from: Werekoala;395525I would like to takea look at it if you don't mind. Sounds like something my group might actually be up for.

You're on, WereKoala! PM me your email address, and I'll shoot it over to you.

Thanks!

-clash

I've sent out an updated beta 2 version to all the playtesters. If anyone has questions, I'll be fielding them here.

-clash

Hey,
Can't commit to any playtesting, sorry (lots of games, mostly nonSF minded friends) but I'm happy to read over or comment on drafts, if that's of any help.

Quote from: Bloody Stupid Johnson;396622Hey,
Can't commit to any playtesting, sorry (lots of games, mostly nonSF minded friends) but I'm happy to read over or comment on drafts, if that's of any help.

Hi BSJ!

Any feedback will only help make the game better. I've already changed things due to playtest feedback, and I hope to do more changes. PM me your email and I'll send a copy along to you.

-clash

I might be able to get a playtest going. Are you interested in mechanical issues or setting issues?

Quote from: BedrockBrendan;397046I might be able to get a playtest going. Are you interested in mechanical issues or setting issues?

Hi Brendan!

I'm interested in anything. The setting is mostly generators, though. Mostly, since it's a Beta, I'm interested in the clarity of organization and explanation. I'll send the file along to you right away.

And thank you for your help!

-clash

I just stopped lurking and became a member to say I would love to playtest StarCluster -- my group is looking for a new game, and SF is what I'm thinking of trying.

Quote from: gonster;397269I just stopped lurking and became a member to say I would love to playtest StarCluster -- my group is looking for a new game, and SF is what I'm thinking of trying.

Hi Gonster!

Happy to have you join us! PM me your email, and I'll send the Beta 2 Playtest document out to you.

-clash

I just skimmed through the entire document before reading and all I can say is -- HOLY CRAP!  That's what I call an rpg in one tome.  It's going to take a little while for me to absord all this information.  

One little thing:  What's Star20?  It's mentioned in a bunch of examples, but it isn't given in the initial options for play.

Quote from: gonster;397299I just skimmed through the entire document before reading and all I can say is -- HOLY CRAP!  That's what I call an rpg in one tome.  It's going to take a little while for me to absord all this information.  

One little thing:  What's Star20?  It's mentioned in a bunch of examples, but it isn't given in the initial options for play.

Ah! Excellent! you found a mistake! Awesome! I'll have to replace those examples! Star20 is one of several other drop-in mechanics that are available for free download from the site:

Star20 - a 4d6-4 bell curve roll-over mechanic
StarPool - a d20 dice pool roll-under mechanic
StarZero - a d6-d6 zero-centered roll-over dice mechanic

Of course the others - the four in the game - are up there too:

StarPerc
StarKarma
StarRisk
StarNova

Thank you!

-clash