RC: The Best "One Book" RPG Ever?

Zachary The First · October 11, 2006, 07:21:10 AM

While I'm waiting for Typepad to get off its ass so I can actually, you know, post on my blog, I went over to the always-entertaining Jeff's Gameblog. This passage from his latest entry regarding the Rules Cyclopedia caught my eye:

QuoteFirst of all, let me say that the RC kicks ass. It's the slickest incarnation of the Old Game and arguably the best "one book is all you need" rpg ever published. I think every serious gamer should own a copy. My own copy of the RC would be among the last items I would part with if I had to sell off my game collection to buy medicine for my daughter or something like that.

So, is the RC the greatest "all-in-one-book" RPG ever published? In terms of completeness, I'd have to say yes, or very close to the top. What are your thoughts on or candidates for the top spot for "all-in-one" RPGs?

The Yann Waters · October 11, 2006, 07:33:56 AM

Quote from: Zachary The FirstWhat are your thoughts on or candidates for the top spot for "all-in-one" RPGs?

Hmm... That really depends on genre preferences and what you are expecting to get out of the game, doesn't it? Out of the ones I have at hand:

Prince Valiant: The Storytelling Game
The Sailor Moon Role-Playing Game and Resource Book
Call of Cthulhu (any edition)
Mage: The Ascension (2e)
Nobilis

Zachary The First · October 11, 2006, 07:37:00 AM

Quote from: GrimGentHmm... That really depends on genre preferences and what you are expecting to get out of the game, doesn't it?

That's true. SciFi fans will undoubtedly have different candidates than straight-up fantasy fans.

Mr. Analytical · October 11, 2006, 08:14:57 AM

Not to mention Stormbringer or Pendragon, both of which are arguably better games from where I'm sitting.

mattormeg · October 11, 2006, 08:28:03 AM

In terms of my own actual use I would have to say "Savage Worlds". The system is flexible enough for me to create pretty much whatever I want on the fly. I've used it for fantasy, science fiction, pulp.

That being said, yeah, the RC is a bad-ass book. I have a PDF copy but desperately need it in a print format.

I've always enjoyed the concept of race as character class.

The Yann Waters · October 11, 2006, 08:32:29 AM

Quote from: Mr. AnalyticalNot to mention Stormbringer or Pendragon, both of which are arguably better games from where I'm sitting.

For medieval fantasy, Pendragon would certainly be a contender, as would Ars Magica.

kryyst · October 11, 2006, 08:36:09 AM

For fantasy I'd have to say Warhammer 1st ed was one of the most complete game in one books ever.

For modern gaming I'd have to go with Feng Shui.

For Sci-Fi SLA Industries is pretty complete even if the mechanics aren't fantastic.

ColonelHardisson · October 11, 2006, 08:49:34 AM

Quote from: kryystFor fantasy I'd have to say Warhammer 1st ed was one of the most complete game in one books ever.

I'd agree with that.

I'll mention Decipher's Lord of the Rings RPG.

Lawbag · October 11, 2006, 08:50:45 AM

of all the games I lost during a move about 7 years ago, my RC was the biggest loss. hell I didnt even shed a tear for half my WW collection going into the ether.

Balbinus · October 11, 2006, 08:51:57 AM

Quote from: ColonelHardissonI'd agree with that.

I'll mention Decipher's Lord of the Rings RPG.

Leaving aside any rules issues, I think the licence prohibition to reference the Hobbit or the Silmarrillion prevented the LotR rpg from being a great one book solution.

flyingmice · October 11, 2006, 08:57:31 AM

Quote from: Zachary The FirstWhile I'm waiting for Typepad to get off its ass so I can actually, you know, post on my blog....

What is typepad and where can I go to kick it's shiny metal arse?

-clash

ColonelHardisson · October 11, 2006, 09:12:25 AM

Quote from: BalbinusLeaving aside any rules issues, I think the licence prohibition to reference the Hobbit or the Silmarrillion prevented the LotR rpg from being a great one book solution.

I disagree. They apparently could use the appendices to the LotR, which cover a lot of territory. Besides, the game itself is pretty complete, covering everything from individual PCs to large-scale combat. The designers also discuss using the game for other settings. So it seems pretty complete to me.

Caesar Slaad · October 11, 2006, 09:26:04 AM

Quote from: Zachary The FirstSo, is the RC the greatest "all-in-one-book" RPG ever published? In terms of completeness, I'd have to say yes, or very close to the top. What are your thoughts on or candidates for the top spot for "all-in-one" RPGs?

Do I have to say it?

Spycraft 2.0. :cool:

Though I guess Fudge 10th anniversary edition covers a lot of ground, I think it still requires some work.

Erm... Hero 5th is pretty durn comprehensive in what it can cover. More so that RC anyday.

Abyssal Maw · October 11, 2006, 09:38:52 AM

I'm going to go with Rules Cyclopedia as well.

jrients · October 11, 2006, 10:06:50 AM

Call of Cthulhu and the Traveller Book are both serious contenders in my opinion. Fudge 10th Anniversary edition I can't turn my nose up at. I respect anyone who wants to choose WFRPG or Pendragon over the RC, even though you're wrong.

Savage Worlds and Feng Shui are both excellent one book games. I don't have the revised SW book. The original was marred by too much Smiling Jack or whatever that skull was called. Feng Shui would need actual chargen rules to be considered a top dog, in my humble opinion.