https://intl.startrek.com/news/star-trek-adventures-brings-the-action-to-the-lower-decks (https://intl.startrek.com/news/star-trek-adventures-brings-the-action-to-the-lower-decks)
Seeing this published as an entire game line by a major RPG publisher hurts my soul.
I've never seen the show or the game. What don't you like about it?
Quote from: rytrasmi on April 12, 2023, 12:37:21 PM
I've never seen the show or the game. What don't you like about it?
Here's the Season One trailer:
Quote from: rytrasmi on April 12, 2023, 12:37:21 PM
I've never seen the show or the game. What don't you like about it?
(1)
The Game - Star Trek Adventures is part of the 2d20 product line by Modiphius. They have many games that use the same engine (Conan, Star Trek, John Carter, Dune, more...) and their materials are of excellent production quality, but I'm not a fan of the rules. They all base the system on a currency of tokens traded between the players and GM, so that if the players do well they earn the tokens and if they spend the tokens the GM has a pool to work with. I think the most common complaint is that this token system ties unrelated things together, so that if you succeed at a task a totally different character can spend a token to succeed at a different task 20 minutes later. Very meta-game in design. For me, I read the rules and just don't quite "get it" even though I've played a couple of sessions of Conan and enjoyed the thing. The game just doesn't click for me.
(2) The TV show. Well, it's cartoon Star Trek with an attempt at comedy but I don't find it to be very funny. Also, my personal preference is for the TOS-era of Star Trek (TOS, Strange New Worlds, that timeline) and they chose to put it into the Next Generation era, so I had limited interest in the thing to start with. I watched maybe half of an episode and decided it wasn't my thing, so maybe I gave up too soon.
Quote from: finarvyn on April 12, 2023, 01:27:48 PM
(1) The Game - Star Trek Adventures is part of the 2d20 product line by Modiphius.
Well...this is like being served a dog turd by a Michelin Star chef. Do you pretend that it's haute cuisine, or rightly call it out as garbage? That system is trash and Modiphius made Conan into pure sewage. Hard pass, even if the content was something I was remotely interested in. Which I am not.
Quote from: finarvyn on April 12, 2023, 01:27:48 PM
(1) The Game - Star Trek Adventures is part of the 2d20 product line by Modiphius. They have many games that use the same engine (Conan, Star Trek, John Carter, Dune, more...) and their materials are of excellent production quality, but I'm not a fan of the rules. They all base the system on a currency of tokens traded between the players and GM, so that if the players do well they earn the tokens and if they spend the tokens the GM has a pool to work with. I think the most common complaint is that this token system ties unrelated things together, so that if you succeed at a task a totally different character can spend a token to succeed at a different task 20 minutes later. Very meta-game in design. For me, I read the rules and just don't quite "get it" even though I've played a couple of sessions of Conan and enjoyed the thing. The game just doesn't click for me.
Agreed. Played two sessions and when the GM lost players and the game died, I wasn't sad.
My core book is going online to be sold so I can get it out of my collection.
Lower Decks started off shaky, which is par for the course for a Trek show, but I felt it picked up steam well and entertained me with good pokes at Next Gen as the series went on. Modiphius, on the other hand, I reeeeeeeeally dislike the 2d20 system. It has just never clicked with me, I felt that its resolution system was extremely clunky. Them caving and censoring Conan material thanks to sensitivity readers didn't go over well with me, either.
So, not for me. Could be fun for Trek fans who don't hate the ruleset though.
Far Trek and the best part is you can download the PDF for free, just click on the image above downloads. http://fartrekrpg.blogspot.com/ (http://fartrekrpg.blogspot.com/)
Why does everyone look like Saving Me escapees?
Quote from: Cathode Ray on April 12, 2023, 11:47:42 PM
Why does everyone look like Saving Me escapees?
The CalArts cancer is terminal.
Quote from: Grognard GM on April 12, 2023, 11:53:25 PM
Quote from: Cathode Ray on April 12, 2023, 11:47:42 PM
Why does everyone look like Saving Me escapees?
The CalArts cancer is terminal.
And the writting, the Tumblr writting is cancer.
Quote from: GeekyBugle on April 12, 2023, 09:04:33 PM
Far Trek and the best part is you can download the PDF for free, just click on the image above downloads. http://fartrekrpg.blogspot.com/ (http://fartrekrpg.blogspot.com/)
How easy are the rules? I am going to download it and take a look but I am just curious how easy it is to create a character and perform actions.
Quote from: GhostNinja on April 13, 2023, 09:23:28 AM
Quote from: GeekyBugle on April 12, 2023, 09:04:33 PM
Far Trek and the best part is you can download the PDF for free, just click on the image above downloads. http://fartrekrpg.blogspot.com/ (http://fartrekrpg.blogspot.com/)
How easy are the rules? I am going to download it and take a look but I am just curious how easy it is to create a character and perform actions.
It's based on microlite20, so roll stats, choose a race, class, equipment, start playing.
Quote from: GeekyBugle on April 13, 2023, 11:56:58 AM
It's based on microlite20, so roll stats, choose a race, class, equipment, start playing.
I downloaded it and I am reading it now. Looks easy enough.
Not familiar with the microlite20 rules.
Quote from: GhostNinja on April 13, 2023, 12:36:46 PM
Quote from: GeekyBugle on April 13, 2023, 11:56:58 AM
It's based on microlite20, so roll stats, choose a race, class, equipment, start playing.
I downloaded it and I am reading it now. Looks easy enough.
Not familiar with the microlite20 rules.
It's basically D&D, mostly 5e but there's some that are based of older editions, striped down, less stats and other changes.
Well, , I kind of LOVE the show "Lower Decks" - Its Fun and does frequent references to earlier versions of "Star Trek". Thats also why it would be tricky to turn it into an RPG Campaign - it already is screw up Starfleet characters whose plans often go off the rails.
As for the Modiphius "Star Trek" game sstem itself? I Hate the mechanics of it. It doesn't feel natural to me and does not feel loike the chyaracters are doing missions as part of Starfleet.
I would rather stick with adapting the Trek universe to GURPS - it just works out better.
- Ed C.
Quote from: GeekyBugle on April 13, 2023, 12:49:11 PM
It's basically D&D, mostly 5e but there's some that are based of older editions, striped down, less stats and other changes.
Ok thank you. Interesting.
Yeah Lower Decks is pretty wretched.
A friend wanted to run a Star Trek 2d20 game and do Lower Decks style comedy. I did a perky Mormon girl, "oh I'm so glad we get to be on this away mission and I'm sure we'll all be the best of friends."
Never watched Lower Decks. I'm not interested in a pure comedy version of Star Trek.
But one thing I will give them is that we got to see one of the more far-out ideas in Trek, Cetacean Ops. (https://screenrant.com/star-trek-dolphins-lower-decks-tng-cetacean-ops/)
Quote from: David Johansen on April 13, 2023, 09:12:55 PM
A friend wanted to run a Star Trek 2d20 game and do Lower Decks style comedy.
Me:
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/62d1cbdff27333dfaaabed76e62f5a03/tumblr_n9yie3yXQ41tdhimpo1_500.gif)
Lower Decks is Star Trek + Rick & Morty. Even having the balls to do something like that would be mildly disrespectful if the franchise was at a high point.
Doing it while at the same time, Airing Discovery and Picard (and people who say Season 3 is better can suck a rock) is abhorrent.
Quote from: Shrieking Banshee on April 13, 2023, 09:37:06 PM
Lower Decks is Star Trek + Rick & Morty.
Remember the Simpsons episode where Lionel Hutz based a legal defence on an episode of Matlock he watched in a bar, with no sound, but he thought he got the gist?
That's how well they replicate Star Trek + Rick And Morty.
Quote from: Grognard GM on April 13, 2023, 09:41:10 PMThat's how well they replicate Star Trek + Rick And Morty.
The Star Trek part yes, the Rick & Morty part is more or less accurate (not enough product placement).
Looks like the zip is channeling his inner Pundit for shock or should so say Schlock value.
On me have an orchestra of the world smallest instruments to accompany the thread.
Not a huge fan of the system I find it average at best though enjoyable. I find it makes c players think more rather than just using a dice roll.
I guess they ran out of books to publish for Star Trek as an rpg. Definite hard pass from me.
Except they're this magical thing one can do about something they don't like. Don't fucking buy it.
Quote from: Abraxus on April 13, 2023, 10:10:29 PM
Looks like the zip is channeling his inner Pundit for shock or should so say Schlock value.
On me have an orchestra of the world smallest instruments to accompany the thread.
Not a huge fan of the system I find it average at best though enjoyable. I find it makes c players think more rather than just using a dice roll.
I guess they ran out of books to publish for Star Trek as an rpg. Definite hard pass from me.
Except they're this magical thing one can do about something they don't like. Don't fucking buy it.
Another magical thing people can do when they don't like a thread, don't fucking post in it. So congratulations on looking like an idiot while having your truly bizarre and personal rant, while scolding me on not liking something completely unrelated to you.
I appreciate the instruments though, here's a return gift.
(https://b88999e18c89e80431a4-abc09c86eb4dd7b78c0b34703b49a2cf.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/0305730230400_A1A3_ItemMaster_type_large.jpeg)
Quote from: Grognard GM on April 13, 2023, 09:27:51 PM
Me:
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/62d1cbdff27333dfaaabed76e62f5a03/tumblr_n9yie3yXQ41tdhimpo1_500.gif)
Yeah its pretty bad when you would rather get sucked to your death out of an airlock then play a game :)
I actually agree with you OP. I can't stand Lower Decks except like it or not the show has its fans and Modeius would be stupid to not and try to tap into its popularity.
Just tired of the same " doom and gloom end of world" thread titles that seem all the rage on this site lately.
And thank you for the supply of menstrual pills. You will make sure to send me some when it's your time of the month won't you. Thanks I thought you would.
Quote from: Abraxus on April 14, 2023, 02:09:48 PM
I actually agree with you OP. I can't stand Lower Decks except like it or not the show has its fans and Modeius would be stupid to not and try to tap into its popularity.
Just tired of the same " doom and gloom end of world" thread titles that seem all the rage on this site lately.
Yep, while I am not a fan of the game there are plenty of people that are and it would be stupid for Modeius to not try to go for the money.
Quote from: Abraxus on April 14, 2023, 02:09:48 PMAnd thank you for the supply of menstrual pills. You will make sure to send me some when it's your time of the month won't you. Thanks I thought you would.
I'd let you share my blanket while we eat ice cream, but you might be gassy.
Quote from: GhostNinja on April 14, 2023, 03:10:01 PMYep, while I am not a fan of the game there are plenty of people that are and it would be stupid for Modeius to not try to go for the money.
I'd be extremely curious to see their sales figures. I've seen no evidence of Lower Decks having mainstream appeal. And no, multiple seasons of a show proves nothing post-2016.
Dear people here that watch it and enjoy it, you do you! I'm thrilled you enjoy this, I wish I had shows I could watch.
Quote from: Grognard GM on April 14, 2023, 03:39:55 PM
... I wish I had shows I could watch.
A lot of the current shows are trash, but on the flip side, there are more good old shows available online now than I'll be able to watch in my lifetime. Finishing up Burn Notice and starting on Grimm at the moment...
Quote from: David Johansen on April 13, 2023, 09:12:55 PMA friend wanted to run a Star Trek 2d20 game and do Lower Decks style comedy.
If it was a good friend I would probably give it a try, mostly to get more experience with the 2d20 system. In general I find that comedy games aren't as funny as regular games. Players do wacky stuff in regular games, but in comedy games it often turns stupid. :(
Quote from: Grognard GM on April 14, 2023, 03:39:55 PM
I'd be extremely curious to see their sales figures. I've seen no evidence of Lower Decks having mainstream appeal. And no, multiple seasons of a show proves nothing post-2016.
You are right about that. Especially during the Pandemic streaming services were buying up ideas as people were pitching them. Though I have been told that is starting to slow down.
To Re-state....
I Don't like the MODIPHIUS game mechanics for "Star Trek" - it just feels wrong.
My current GURPS campaign is set in the Star Trek universe circa 2262 - thats halfway between "Strange New Worlds"(2259-2260) and "TOS"(2265 to 2270). The GURPS rules are working out just fine - it helps that GCA now has the ST terminology and slang because of the GURPS adaptaion of 'Prime Directive'.
As for the show itself? - "Star Trek: Lower Decks"? I kind of like it.
However, one of my players in that Trek RPG campaign LOVES that show. She is attractive, a redhead, younger than me and I have been half interested in her for years. SO, her enthusiasm for it beats all the the negative comments I see on here and in other places. Hell, when we had the 'Christmas season' game session I gave her a gift of the "Lower Decks" 2023 calendar - she loved it (We are just friends...)
- Ed C.
Quote from: Koltar on April 14, 2023, 04:17:09 PM
However, one of my players in that Trek RPG campaign LOVES that show. She is attractive, a redhead, younger than me and I have been half interested in her for years. SO, her enthusiasm for it beats all the the negative comments I see on here and in other places. Hell, when we had the 'Christmas season' game session I gave her a gift of the "Lower Decks" 2023 calendar - she loved it (We are just friends...)
- Ed C.
Qapla', brother.
No, Klingon has never ever gotten anyone laid, but I'm old, married, and you get the sentiment.
Quote from: Thornhammer on April 15, 2023, 12:08:02 AM
Qapla', brother.
No, Klingon has never ever gotten anyone laid, but I'm old, married, and you get the sentiment.
Um, truthfully being 'Klingon' and speaking Klingon
has gotten me laid - but this is not the forum for that.
(Only two of them were gamers. )
The media and pop culture is stuck 20 to 25 years in the past on certain things on Star Trek fandom.
The game campaign is going well again or even great. I am glad the group decided to continue playing even after our favorite player died.
-Ed C.
Quote from: finarvyn on April 14, 2023, 03:56:15 PM
Quote from: David Johansen on April 13, 2023, 09:12:55 PMA friend wanted to run a Star Trek 2d20 game and do Lower Decks style comedy.
If it was a good friend I would probably give it a try, mostly to get more experience with the 2d20 system. In general I find that comedy games aren't as funny as regular games. Players do wacky stuff in regular games, but in comedy games it often turns stupid. :(
At one point the same player wanted to run a Sailor Moon game and someone asked why I went along with it and I answered "because he's a good customer" he was a bit hurt so I followed on with "I wouldn't have done it for a friend." So I made an annoying little sister who's super speed powers came from drinking energy drinks. Very much an appropriate trope to my mind but I'm glad to say it did scuttle the campaign fairly quickly.
Quote from: David Johansen on April 15, 2023, 11:57:39 PM
Quote from: finarvyn on April 14, 2023, 03:56:15 PM
Quote from: David Johansen on April 13, 2023, 09:12:55 PMA friend wanted to run a Star Trek 2d20 game and do Lower Decks style comedy.
If it was a good friend I would probably give it a try, mostly to get more experience with the 2d20 system. In general I find that comedy games aren't as funny as regular games. Players do wacky stuff in regular games, but in comedy games it often turns stupid. :(
At one point the same player wanted to run a Sailor Moon game and someone asked why I went along with it and I answered "because he's a good customer" he was a bit hurt so I followed on with "I wouldn't have done it for a friend." So I made an annoying little sister who's super speed powers came from drinking energy drinks. Very much an appropriate trope to my mind but I'm glad to say it did scuttle the campaign fairly quickly.
That brings up the old trope of "Better no gaming than bad gaming", which I hate.
(https://i.giphy.com/media/uNgUzhakqXkyI/giphy.webp)
Somewhere between ecstacy and torture is the game where it was ok, yeah. I'll play a game I don't particulary like if my friends are involved. I'll drag myself to a game when I'm not in the mood, and usually have a good time when I get past dragging my ass out of the apartment. I'll put up with "problem players" so long as they don't get out of hand, and are open to modulating their behavior when asked. etc.
I've played a fair share of Paranoia, for example, which doesn't scratch my RP itch, but can be fun for an evening of bad nerd jokes and crazy gaming.
I mean, Rick and Morty got a D&D crossover, should it really surprise anyone that a Rick and Morty knock-off got a D&D knock-off crossover?
And if it upsets, just remember, it's a licensed game from Modiphius; they'll lose the license in one to two years and no one will remember it ;D
Quote from: Tasty_Wind on April 16, 2023, 05:25:38 PMAnd if it upsets, just remember, it's a licensed game from Modiphius; they'll lose the license in one to two years and no one will remember it ;D
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/powerlisting/images/7/7c/Human_Torch_flame_on!.gif/revision/latest?cb=20170506200151)
Quote from: Grognard GM on April 12, 2023, 12:18:59 PM
https://intl.startrek.com/news/star-trek-adventures-brings-the-action-to-the-lower-decks (https://intl.startrek.com/news/star-trek-adventures-brings-the-action-to-the-lower-decks)
Seeing this published as an entire game line by a major RPG publisher hurts my soul.
Have you considered the license requires a book for each "show" or at least each current "show"?
I've zero experience with 2d20 Trek and much like Koltar, I'd GURPS it if anything (which is why I've the Prime Directive goods ;) available). But I'm a Trek whore anyway, so there's my admitted bias there; only missing Decipher Trek from my collection and that is owing to me just generally decoupling from rpgs at that point in time and not wanting to chase that particular dragon after running down as much Last Unicorn items I could put my mitts on.
I dig Lower Decks as a show. Yes, it's animated, yes, it's "Next Gen," and yes, it certainly doesn't shy away from trying to be funny. But, it never seems derogatory in looking at the Trek milieu as a whole while looking for the laughs or calling back to familiar tropes (i.e. the command crew reviewing the ship via shuttle vis-a-vis ST:TMP, the ep. from Picard where the D is reintroduced, etc.). All told, I'd say it does a better job of shepherding the Trek universe along for the masses into the future than the Star Wars sequels could ever dream of. Obviously, my opinion and all of that.
Having bought the Lower Decks adventure for 2d20, I'd even proffer that the adventure itself is very, very much Trekian as it was written by a long time Trek author whom seems to have garnered praise for "getting," the Star Trek vibe as well as writing no small amount of published non-game things centered around the Trek universe.
Don't knock the stuff, is what I'm getting at. However, I get the reticence too.
My friends and I just finished a year long campaign of Star Trek 2d20. It was one of the best games I've ever participated in.
While the core rulebook could certainly be formatted in a more intuitive fashion, the Modiphius system really worked for us.