Alternity Rocks! - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Alternity Rocks!

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
zombiegleemax
Jun 18, 2003 16:09:54 Just wanted to say that Alternity still rocks!
Anyone on this message board still play with the Alternity system? Kind of curious. Most of the active discussions on the game can be found at www.alternity.net and www.tequilastarrise.net but I check in once in a while to see if there are Alternity enthusiasts hanging around the ole Wizard's site.

Daryl B
#2
zombiegleemax
Jun 19, 2003 6:07:11 i second that motion, wotc dont realize what they missed out on by stoping the alternity system, befroe the rpg boost back into society *sigh* at least it isn't completely forgotten
#3
zombiegleemax
Jun 25, 2003 12:24:06 I still play Alternity and it is such a shame that WotC decided to cancel the system. It's the second best system since 3rd edition D&D.
#4
zombiegleemax
Jun 25, 2003 16:09:24 I would say Alternity is the best system I have encountered, with 3rd Edition D&D being a big improvement over its earlier editions, especially with the use of a unifying die system. (I always hated the Thieving skills percentage tables). I believe the makers of 3E learned some lessons from Alternity in this matter but they had to stick with some of the classic D&D mechanics such as Hit Points, Armor, Level-based improvement (as opposed to Skills), etc..., which I am not completely satisfied with. To each their own. It's still an enjoyable pasttime no matter what system you use.

Daryl
#5
zombiegleemax
Jul 01, 2003 9:03:14 I've gotten a lot of use out of Alternity. Love it. Love it lots. I dunno if I like it more than d20 Modern's potential, but even that book didn't stop me from hunting down used copies of Alternity books needed to fill my collection.
#6
zombiegleemax
Jul 09, 2003 5:26:24 I got basic D&D, AD&D2nd Ed (Greyhawk, Spelljammer, Ravenloft, Forgotten Realms, Oriental Adventures, most handbooks, scores of adventures), D&D 3rd Ed (PHB, GMG, MM), Rifts (6 books), Palladium (old fantasy), StormBringer, Warhammer Fantasy and I've played many more RPGs over the past 12 years.

Alternity wins.
I will support alternity until everyone quits on it .

TerroX - co-admin of http://Alternity.Net/
#7
zombiegleemax
Jul 13, 2003 0:50:17 Ever since I first started playing Alternity, I've always loved the ability to define a character the way that you wanted to. So many different ways to make a character, it is unreal. Alternity was the best system and always will be the best system ever made!!! I played the hell out of this game and have never stopped. Wish they hadn't discontinued it. I'm always on the look out for new things related to it where ever I can.
#8
lissa
Aug 07, 2003 16:45:22 I hate the Alternity system especially the section dealing with mutations and mutants. Alternity Gamma World had major problems and forced you to play mutants with major defects and lousy good? mutations if you played them at all.
#9
zombiegleemax
Aug 07, 2003 17:52:57 eh? you don't have to choose bad mutations if you don't want them and some of the drawbacks are actually good weapons.
#10
zombiegleemax
Aug 07, 2003 21:00:31 ....and if it such a bad thing, you don't need to incorporate it into the game you are playing. Mutations were optional characters that weren't a major point of the game playing. They were rarely an issue with my games. Mindwalkers were the funnest to play.
#11
fredegar_the_white
Aug 13, 2003 2:26:22 Alternity was great! The Arms&Equipment Guide of the darkmatter setting is my favorite supplement! It has everything!!!

Also i think the Alternity setting was a preview of 3rdEd. The skill point cost is basically the same and i think they threw alternity in the market to test everyones reactions to it's rules!
#12
zombiegleemax
Aug 13, 2003 2:40:11 not really, a few guys spent years and lots of money designing a system for generic Sci-fi with alternity. but D&D 3rd ed was more of an attempt to consolidate all products into one and maximise their share of players.
Star Wars came along and Alternity basically had to get out of the way, Star Wars couldn't use the Alternity system because they were heading toward the unified system so it had to use D20 - and alternity had to go.
there are claims of losses on the alternity product line and poor uptake, but that is normal for a new product because production costs have to be paid off etc.. don't believe it the hype.

Basically - Alternity fans end up with a great quality product which had huge amounts of R&D invested into it, quite a lot of books and no chance of new editions coming out to screw up your collection/games.

D&D 3.5 was planned before 3.0 was finished, 4.0 is also planned..
Do you want to play AD&D, AD&D2nd ed, AD&D 2nd ed revised, D&D3.0 or D&D3.5? - not to mention the Star Wars revisions and extra handbook expansions...

ALTERNITY - perfect.
#13
zombiegleemax
Aug 27, 2003 12:42:40 I'm pretty much in the 'Alternity Rocks' school of thought. I actually like it better than the 3rd edition D and D edition rules. In fact I had even spent some time thinking about various ways I could make a good fantasy setting under alternity rules.

I guess the thing I appreciated the most about it is the way the creators handled so many sci fi setting possibilities in one rules system. The creation of progress levels was a great idea. They present mutants, AI, psionics and cybernetics all as optional rules and pretty much allow the gamemaster to go from there.

I liked the progression of hardnesses vs. weapon power (ordinary/good/amazing). Relatively open character advancement and really easy combat rules.

The Warships pdf just rocks. Definitely a big thumbs up on that. If you haven't read through that I definitely suggest it.

I read through the Dragonstar books and they just didn't do it for me. In fact... i kind of thought they stunk. I know I really didn't like the campaign setting so maybe there was nothing wrong with using the D20 rules although I'm not sure I really liked those either.

I know I'm going to keep playing with the alternity rules and I'm really sad to see it go. Still I appreciate WOTC keeping the links to the various products and fan sites. I think there is enough of a fan base online to keep things going.
#14
zombiegleemax
Sep 02, 2003 17:05:15 I'm pretty much with you on this one.
I've (sadly) just discovered Alternity, and I really want to try out the rules.
Gamma World has an special appeal to me, it reminds me of Fallout.
#15
canamrock
Sep 03, 2003 23:33:15 The Alternity system only died out because of the need for a standard D20 system and the problems that came from the detailed mechanics in Alternity.

One of the greatest parts of the system is the seamless rolling mechanic. Awesome stuff, and it provides a good deal of realism. If you drop random die rolls for situation modifiers in place of the D20-like +/- 2 mods, it's pretty easy to handle.

What I would LOVE to do is to make like Hackmaster and redevelop the system, improving upon a few areas that the system was a bit weak, and releasing it as a more universal RPG.

How much do the rights to Alternity cost? lol
#16
Jancoran
Sep 04, 2003 15:15:41 I love Alternity and think that they made a huge huge mistake not just making StarWars an Alternity game. I mean they did Gamma World for Gods sake.
#17
zombiegleemax
Sep 25, 2003 1:50:51 Both Alternity and d20 have a large pool of unrealized potential. I like them both. I hold Alternity quite dear, but I think that d20 *could* be so much better than what they have so far. It's getting better, slowly over time.

TerroX is right, though. Alternity is a great, and static system. It means you'll have to evolve it yourself as a fan if you want to improve on it, but it means that you won't be bogged down with constant updates to purchase.

If they don't give up the rights to Alternity (Which I'm sure they won't), I do at least wish they'd open it up under a license similar to OGL/d20
#18
zombiegleemax
Oct 09, 2003 16:34:30 Aside from Mutant Chronicles I'd have to say Alternity is the best Sci-fi system out there. It being so abruptly pushed aside was one of the main reason I couldn't bring myself to purchase any d20 material for a very long time. I had a helluva grudge.

There's so much unexplored potential in the settings already released, and not nearly enough information on a lot of subjects. But the most important part for creating and getting across the "feel" of a setting are the novels, and imo there should have been quite a few more of those, wether there would be more game supplements or not.

Alternity had way too short a lifespan. Cut off in its prime for commercial purposes.
#19
zombiegleemax
Oct 30, 2003 13:52:54 I love Alternity as well. I'm currently starting up my own StarDrive campaign with a few friends and I held a vote to see which rules system they would prefer. Alternity (which I have all the books for) or d20 Modern (which would involve heavy conversion time). ONE out of 5 said d20, the rest made a triumphant cry for Alternity!

Best things about the system IMO.

-Armor reduces damage, but does NOT make you harder to hit.
-Situation die adds more risk and chance to die rolls than static numbers
-Psionics as a skill system is WAY cool.
-Professions and skill system allow for an infinite number of character possibilities as opposed to the d20 class system.
-The sheer number of campaign possibilities that can be run from this system (space fighters, x-files, bug-hunt, cyberpunk, even D&D!!)

And as far as future products go, you may have noticed that Wizards is slowly releasing Alternity/StarDrive material into the d20 Market. The new Menace Manual includes some old alien buddies originally published in Alternity. Also, I would not be surprised at all if StarDrive was the default setting for the upcoming d20 Future sourcebook due out next year.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 zombiegleemax Jun 18, 2003 16:09:54	Just wanted to say that Alternity still rocks! Anyone on this message board still play with the Alternity system? Kind of curious. Most of the active discussions on the game can be found at www.alternity.net and www.tequilastarrise.net but I check in once in a while to see if there are Alternity enthusiasts hanging around the ole Wizard's site. Daryl B
#2 zombiegleemax Jun 19, 2003 6:07:11	i second that motion, wotc dont realize what they missed out on by stoping the alternity system, befroe the rpg boost back into society sigh at least it isn't completely forgotten
#3 zombiegleemax Jun 25, 2003 12:24:06	I still play Alternity and it is such a shame that WotC decided to cancel the system. It's the second best system since 3rd edition D&D.
#4 zombiegleemax Jun 25, 2003 16:09:24	I would say Alternity is the best system I have encountered, with 3rd Edition D&D being a big improvement over its earlier editions, especially with the use of a unifying die system. (I always hated the Thieving skills percentage tables). I believe the makers of 3E learned some lessons from Alternity in this matter but they had to stick with some of the classic D&D mechanics such as Hit Points, Armor, Level-based improvement (as opposed to Skills), etc..., which I am not completely satisfied with. To each their own. It's still an enjoyable pasttime no matter what system you use. Daryl
#5 zombiegleemax Jul 01, 2003 9:03:14	I've gotten a lot of use out of Alternity. Love it. Love it lots. I dunno if I like it more than d20 Modern's potential, but even that book didn't stop me from hunting down used copies of Alternity books needed to fill my collection.
#6 zombiegleemax Jul 09, 2003 5:26:24	I got basic D&D, AD&D2nd Ed (Greyhawk, Spelljammer, Ravenloft, Forgotten Realms, Oriental Adventures, most handbooks, scores of adventures), D&D 3rd Ed (PHB, GMG, MM), Rifts (6 books), Palladium (old fantasy), StormBringer, Warhammer Fantasy and I've played many more RPGs over the past 12 years. Alternity wins. I will support alternity until everyone quits on it . TerroX - co-admin of http://Alternity.Net/
#7 zombiegleemax Jul 13, 2003 0:50:17	Ever since I first started playing Alternity, I've always loved the ability to define a character the way that you wanted to. So many different ways to make a character, it is unreal. Alternity was the best system and always will be the best system ever made!!! I played the hell out of this game and have never stopped. Wish they hadn't discontinued it. I'm always on the look out for new things related to it where ever I can.
#8 lissa Aug 07, 2003 16:45:22	I hate the Alternity system especially the section dealing with mutations and mutants. Alternity Gamma World had major problems and forced you to play mutants with major defects and lousy good? mutations if you played them at all.
#9 zombiegleemax Aug 07, 2003 17:52:57	eh? you don't have to choose bad mutations if you don't want them and some of the drawbacks are actually good weapons.
#10 zombiegleemax Aug 07, 2003 21:00:31	....and if it such a bad thing, you don't need to incorporate it into the game you are playing. Mutations were optional characters that weren't a major point of the game playing. They were rarely an issue with my games. Mindwalkers were the funnest to play.
#11 fredegar_the_white Aug 13, 2003 2:26:22	Alternity was great! The Arms&Equipment Guide of the darkmatter setting is my favorite supplement! It has everything!!! Also i think the Alternity setting was a preview of 3rdEd. The skill point cost is basically the same and i think they threw alternity in the market to test everyones reactions to it's rules!
#12 zombiegleemax Aug 13, 2003 2:40:11	not really, a few guys spent years and lots of money designing a system for generic Sci-fi with alternity. but D&D 3rd ed was more of an attempt to consolidate all products into one and maximise their share of players. Star Wars came along and Alternity basically had to get out of the way, Star Wars couldn't use the Alternity system because they were heading toward the unified system so it had to use D20 - and alternity had to go. there are claims of losses on the alternity product line and poor uptake, but that is normal for a new product because production costs have to be paid off etc.. don't believe it the hype. Basically - Alternity fans end up with a great quality product which had huge amounts of R&D invested into it, quite a lot of books and no chance of new editions coming out to screw up your collection/games. D&D 3.5 was planned before 3.0 was finished, 4.0 is also planned.. Do you want to play AD&D, AD&D2nd ed, AD&D 2nd ed revised, D&D3.0 or D&D3.5? - not to mention the Star Wars revisions and extra handbook expansions... ALTERNITY - perfect.
#13 zombiegleemax Aug 27, 2003 12:42:40	I'm pretty much in the 'Alternity Rocks' school of thought. I actually like it better than the 3rd edition D and D edition rules. In fact I had even spent some time thinking about various ways I could make a good fantasy setting under alternity rules. I guess the thing I appreciated the most about it is the way the creators handled so many sci fi setting possibilities in one rules system. The creation of progress levels was a great idea. They present mutants, AI, psionics and cybernetics all as optional rules and pretty much allow the gamemaster to go from there. I liked the progression of hardnesses vs. weapon power (ordinary/good/amazing). Relatively open character advancement and really easy combat rules. The Warships pdf just rocks. Definitely a big thumbs up on that. If you haven't read through that I definitely suggest it. I read through the Dragonstar books and they just didn't do it for me. In fact... i kind of thought they stunk. I know I really didn't like the campaign setting so maybe there was nothing wrong with using the D20 rules although I'm not sure I really liked those either. I know I'm going to keep playing with the alternity rules and I'm really sad to see it go. Still I appreciate WOTC keeping the links to the various products and fan sites. I think there is enough of a fan base online to keep things going.
#14 zombiegleemax Sep 02, 2003 17:05:15	I'm pretty much with you on this one. I've (sadly) just discovered Alternity, and I really want to try out the rules. Gamma World has an special appeal to me, it reminds me of Fallout.
#15 canamrock Sep 03, 2003 23:33:15	The Alternity system only died out because of the need for a standard D20 system and the problems that came from the detailed mechanics in Alternity. One of the greatest parts of the system is the seamless rolling mechanic. Awesome stuff, and it provides a good deal of realism. If you drop random die rolls for situation modifiers in place of the D20-like +/- 2 mods, it's pretty easy to handle. What I would LOVE to do is to make like Hackmaster and redevelop the system, improving upon a few areas that the system was a bit weak, and releasing it as a more universal RPG. How much do the rights to Alternity cost? lol
#16 Jancoran Sep 04, 2003 15:15:41	I love Alternity and think that they made a huge huge mistake not just making StarWars an Alternity game. I mean they did Gamma World for Gods sake.
#17 zombiegleemax Sep 25, 2003 1:50:51	Both Alternity and d20 have a large pool of unrealized potential. I like them both. I hold Alternity quite dear, but I think that d20 could be so much better than what they have so far. It's getting better, slowly over time. TerroX is right, though. Alternity is a great, and static system. It means you'll have to evolve it yourself as a fan if you want to improve on it, but it means that you won't be bogged down with constant updates to purchase. If they don't give up the rights to Alternity (Which I'm sure they won't), I do at least wish they'd open it up under a license similar to OGL/d20
#18 zombiegleemax Oct 09, 2003 16:34:30	Aside from Mutant Chronicles I'd have to say Alternity is the best Sci-fi system out there. It being so abruptly pushed aside was one of the main reason I couldn't bring myself to purchase any d20 material for a very long time. I had a helluva grudge. There's so much unexplored potential in the settings already released, and not nearly enough information on a lot of subjects. But the most important part for creating and getting across the "feel" of a setting are the novels, and imo there should have been quite a few more of those, wether there would be more game supplements or not. Alternity had way too short a lifespan. Cut off in its prime for commercial purposes.
#19 zombiegleemax Oct 30, 2003 13:52:54	I love Alternity as well. I'm currently starting up my own StarDrive campaign with a few friends and I held a vote to see which rules system they would prefer. Alternity (which I have all the books for) or d20 Modern (which would involve heavy conversion time). ONE out of 5 said d20, the rest made a triumphant cry for Alternity! Best things about the system IMO. -Armor reduces damage, but does NOT make you harder to hit. -Situation die adds more risk and chance to die rolls than static numbers -Psionics as a skill system is WAY cool. -Professions and skill system allow for an infinite number of character possibilities as opposed to the d20 class system. -The sheer number of campaign possibilities that can be run from this system (space fighters, x-files, bug-hunt, cyberpunk, even D&D!!) And as far as future products go, you may have noticed that Wizards is slowly releasing Alternity/StarDrive material into the d20 Market. The new Menace Manual includes some old alien buddies originally published in Alternity. Also, I would not be surprised at all if StarDrive was the default setting for the upcoming d20 Future sourcebook due out next year.