Rules option #1: The Masters of the Universe RPG

I'm keeping my eyes and mind open for rulesets that can serve as a core for Project 5.5, my take on gaming with ridiculously buff action figures in the style of the old Masters of the Universe line.  These will likely be dedicated miniatures or RPG rules (or both), and as I mentioned last time, I have a few key elements I'm looking for...with ease of play and use of D6s for resolution probably being the most important.  At the moment, anyway.  I could honestly see myself altering the goals if I hit upon just the right set of rules.

So...with all of that in mind, I figured I should begin my quest by going straight to the source: FASA's Masters of the Universe Role Playing Game from 1985.

From BoardGameGeek.

I now know from reading up on this game a bit (primarily this review) that a common reaction, upon learning that it actually exists (and especially once one realizes that it was made by FASA, of Star Trek RPG and Battletech fame), is to assume that it's a must-have piece of gaming history.  And I'll admit...even after reading about how terrible it is (such as in the review linked above), there's a part of me that thinks this would be a holy grail of sorts for my small RPG collection.  But...well, it apparently really is terrible as a game...not even a true RPG (to the extent that it has a page on BoardGameGeek), and pretty much impossible to play as presented, even as a board game.

It sure LOOKS like it'd be awesome, though.  Plus, I'm mostly interested in how I might tweak it to work as a minis game.  Here's the character card layout:

Also from BoardGameGeek.

Those skills...which include combat ratings...are apparently resolved with a D6 roll (and certainly pass an eye test for being on that scale).  So, check on that.  And the double-digit values for Strength, Agility, etc. at the top of the card look to be based upon some sort of 2D6 roll, probably a roll-under resolution.  (I don't know that those numbers even get used in the game as written...)

The Life Force and Magic Points look like they could be fiddly in the sort of game I'm trying to make, but overall, this looks like a definite contender.  I think it'd be pretty fun to take the bare-bones rules presented here and attach enough chrome to make it playable as a miniatures game.

More options to come soon...!

Choosing a framework for Project 5.5

So...my first (next?) step for Project 5.5 shall be to decide upon a ruleset that can serve as a framework for the sort of "miniatures" battles I want to stage.  I have some in mind already...and am having a tough time settling.

In short, I'm looking for rules that are...

1.  Fun to play.
2.  Functional with minimal paperwork (since it'll be played outside).
3.  Capable of capturing the somewhat gonzo science fantasy flavor of Masters of the Universe.
4.  Usable with teams of 3-6 figures per side; ideally it would work (and retain its playability) with as few as one figure, up to maybe dozens.
5.  Able to make use of these great D6s Laura gave me for my birthday last year.  (I have six of 'em.)

Tulip is just there for scale.

I hope to get some posts up this week with some of the options I see as top contenders.  In the meantime, please feel free to suggest away if you have ideas!

Introducing Project 5.5 ... aka The One I'm Going to Finish

Hello, all who happen upon these words in the binary aether!  For...oh, I don't know, like a year and a half now...I've been thinking about returning to this blog.  I even posted a thing a couple of months ago, thinking it might be my foot in the door for a return to the realm of geek blogging.

I've come to realize that returning to a neglected blog feels a lot like it did trying to get up the courage to go out on the floor at a middle school dance.  You have some idea of what it's supposed to look like, and man, all those folks doing it make it look so easy.  But the longer you wait, the harder it becomes, because it feels like the stakes just keep getting higher and more people are wondering why you aren't doing it and oh man why is everyone looking at me so this better be good if I'm actually gonna do it now.

(Why, yes, I may have some long-unresolved issues stemming from adolescent unpopularity, why do you ask?)

So, whatever, the time is now...I'm gonna dance, and here's the move I'm starting with:

Project 5.5

I'll give the background in some upcoming posts, but in short, this is my attempt to create a relatively fast 'n non-relatively fun "miniatures" game designed to be played outdoors with squatty, overmuscled, Masters of the Universe-style action figures.

Because the world may not need it, but I sure do.

I'm already hearing the questions...

Hey, you ADD-addled gamer, what makes this one different from the other million and one projects you started on this blog?

Why in the world would this be "the one you're going to finish?"

Who are you again?  How did I end up here?

Well, if I wasn't serious about it, would I have bought this ridiculous lot of figures on eBay...?

Eh, actually...I might.  I have a history of less-than-stellar choices on eBay.

But...I have a really good feeling about this one.

NOTE:  If you hate puns, please read no further on this page.
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Yep, I'm at the dance and getting back out on the floor.  Can't wait to try the punch...