The Inside Scoop on Gaming

It may seem odd to offer a review of one of the "old" industry stalwarts here, but not everyone reading this is an old stalwart player and may want advice...

GURPS, the Generic Universal RolePlaying System, is designed for use across any genre, setting and character type. Characters are designed by players, using a point-cost-based system to purchase attributes, advantages and skills. Players get extra points by taking disadvantages. And the math is still lots simpler than Champions!

All the game mechanics work around three six-sided dice. In fact, six-siders are the only dice required, which is STILL kind of refreshing. Since all the nasty math is done during character creation, play can be speedy and efficient... or it can be painfully slow, depending on your GM's experience and the number of advanced or optional rules in use.

GURPS has a very easy-to-love core of basic rules, and numerous advanced and optional rules, so that you can fine-tune the level of detail and speed you like.

But: The main fault I find is that GURPS is not really friendly to beginning players. The game can look pretty scary unless you're already familiar with some of the conventions of rpgaming.

Another drawback is the potential for "expansion-burn-out." There are nearly 120 GURPS supplements; 50 are "in-print" at any given time. While you don't officially need ANY of these, you'll be hard pressed to do-it-yourself as well as the worldbook authors have. So there'll be more expenses in your future.

(This isn't a bad thing. GURPS supplements are widely regarded as some of the best source material in gaming.)

GURPS is also great for using in other games. We've converted Traveller, Champions and Star Trek characters to GURPS and not missed a beat... and not missed having to remember which game we're playing.

Style: 3 (Average)
Substance: 4 (Meaty)

GURPS Basic Set (Third Edition)
Author: Steve Jackson Category: game Company/Publisher: Steve Jackson Games Cost: $24.95 Page count: 256 Capsule Review by Bob Portnell on 09/28/97. Genre tags: none	It may seem odd to offer a review of one of the "old" industry stalwarts here, but not everyone reading this is an old stalwart player and may want advice... GURPS, the Generic Universal RolePlaying System, is designed for use across any genre, setting and character type. Characters are designed by players, using a point-cost-based system to purchase attributes, advantages and skills. Players get extra points by taking disadvantages. And the math is still lots simpler than Champions! All the game mechanics work around three six-sided dice. In fact, six-siders are the only dice required, which is STILL kind of refreshing. Since all the nasty math is done during character creation, play can be speedy and efficient... or it can be painfully slow, depending on your GM's experience and the number of advanced or optional rules in use. GURPS has a very easy-to-love core of basic rules, and numerous advanced and optional rules, so that you can fine-tune the level of detail and speed you like. But: The main fault I find is that GURPS is not really friendly to beginning players. The game can look pretty scary unless you're already familiar with some of the conventions of rpgaming. Another drawback is the potential for "expansion-burn-out." There are nearly 120 GURPS supplements; 50 are "in-print" at any given time. While you don't officially need ANY of these, you'll be hard pressed to do-it-yourself as well as the worldbook authors have. So there'll be more expenses in your future. (This isn't a bad thing. GURPS supplements are widely regarded as some of the best source material in gaming.) GURPS is also great for using in other games. We've converted Traveller, Champions and Star Trek characters to GURPS and not missed a beat... and not missed having to remember which game we're playing. Style: 3 (Average) Substance: 4 (Meaty)

GURPS Basic Set (Third Edition)