Review of Wayfarer Infinity

Wayfarer Infinity is a space game that takes place in the far-flung future. And unlike most space games coming out recently (with the exception of Last Unicorn's "Star Trek: TNG") it doesn't have the post-apocalyptic, dark future overtones. The Wayfarer universe is filled with diversified life, that is to say there are a LOT of PC races available. There's high technology, and there's Psionic Abilities, here known as Genetic Abilities or GAs. If there's any easy way to sum up the game it's this: "Star Wars" where just about everyone has the power to use the Force. Not to say that the game is a "Star Wars" rip-off, on the contrary, the writers brought in a lot of creativity and different ideas to make the game unique unto itself.

This is definitely not a beer & pretzles game, the character creation and system itself are fairly math-intensive. So much so, that one of the original packaging ideas was to include a calculator. However, it's gone through enough playtesting, and refining that they have decided including a calculator was not neccessary. ...Plus, most gamers carry calculators already (especially if they play GURPS). The combat system is chart intensive as well, bringing back memories of the Role-Master system. However, despite the high math quotent and chart reading (or perhaps, due to), the system is very well-balanced. I was actually using an editor's copy to review the game, but have been told a GM's screen with a number of the often-used charts will be available, perhaps even packaged with the game.

To be honest, I found myself surprized at liking this game so much, it has the things I don't like about so many games. It's math intensive, chart intensive, and combat almost seems miniature based. However, the game itself is put together well enough that I found myself looking beyond that and finding pleasure in the game, rekindling memories when sitting around a table gaming with dice, calculator, and miniatures was fun.

Wayfarer Infinity is simply a space game, being neither Space Opera nor a hard SF game. It's a pleasant medium between the two. But if you plan on playing, I recomend making sure your calculator is working... and you might want to dust off your miniatures as well. All I can say is "kudos" to newcomer Rune's Law for a well put together game.

Style: 4 (Classy and well done)
Substance: 5 (Excellent!)