Episode 227: How To Play Star Wars

If you played Star Wars as a kid on the playground or with the almost endless number of Kenner toys, you probably wanted to try it on the tabletop as a role-playing game. What is the best way to do it? What system would you use? Of the licensed game out there from West End Games or Fantasy Flight Games and also the fan homebrews, which system would you choose? Are there better systems that have never been adapted? We try to cover the topic including what makes a game feel like Star Wars and how you explore the universe without the rules getting in the way. This discussion could equally apply to all games based on popular intellectual properties and how to make a successful translation to the tabletop. Session zero and understanding player expectations as well as what are the limitations of the setting are also covered.

So sharpen those lightsabers and swaddle those HVTs as we dive deep into playing Star Wars as a roleplaying game from three different perspectives.
#starwars #westendgames #pbta #fantasyflightgames

 

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Episode 226: The Rise of Skywalker Review and the Future of Star Wars

Coming full circle and putting to rest Disney’s attempt at a sequel trilogy. Five years ago, we were hopeful for The Force Awakens. Then caught off guard by The Last Jedi. Now listen to what we have to say as the end of the Skywalker Saga is upon us. Alan joins us as we discuss where we were five years ago snd where we are now with Star Wars. What did The Rise of Skywalker do to the franchise and what is the future? Will the Mandalorian and streaming keep fans coming back? #starwars #disney #lucasfilm

Our Last Jedi review:
https://youtu.be/MBQ_ZLt60tw

Our Force Awakens review:
https://www.idleredhands.com/2016/11/28/episode-191-star-wars-the-force-awakens/

Idle Red Hands on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/idleredhands

Follow Idle Red Hands:
https://twitter.com/idleredhands
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Video: The Rise of Skywalker Review and the Future of Star Wars

Coming full circle and putting to rest Disney’s attempt at a sequel trilogy. Five years ago, we were hopeful for The Force Awakens. Then caught off guard by The Last Jedi. Now listen to what we have to say as the end of the Skywalker Saga is upon us. Alan joins us as we discuss where we were five years ago snd where we are now with Star Wars. What did The Rise of Skywalker do to the franchise and what is the future? Will the Mandalorian and streaming keep fans coming back? #starwars #disney #lucasfilm

Our Last Jedi review:
https://youtu.be/MBQ_ZLt60tw

Our Force Awakens review:
https://www.idleredhands.com/2016/11/28/episode-191-star-wars-the-force-awakens/

Idle Red Hands on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/idleredhands

Follow Idle Red Hands:
https://twitter.com/idleredhands
https://www.facebook.com/IdleRedHands/
https://www.twitch.tv/idleredhands
https://www.instagram.com/idleredhands/

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Episode 225: Secrets of Blackmoor Documentary Review – No Spoilers!

Our spoiler-free and tease-filled review of The Secrets of Blackmoor – The True History of Dungeons & Dragons Documentary Volume One: The Evolution of the Roleplaying Game. #blackmoor #davearneson #

From the website:

“What if everything you knew about the history of Dungeons & Dragons was wrong? 6 Years, 12 Cities, 200 Hours of Interviews, 20,000 Documents and Photos: An unprecedented investigation into the history of D&D – the game that spurred a multi-billion dollar industry.”

Watch Now on Vimeo.com:
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/sobfinal

Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/blackmoorsec…

Visit the website:
https://www.secretsofblackmoor.com/

Idle Red Hands on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/idleredhands

Follow Idle Red Hands:
https://twitter.com/idleredhands
https://www.facebook.com/IdleRedHands/
https://www.twitch.tv/idleredhands
https://www.instagram.com/idleredhands/

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Episode 224: Alien RPG Cinematic Starter Review

Our in-depth review of the Alien RPG Cinematic Starter by Free League. More than 90 minutes of overview, analysis and some spoilers for the free PDF adventure, Chariot of the Gods. We start with a summary of the Year Zero System used in the game and how it differs from previous Free League releases like Forbidden Lands and Mechatron. There are also the stress, consumables and PVP mechanics that are unique to this system and setting. We discuss the use of props and sound effects and their effect on the sessions. We played through the adventure in 4 game sessions that are available on our YouTube and Twitch channels.

If you are curious about the Alien RPG and its system and setting this should give you a very thorough idea of how this game plays and if you want to bring it to your gaming table.

For an even longer version please visit our YouTube channel for the video review:
https://youtu.be/eE26W3rXEWg

You can watch our actual play sessions here:
https://youtu.be/WQHfvk_yHAc

Idle Red Hands on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/idleredhands

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Video: Mutant: Mechatron – Rise of the Robots LONG Review

Another deep dive into an RPG where we have both read the book and played a few session. This time it is Mutant: Mechatron – Rise of the Robots by Free League. It uses their Year Zero Engine, d6 dice pool system, and although it is a stand-alone game your robots can play with characters in both Mutant Year Zero and Genlab, once they escape Mechatron-7. We give you an overview of the system, character creation and the setting. Also a discussion of the surprising challenge of playing self-aware robot player characters. If you are familiar with Mutant Year Zero this is a great new take on post-apocalyptic characters and if you are new to the system and setting, it is well worth your time. Find out if this game is for you as we dive deep into Mutant: Mechatron.


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Episode 218: Forbidden Lands

Following our character creation and first gaming session, we have a long-form review of Forbidden Lands, the fantasy TTRPG from Free League. We discuss the system, setting, and mechanics of the game with a final comment on the value of the components themselves. The boxed set feels very premium and is a truly wonderful product. It captures the old school feel very well. But is it worth the price? Find out in our long review of Forbidden Lands!

For a more concise review look for our short version: http://www.idleredhands.com/2019/01/25/video-short-review-of-forbidden-lands-rpg/

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Video: Short Review of Forbidden Lands

A short review to help you decide if the Forbidden Lands RPG by Free League is for you. We discuss the major features and mechanics and also talk about how it differs from other systems and RPGs. We love this game but wanted to present a balanced look at it to help you make your own decision.

BGM – Veil of the Blood Mist by ALVE – Forbidden Lands OST

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Movie Mining: Logan & Aging

“Nature made me a freak. Man made me a weapon. And God made it last too long.”
Logan, Logan

“This is what life looks like…”
Professor X, Logan

In this installment of Movie Mining, where we mine movies for RPG ideas, we review the 2017 film Logan and discuss what lessons we learned on how to play older characters in your RPG campaigns. We also talk about the Old Man Logan comic series where the movie drew inspiration. So, if you’re wondering how can you balance the benefit of long experience with the physical ravages of time to create a deep and interesting player character or NPC, find out in our review, bub. Snikt!

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Episode 205: Star Trek Adventures RPG

Two Star Trek fans guys who have seen some Star Trek episodes review the latest 2d20 game, Star Trek Adventures. We answer all of the important questions. Do you need to be a Star Trek fan to enjoy the game? Can the game make you a Star Trek fan? Is this an improvement on the 2d20 system? Does the system match the universe? Does it have starships? Can you play a Borg hottie? Listen and find out!

Audio for this episode is also available on YouTube

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