Question...

[NPC NPC1]

I was wondering if there were any space-based RPG's out there?...I was thinking about creating an entire game based upon shows like Outlaw Star, Cowboy Bebop, and a sleuth of other shows that involve bounty hunting in the universe....So any comments on a game that would involve bounty hunting, politics, mayhem, and death in space?

[Max]

I'm making one at the moment, called Free Lances. Basically it's about freelance operatives (anything from mercenaries to plumbers) in relatively near future in our solar system, now run/owned almost entirely by a multiplanetary holding company, OmniCorp. Here, the term "freelancer" refers to anyone not working day-to-day on company payroll. They're used for anything OmniCorp (or some other employer) deems too dangerous or illegal for their own people.

I've described it mostly as "Love & Rockets meets Lobo and Tank Girl in space"...

[Patrick Chipman]

There are lots and lots of sci-fi RPGs. Luckily, you probably haven't heard of any of them. ;) The in-print game most likely to even approach the feel of what you're looking at is Trinity (White Wolf/Arthaus), but the mood there isn't quite as freewheeling as what it appears you're looking for. Orbit seems superficially similar to your specified subgenre, but you'll probably have to read it to be sure. Galactos Barrier, for the now-defunct Amazing Engine system, might also be a good pick.

It's worth noting that most modern sci-fi RPGs -- such as Blue Planet, Trinity, and (cheap plug) Skew Effect -- are moving away from the comedic, tech-nerd, and anime sci-fi standpoints and are instead attempting to explore the deep themes that the best sci-fi literature (Heinlein, Bradbury, etc.) explores. They're trying to be more Ghost in the Shell than Outlaw Star, if you catch my drift. ;) So, finding an existing game that fits what you're looking for might be somewhat difficult. In that case, feel free to create your own, bearing in mind that you need to be a lot better than the nigh infinite numbers of semi- and non-playable "I have 25 races, 42 character classes, 370 special abilities, and tons of kewl weapons" homebrews out there. ;)

[Jon Doda]

If you want to run a Cowboy Bebop-esque game then by far your best bet is Jovian Chronicles. Like Bebop it's hard science fiction, no aliens, no FTL, and it's take on the Solar System of the nearish future is quite similar. Besides, it's a kick-ass game by it's own right.

[Misguided]

I love Cowboy Bebop. OST #1 is my new favorite CD. If you like anime, you should check out Big Eyes Small Mouth from Guardians of Order which is a customizable game suitable for playing any kind of anime you can come up with.

[Kai Feng]

Thanx for the help guys. I only listed Cowboy Bebop and Outlaw Star as example so you knew what i was looking for. But I would take the approach, as Patrick puts it...

attempting to explore the deep themes that the best sci-fi literature (Heinlein, Bradbury, etc.) explores

[Kai Feng]

I am looking for a fast-paced combat system, more geared towards gunfights over physical combat. I have taken a look at various systems using cards and dice and what not, but there not exactly what i am looking for. Any help is appreciated. Thanx.

[Kai Feng]

i forgot one detail...

I am looking for a fast-paced REALISTIC combat system.

[Andrew Martin]

Kai Feng wrote:
> I am looking for a fast-paced REALISTIC combat system.

Check out S. It's available at: http://valley.150m.com/S/S.html. I made S for realistic and cinematic, modern and fantasy combat.

[Judas]

Check out here:

http://www.darkshire.org/~jhkim/rpg/freerpgs/bykeyword/scifi.html

There are a buttload of free sci-fi RPGs listed and linked to there. :)