Post originally by Colin Fredericks at 2005-03-19 12:42:26
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Hi, Ernest. My name's Colin. I'm the writer for Valence, and I'll try to answer your question.

Valence has a lot less mysticism than Fading Suns. There's the Lording, which is a very magic-like power, but there's none of the feudal-europe-in-space feel. Whereas Fading Suns is set in a dark age, Valence is set *after* one, in a period of rebuilding and hope. The feel is very different.

As for Traveller, I'm mostly familiar with the GURPS edition. I like it a lot. I was never a huge fan of the aliens in that game (cat-men and insects and such), but since Valence aliens used to be based on fantasy races, I can't really complain. Also, the tech level in Valence is higher and somewhat more ubiquitous than that in Traveller.

I don't know anything about Stardrive, unfortunately, except that it was a setting for Alternity. The few reviews I've found were somewhat uninformative. If you can tell me a little about it or point me somewhere with lots of info. I'd be glad to talk about it.

I can compare Valence to various other games I own, though. You don't have to deal with the knowledge of obsessed fans like you do with Star Trek, Star Wars, or Dune, and the universe is much larger and more varied than in Trinity or Jovian Chronicles.

As far as general distinguishing characteristics, I think the "social combat" system in Valence is pretty unique; I've rarely seen a game with anything close to it. It gives social characters something just as interesting and detailed as regular combat. I also think that the Lording is a very nice magic-like power for GMs to deal with; you never have to worry about shapeshifting, scrying, or telepathy because the basic rules of magic make them impossible. In addition, the character creation process really does give you a detailed character with a backstory, even if you're not trying for one.

I hope that answers your question.

--Colin