Reviews of the simulacrums (the basics)

   While the list of oldschool games keeps growing, there are few reviews into the actual games.  Ironically built upon the Open Gaming License from Wizards of the Coast, these games capture the spirit of a simpler time in gaming that is nostalgic for some, a peek into the past for others, and fun for all. This time around I am going to give quick reviews of those games currently out that recreate classical or traditional roleplaying games, OSRIC (which simulates the first Advanced version of D&D) will appear in another post.  Without further ado:

Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game by Chris Gonnerman. I believe this to be among the first of the retro-clones/simulacrum games and is based on the Basic/Expert D&D game of 1980-1981.  Sleek and stylish, the BFRPG plays smoothly and the website contains a plethora of add-ons, including a druid, illusionist and new monsters. This game differs from the b/x games (and other retro-clones of Basic Dungeons & Dragons) in that races and classes are divided, as we saw in the first incarnation of Advanced Dungeons & Dragons. Now at the second printing, the BFRPG is fast, rules light and supported both on the game’s website and on Dragonsfoot.

 

Labyrinth Lord by Daniel Proctor (Goblinoid Games). Another b/x simulacrum, this time one that doesn’t separate non-human races and classes initially (this option does appear in a supplement).  Well put together, this game comes ready to play (except for the dice) and with both official and fan-based support, found collected in the Scribe of Orcus and Labyrinth Lore, with many gems put out as either small .pdfs (for example the superb publications by Brave Halfling Publishing) or on the Goblinoid Games messageboard. There is even a supplement for Labyrinth Lord to play further back into the past ala Original Dungeons & Dragons.

 

Spellcraft & Swordplay by Jason Vey (Elf Lair Games).  A game that covers many incarnations of classical gaming, covering what you could say goes from OD&D all the way to the 2nd incarnation of AD&D, S&S is a very ambitious game and a very solid system. While not having as much support, except for the forum, to date as the other basic retro-clones, I am looking forward to the first sourcebook, Monstrous Mayhem.  The Old School “Little Brown Book” version looks absolutely amazing and sets the tone for a traditional roleplaying experience. The only oldschool game without free core rules, S&S is a great set of rules.

 

Swords & Wizardry by Mythmere Games (Matt Finch). Available in both a “White Box” version (the original three books from 1974) or the core rules version, Swords & Wizardry (or S&W) is a basic toolkit that not only captures the Golden Age of fantasy roleplaying, but is open enough to easily incorporate other fantasy setttings or other genres (currently a fantasy Japan is in the works by MikeD and there are many games in other genres in the formative stages, including space opera).  Supported by the forum and the amazing Knockspell magazine, S&W proves that a simple approach opens up endless possibilities. 

 

    I cannot pick a favorite or suggest one over the other as I have them all and there is such a plethora of support for Game A that works with Game B (C,D, etc) that it is easy to pick one and run it with slight adjustments and modifications from the other simulacrums. Regardless of the game I do suggest this: download the free games (all are free except Spellcraft & Swordplay), buy the print version of the one that works best for you (again, I had to go and buy print versions of them all), gather a few gamers (new, old, it really doesn’t matter), grab a few dice, print off character sheets and any pertinent game accessories and have fun. That is what it is all about, not bickering over editions or wrestling with rules. Just get in that dungeon and make the most of it!