Goodman Games

I wasn't sure where to post this. I don't think many folks read this section regularly and we don't have a section for METAMORPHOSIS ALPHA yet, although I hope we set one up soon.

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If you haven’t heard, Goodman Games is going to re-release the original 1E version of Metamorphosis Alpha through a kickstart. I’ve known about this for several months, but it wasn’t made public until it was announced at Gary Con last Friday. (I was there and had a blast!)

While I’ve become a bit unhappy with some kickstarts, this one has the advantage that the material is pretty much all finished and ready to go.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/14 ... lectors-ed

A couple of things to mention.

(1) The rulebook will be oversized. The intent is to replicate the exact rulebook only, since the font size was around 9, the whole thing will be blown up by around 10%. It will be specially stitched, I think in the same process used in the 1E AD&D rulebooks. (The ones that hold up 35 years later.)

(2) A new MA module was released at Gary Con and should hit store shelves in a few weeks. I got to play in that module as it was GMed by its author (Michael Curtis) and it was a blast.

(3) Three additional modules have been commissioned to be released in the next year. (Two are already finished and the third was being playtested at Gary Con.) The modules are to be released in PDF form at first, and then a printed version later. Goodman’s plan was to bundle all three into a single volume, but I’m pushing him hard to get three separate booklets so consumers see more product on the shelves. I suspect some of this comes down to how well the kickstart does.

Anyway, I’m excited that a major game company has picked up the ball and is running with it. MA is a great game and hopefully this will give it the exposure it deserves.

I'm hyped about it and already gave my money.

I've got all 4 editions of MA at home...plus Gamma World (which is kind of a dirivitive of it). I find it's one of the best Sci-Fi setting that offers a lot despite it's simplicity.

boneguard wrote:Gamma World (which is kind of a dirivitive of it).

Don't say this around Jim Ward. He doesn't own the rights to GW and dislikes any comparrisons to it. (But you are correct. )

Heck yeah! I NEED a copy of this!

Sure. Make it impossible for me to try to ignore Kickstarter for awhile.

*searches under couch cushions for MA money*

It's interesting to watch the discussion at various boards.

Mostly positive here, on Craig's MA boards, and on my OD&D Discussion boards. None of this is a surprise to me, as these places tend to be supportive of Goodman Games, DCC and/or MA.

Mostly negative on Dragonsfoot, with the cost being cited as the big complaint so far. I'm a little surprised by this because I had expected more of a "we support old school" reaction.

Cool project, but Im disappointed there is no pdf or softcover rulebook for those who want it more for playing/using than collecting.
$80 for a 128 page rulebook is too steep for me.

I just bought the PDF from DriveThruNow for $6 just so I can become familiar with the rules. I love what the full hardcover version of the book will include, so once I get the change together, I'm getting my tome-sized edition of Metamorphosis Alpha.

If you weren't there or just plain missed it, here's video of the "What's New at Goodman Games?" seminar, including the Metamorphosis Alpha announcements... Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYgK8K8eNro

I don't get why people are complaining about the cost. This book will be designed to last and will include a lot of magazine articles and other material all in one book. At least I won't be tearing up my old Dragon Magazines trying to find random tables and rules anymore. Besides, my middle aged eyes will like the oversized type.

Stinky1EyedOgre wrote:I don't get why people are complaining about the cost. This book will be designed to last and will include a lot of magazine articles and other material all in one book. At least I won't be tearing up my old Dragon Magazines trying to find random tables and rules anymore. Besides, my middle aged eyes will like the oversized type.

Because some people would have liked a cheaper option. That way those that wanted a big fancy $80 over-sized hardcover could choose one, while those who wanted a regular $40 soft-cover could get what they wanted.
I would have liked a book to play with & use regularly.
$80 book, plus any extras like adventures or dice bags, then shipping also. (probably separate shipping since different release dates)
So the cost could be significant.

Im not saying its not a great project, it would have been nice for a different option.

Blood Axe wrote:

Stinky1EyedOgre wrote:I don't get why people are complaining about the cost. This book will be designed to last and will include a lot of magazine articles and other material all in one book. At least I won't be tearing up my old Dragon Magazines trying to find random tables and rules anymore. Besides, my middle aged eyes will like the oversized type.

Because some people would have liked a cheaper option. That way those that wanted a big fancy $80 over-sized hardcover could choose one, while those who wanted a regular $40 soft-cover could get what they wanted.
I would have liked a book to play with & use regularly.
$80 book, plus any extras like adventures or dice bags, then shipping also. (probably separate shipping since different release dates)
So the cost could be significant.

Im not saying its not a great project, it would have been nice for a different option.

IMO, I can't imagine this association will just stop after a few new modules and a special edition rules-and-more book...

Cheaper option, problem solved.

http://www.lulu.com/shop/james-m-ward/m ... 47436.html

Metamorphosis Alpha
By James M. Ward
View this Author's Spotlight
Paperback, 35 Pages (5 Ratings)

Price: $14.99
Ships in 3-5 business days
Metamorphosis Alpha is the world's first science-fiction role-playing game. Originally published in 1976 by TSR Rules, this edition makes the classic game available to gamers of all ages again.
This version incorporates all the changes included in the RPGNow version, minus the hex paper on the last page. Keep an eye out for the Metamorphosis Alpha adventure module "The House On The Hill" to accompany these rules.

Free shipping through Thursday 4/10' use code FM303

Yeah, I already bought a copy of MA from DriveThruNow for $6. But I also want to Goodman Games reprint because it'll have tons of history in it in addition to being a beautiful edition of the book.

Has there been a list of what MA articles will be included in the book?

The Dragon has a few:
#4 Androids on board the warden
#5 More on MA
#6 Clone Bank Alpha
#8 Still more additions to MA
#13 The Bionic supplement
#14 The total person in MA
#16 MA Modifications
#23 Water Adventures on MA

Luckily I have the Dragon Archive on disc, but some people might want these.



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Meh...never mind, I found the table of contents. It has all those & more. Nice.

Well, I just pledged in Kickstarter. I was sad that the previous Kickstarter for the DCC-RPG came and went without me being able to join, but the tax refund is in and I want a part of this RPG history.

Thanks Mr. Goodman.

More custom dice added to the stretch goals. Fingers crossed.

Id really like to see a Gamma World relaunch. Not a crappy card game by WOC. The 3rd (or is it 4th?) edition rules, reprints of all those great Dragon Mag articles, some adventures. But I guess WOC still owns the rights?

Blood Axe wrote:Id really like to see a Gamma World relaunch. Not a crappy card game by WOC. The 3rd (or is it 4th?) edition rules, reprints of all those great Dragon Mag articles, some adventures. But I guess WOC still owns the rights?

Yeah, I'm not privy to all of the details on how Jim Ward managed to keep the rights to METAMORPHOSIS ALPHA, but I know that WotC still owns the rights to most of the old TSR games.

Blood Axe wrote:Id really like to see a Gamma World relaunch. Not a crappy card game by WOC. The 3rd (or is it 4th?) edition rules, reprints of all those great Dragon Mag articles, some adventures. But I guess WOC still owns the rights?

Besides, Jim Wampler has been working on his own version of Gamma World that he's calling Mutant Crawl Classics. He says that it's in early playtest stages. Who knows, maybe someday Goodman Games will produce it with Jim, or maybe Jim will produce it on his own, (after some rule tweaks, I'd guess).

Of course, this doesn't stop you for picking up an old copy of Gamma World and starting an old school game with your friends. Also, isn't Mutant Future a Gamma World clone from the makers of Labyrinth Lord? A pdf of Mutant Future might be fairly cheap on DriveThruNow.

Let's all raise a twisted appendage for games with mutants!!

Can anyone think of any obscure sites that would appreciate the news of the kickstarter that might not have heard yet?

The pdf that comes with the book on Kickstarter... what size (format) is the pdf?

I don't think I can cram 11x14 paper through my printer.

GnomeBoy wrote:The pdf that comes with the book on Kickstarter... what size (format) is the pdf?

I don't think I can cram 11x14 paper through my printer.

I'm virtually certain that the PDF is the original MA rules as published by WardCo, in which case it's all 8.25" x 10.75".

That's an interesting question. The "draft" version that Joseph sent to me has borders and such and is what the deluxe hardcover will look like. I hadn't thought about trying to print it but I would guess larger paper or smaller font, and I couldn't read the font if it gets much smaller.

I suppose that Joseph would have to weigh in on this to get an official word.

Welp, I finally shelled out some cash for this. the Stretch rewards finally got me to throw in. Lots of good content, and after explaining the premise of the game with my Son and the rest of the 14yo's I run games for, they were excited. That was the kicker (no pun intended)

FWIW- I have never backed a KS. Ever. And I have opposed the whole idea of such in the past. I have missed out on some cool old school goodness, but I have (had) a weird hangup about the non traditional way of publishing via KS. So, I hope this will be worth it, lol

Looking fwd to getting my grubby hands on it.