FTL:2448
FTL:2448 is a science fiction role playing game, created by Richard Tucholka, and published by Tri Tac Games in 1982, about faster-than-light (FTL) travel with alien races. In 1985, there was an expanded edition, and in 1990, a two-volume version of the game was released. Book One covered character creation, alien races, combat, equipment, and some scenarios. Book Two included the extensive Star-System-generation system, several campaign setups, and more background information on the overall campaign. The 2000 PDF Edition includes an additional 100 pages of new material as well as starship blueprints, The Art of FTL, and additional material.
Cover of the first edition | |
Designer(s) | Richard Tucholka |
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Publisher(s) | Tri Tac Games |
Publication date | 1982 (1st edition) 1985 (Expanded edition) 1990 (3rd edition) |
Genre(s) | Science fiction |
System(s) | Custom |
History
FTL:2448 was designed by Richard Tucholka and published by Tri-Tac Inc. in 1982 as a 102-page book in a plastic ring binder, with a 150-page revised edition in 1985.[1] Two supplements were produced in 1986: Cop 2448 by Tucholka and Kreig Branden, and Star Charts by Tucholka and Lloyd Stilwell.[1]
Plot
FTL:2448 is set in the mid-25th century. Humans have developed faster-than-light travel. The game focus is, instead of a gleaming high-tech space setting or space battlefield, more of an industrial space-as-workplace view of the galaxy. Humanity has made contact with a number of alien races and is a primary force in the intergalactic governing body, ISCO.
Characters face the trials of maintaining and operating a starship. While not a war-based setting, there are hostile races. The game has been compared, in look and feel, to movies and settings such as Outland, Space Rangers, and Firefly, in that each of these present the galaxy as a less-than-perfect place.
Game Mechanics
The game uses the same base system as Tri Tac's other releases, Fringeworthy and Bureau 13. The system requires the use of a full set of polyhedral dice, pencils and paper. Forms, such as character sheets and other record sheets, are provided in the book, with permission to photocopy for personal use.
Formats
FTL:2448 is available in a hardcopy version or as a PDF file at website Tritacgames.com.
Reception
William A. Barton reviewed FTL:2448 in Space Gamer No. 65.[2] Barton commented that "FTL, while not treading any new paths, at least makes an admirable effort to cover aspects of play that too many other systems have ignored or made needlessly complex. If nothing else, I'd highly recommend it as a sourcebook for existing SFRPGs."[2]
Reviews
- Different Worlds #38 (Jan./Feb., 1985)
References
- Schick, Lawrence (1991). Heroic Worlds: A History and Guide to Role-Playing Games. Prometheus Books. p. 303. ISBN 0-87975-653-5.
- Barton, William A. (September–October 1983). "Featured Review: FTL:2448 and Fringeworthy". Space Gamer. Steve Jackson Games (65): 2, 4–7.