Dark Matter (Alternity Sci-Fi Roleplaying, Dark Matter Setting, Modern) [Hardcover]

Wolfgang Baur (Author), Monte Cook (Collaborator)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2002

In the modern day, not everything is as it appears. Paranormal occurrences and occult activities are becoming everyday happenings. These events are quickly hidden from public view by various world governments and other organizations who have neither the knowledge nor understanding of their significance. Doorways to other worlds are opening, and it's up to the heroes of the Hoffmann Institute to determine friend from foe, good from evil, and conspiracy from happenstance.

The Dark Matter Campaign Setting expands the Alternity game universe by introducing a near-future world full of the paranormal and occult, laced with conspiracies that threaten the entire world. As the beginning of a brand new campaign setting, the Dark Matter game is certain to be in high demand as new customers look for the next great science fiction world.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Wizards of the Coast; 1st edition (January 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786914335
• ISBN-13: 978-0786914333
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,707,686 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pure inspiration, June 27, 2000

By 

"grierstark" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dark Matter (Alternity Sci-Fi Roleplaying, Dark Matter Setting, Modern) (Hardcover)

Who should buy this book?

If you are a fan of Science Fiction and plan to GM a science fiction game then you will find a lot of benefit from reading this book. If you are a player then DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK unless you are buying it for your GM, in which case DO NOT READ THIS BOOK. Inside are a million and one ideas for a Sci-fi game which will delight, intrigue, and possibly even frighten your players.

So what does it contain?

Lots and lots of detail is what. Ignoring the Alternity Fast Play rules for now and the small section on creating Dark Matter characters, the book is filled with descriptions, from the Hoffman Institute to loads of different conspiracies to the secret history of the world.

What else do you need?

The fast play rules are not adequate for a full camapign so the Alternity Players Guide and Gamesmaster Guide are probably essential. Otherwise all you need is your imagination (whatching the X-files, the outer limits, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer may help stimulate your imagination if decades of excellent science fiction hasn't).

Downsides?

As with any product this one isnt perfect, it assumes that the Hoffman Institute will play a part in your campaign (it does provide a small section on alternatives, though IMO the Institute is so well detailed that it would be shame not to use it in some capacity). It is also a little light on rules (though remember it is a Sourcebook rather than a Rulebook).

In Conclusion.

If you are getting tired of Fantasy or far future rpg's then this game might make a welcome change, and if played right can be a real pleasure to play. Dark Matter IMO might just be the saviour of the Alternity system (which is good news because the Alternity system is damn good).

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great RPG Setting for Near Future Games, February 28, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Dark Matter (Alternity Sci-Fi Roleplaying, Dark Matter Setting, Modern) (Hardcover)

Dark Matter takes place in the early 2000's AD Earth. It is a unique setting focusing on investigation, intrigue, and conspiracies rather than just gun fights.

This book is a great resource--from the Freemasons to the United Nations "New World Order", virtually any conspiracy or paranormal activity you can think of is probably described in this book.

It is also well organized including a good fast play adventure to introduce the setting, and a second, slighly longer, adventure at the end to get GM and players in the proper (and paranoid) mood. It includes some new skills, perks, flaws, psionics, and arcane and faith magic in addition to the great deal of history.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best RPG in Decades, October 16, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Dark Matter (Alternity Sci-Fi Roleplaying, Dark Matter Setting, Modern) (Hardcover)

I was heartbroken to learn that Alternity has been cancelled by TSR, and my heartbreak was compounded once I got my hands on Dark Matter. If you are a fan of any government conspiracy, unmarked helicopter, alien abduction, bigfoot type realms, this is the campaign for you. If you aren't a fan, you will be after you read it. I'm a regular conspiracy nut, and all the biggies are covered by Baur and Cook; their research was fantastic. Also, everything from vampires to greys and sasquatches and mummies are present, and they tie into the conspiracies beautifully! If you don't buy this one, you're missing out on one of the RPG finds of a lifetime. Well done to Baur adn Cook, poorly done to TSR for the cancelation. Get it while you still can...