Customer Reviews

Star Wars Roleplaying Game (Second Edition, Revised and Expanded)

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Reviewer's note: There are actually TWO different versions of the second edition of this book, and book sellers VERY OFTEN confuse the two and list them in the wrong place (so it is best to always ask beforehand to be safe). For this reason, I have included this review under both the 1992 and 1996 versions of this book (so please excuse me if you see it more than once). However, since I didn't know where most buyers would start, I figured it was best to provide this information under all relevant locations to be safe. That said:

This is the classic D6 version of the Star Wars Roleplaying game. If you are reading this, you likely already know of have heard that the West End Games version of Star Wars The Roleplaying Game is excellent (many people don't know this, but this is actually the basis for the newer Star Wars D20 RPG and Minis games, though many people think the original D6 version is even better). And this book is no exception (especially the 1996 version -- see below). This one book contains pretty much everything both the player and the GM need to play (though there are lots of great supplements -- including premade adventures -- you can use if you are interested and can find them). The book begins with a very nice "Player Section" that covers everything the player needs to know about creating and playing a character. The rest of the book is for the GM. For example, the "Gamemaster Section" covers all the basics that the GM needs to know run an adventure (including rules, combat and injuries, movement, space travel, the Force, etc.). There is also an "Adventure Section" (contains tons of ideas about designing adventures) and a "Universe Section" (provides tons of detail about GM characters, aliens/monsters, weapons/equipment/vehicles, droids, planets, etc). Finally, there are several appendices (with reference charts and character templates). In sum, if you are interested in giving this game a try, you can do so as both a player and a GM with this one book!

In addition to providing the above information about the book, I also wanted to make an important point of clarification re: the two different versions of the second edition of this book.

The first version of this book is simply subtitled "Second Edition" -- this one was released in 1992 (WEG40055 -- ISBN = 0-87431-181-0), and has a mostly blue cover with a picture of Darth Vader in a square on the front. This is still a fun book to read (and usually costs a lot less than the 1996 version). But, it DOES NOT contain the latest/final version of the rules. Further, thought the production quality is excellent, it is not quite as good as the 1996 version.

The second version is subtitled "Second Edition: Revised and Expanded" -- this one was released in 1996 (WEG40120 -- ISBN = 0-87431-268-X). It is also a hardcover, and has a picture of the Millennium Falcon racing through space while being fired upon by several TIE fighters. This book DOES contain the latest/final rules for this game. Further, the production quality is excellent, and it is printed in full color on high quality semi-gloss paper.

YOU DO NOT NEED BOTH VERSIONS OF THIS BOOK. If you just want to get a feel for the game and save a little money, buy the 1992 edition. In fact, if this is the case it may be worth buying the original first edition (which was released in 1987, and is also excellent and reasonably priced). However, if you want the latest/final version of the rules, than the 1996 edition is a must (it costs more, but I think it is worth it).

I have been playing the Star Wars roleplaying game for well over 5 years now, and I have read all three of the 'master rule books.' This one was vastly superior to the other two. They colored in the vital information, leaving examples unshaded for fast entry into the game. And they put in examples of every single point in the game. The combat rules were all encompassing as well, and very rarely do I need to ad lib some rules because the 'book didn't mention it.' The only thing I must say I did not like about this version, was the lack of a 'chart page' were basically all of the example tables were listed, and the master skill list. Both of these were in the at least the first Second Edition book. The addition of full color images was also a nice touch, and makes for an excellent coffee table book, even though the words get in the way alot if you use it for that purpose. All in all one of the best RPG books I have ever read, the only thing it lacked was the comical undertones of the Men in Black RPG book.

The Star Wars Role Playing Game is great for fans of both Star Wars and Role Playing. It's rules are simple and easy to pick up and provides hours of fun gameplay. The book contains easy to learn rules, with clear examples. It guides you step by step in how to create your own Star Wars character. Intensive tips on Gamemastering and ideas help flesh out the main points of SW Role Playing. The book also comes with a short introductory campaign, the Pirates of Prexiar, as well as a mini solo scenerio. This helps you get straight into the gameplay. I recommend this book to everyone. If you are unsure about going straight into Star Wars Role Playing then you might like to pick up the Star Wars Introductory Game, which has the basic rules for you to start off with..

This RPG is very well set up and basically a beginner can easily learn to use it. I recommend this book to any RPG enthusiast or someone who wants to try something new.

This is the book. I mean "The Book" as my friends and I call it... I'm serious. If you love star wars, and you love either games or acting, this is what you need, plus six sided dice, paper, and the pencil you will have to have to play this game. It's not all mindless action the way D&D is! It has a lot of social interaction, teamwork, and problem solving! But it still has action! It's just not omnipresent is all. The action is very cinematic, giving a true starwars feel to it. You play bold heroes who actually have statistics AND personality!!! This game is very well designed. And it's so easy to modify too if your a big fan of house rules. This game has been a favorite of mine for about 7 years. Don't pass this one up.

I've been with SWRPG ever since 2nd Edition came out, and I have to say that the R&E book is well worth the investment. It clears up a lot of grey areas that were present in the 2nd Edition book and has much greater resources from a beginning gamer's point of view. It also offers many fresh perspectives to those who have some experience with the game. All around, a worthwhile purchase.

I have to say that this book is excellent for begginers since it uses the simple d6 system(six sided dice) the book is very specific in listing what to do if such and such a thing happens. I loved learning how to GM(GameMaster)and play a character, they give you some already made character sheets in the back, some are Jedi's and gamblers or even a kid. Like I said, this is a great book to learn with.

This book is a really good RPG, and holds true to the Star Wars books and movies as much as an RPG can be expected to. This RPG is almost as good as AD&D in its detail and playability. I recommend this to anyone who likes RPGs in general, and especially to those who like Star Wars.

I have no idea what possessed me to dish out 30 bucks for this book, but let me tell you now, it's beyond worth it. This game is perfect for begginner Role Playing Gamers, with an easy to learn D6 (six sided dice) system. The book is clean, colorful, and easy to read. It teaches you how to play, create adventures, and lots more. Probably the best part of the book is the numerous examples of gameplay. Give the author a pat on the back for that, time after time in other RPGs Ive been annoyed by the lack of examples of play. No need to worry here, there is an example for almost every skill or rule in the game, so you don't have to second guess the book's quality. For experienced, and beginner role players, you MUST get this game, and have hours of fun playing it.

I picked up this book about a year ago and I have yet to be dissapointed. The format is really easy to get into with the narrative intros and highlighted basics so that you can start your adventure as soon as you want. For all Star Wars fans, (inluding the nitpickers, who need to relax) and roleplayers who want more than just guns and trolls. P.S. Hey Bradley, keep up with the times before you mock others. Wizards of the Coast OWNS TSR, which now has the Star Wars license. Read a little more often.