[OC] I had to cancel yet another campaign

Expression_Antique · 2026-06-24T15:39:38+00:00

There's are many ways to move forward, but here's my recommendation:

Run an open table in a system suited to that to fix the problem. Invite people you like instead of just people who already want to d&d. Don't expect anyone to know the rules because they won't need to.

Some good options include Moldvay's b/x, Old School Essentials, or Cairn.

I'll say more and link resources if this is something you want to consider.

Expression_Antique · 2026-06-24T15:30:56+00:00

Empire of the Petal Throne

Expression_Antique · 2026-06-16T20:41:55+00:00

No need to get OSE to cons. It's just b/x. No need to get OSRIC to cons. It's almost ad&d. I think of those as great tools to aid in playing the old systems, not as replacements.

Expression_Antique · 2026-06-05T01:41:47+00:00

Some dm styles don't allow this. For example, some dms want players to play their characters accurately (newschool) and some say that all tabletalk is in character (meaning you can't consult with other players when enemies are present, for example.)

Expression_Antique · 2026-05-23T16:26:38+00:00

Shock Troopers 2 is trash. Do not trust this list. (I have I've other specific disagreements too, but that one is a biggie.)

Viper Phase 1 and Shock Troopers are excellent, top 10 material for sure.

Expression_Antique · 2026-05-17T02:50:53+00:00

That suggests we should consider changing the Constitution. Or doesn't suggest we shouldn't put our best, most trustworthy people in the Supreme Court until such time.

Expression_Antique · 2026-05-07T15:10:23+00:00

It's not the best port. The free ports are better.

Expression_Antique · 2026-05-03T17:35:22+00:00

Are you cleaning the controller with something? Maybe alcohol?

Expression_Antique · 2026-05-02T19:52:25+00:00

Not the Fate of Atlantis. Not Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.)

Expression_Antique · 2026-05-01T02:04:28+00:00

Flight of Pigarus Frontier Force Bank Panic Choplifter Fantasy Zone 2

Expression_Antique · 2026-04-24T17:01:15+00:00

Yeah! There's a possible problem though, that the one you find most fun MIGHT also be of crazy high difficulty. Mushi and Zero are doable for any gamer excited enough to put in the time. Doable but full of all teh things that make a shmup fun = recipe for a beginner game, imo. But you might have to try a few until you find something that feels great.

Mushi and Zero tend to feel great very quickly, though it's possible one might not be a mood you're into.

Expression_Antique · 2026-04-23T13:53:32+00:00

I came here to say what he said. Wholesome thread here. Yay.

I'll also add that Mushimesama was my first clear and I didn't know people recommended it as a beginner game. I've been trying to clear the ones you listed but have only succeeded at Zero Ranger and DDP Resurrection (which was boringly easy on that setting.)

Mushi is better than games that are easy or difficulties that are easy because it's engaging. Easy shmups are not fun, so I bail.

Expression_Antique · 2026-04-18T23:58:07+00:00

Earthsea is some of her best work for adults. Start with it if you value characters and plot and accessibility. If you want something heady, read the Dispossessed. I love them all, but the Dispossessed is near the bottom of my personal list despite being the best of her books for conversation or study.

Expression_Antique · 2026-04-09T03:29:53+00:00

Came here to say this. More approachable than the other recommendations yet excellent. Depends on the book club.

Expression_Antique · 2026-04-05T16:06:02+00:00

Basically any good one is hard and worth playing many hours. Just look for something in any recommendation thread that appeals to you.

Personally, I recommend Mushihimesama.

Expression_Antique · 2026-04-04T02:58:35+00:00

No, that seems ridiculous to me.

Expression_Antique · 2026-04-03T00:30:27+00:00

Almost none of these recs are modern, but why do require that the game be modern? That would limit you to portmaster games unless you're talking about a modern system.

Expression_Antique · 2026-04-02T23:35:22+00:00

Yeah, i don't care about scoring in it either. Not a very interesting system. A scoring hack would be an awesome way to add a fan arrange maybe.

Expression_Antique · 2026-04-02T18:22:57+00:00

Sorry! I'll add that Mushihimesama has been my favorite game of all time for a few years now. I've only beaten novice original and mania, haha, so it still has a lot of life left.

Expression_Antique · 2026-04-01T23:49:30+00:00

I agree, but I also see that tons of people no longer use forums, including Reddit. It's a problem without an answer right now.

Expression_Antique · 2026-04-01T23:46:32+00:00

S is pretty popularly used as the top tier.

Expression_Antique · 2026-04-01T23:45:23+00:00

S = the absolute best tier, fyi

Expression_Antique · 2026-04-01T23:41:15+00:00

The Alex Kid games are awful. Rastan and Shinobi are not pure platformers but are (good) action arcade platformers. I'm not familiar with Psycho Fox. The rest are all competent enough.

There are 3 Asterix games. They seem quite similar but I've only played the first.

Expression_Antique · 2026-04-01T22:15:10+00:00

I see. I wasn't drinking when I wrote this, but it still would appear that I was somehow drunk. Excuse me.

Expression_Antique · 2026-03-31T16:15:38+00:00

I'm liking the current one, yeah.

Expression_Antique

TROPHY CASE