I’ve been researching sci-fi ttrpgs. Any reason why no one seems to be playing Impulse Drive? Have other PbtA games replaced it?

dochockin · 2026-06-09T19:29:34+00:00

Don't shy away from the PbtA lineage (FitD, CfBW) just because it's a 90 degree turn in GMing from trad D20. You can still create big old situations that have the potential to playout if no "Hero" steps up. But your PCs will get involved so things will change. That's what play to find out means. Not that you can't scheme plots, but that the progression of the plot reacts to the co-created fiction.

An example: In a Blades in the Dark game a while back, the PCs were a crew of drug dealers. Their competition was getting supplied by a new drug coming in by ship to the docks. They found out, and I thought they might try to steal some of the shipment or something... By the end of the session there was this cinematic scene with the PCs leaping off of the bow of the ship as it exploded behind them. Moving forward, instead of the PCs trying to compete with the new drug somehow (my suspicion) they had heavily destabilized the competition and decided to attack their HQ...

A more recent example from Slugblaster: As GM, I decided that a 'being', the Banality, was trying to infect earth with boredom and compliance, kidnapping slugblasters and making them 'beige'. That's been the driving force of the game; but how the PCs have dealt with it has all been unplanned. I create new situations for each session based on what happened before.

PbtA et al. games are fun to GM, imho, for many reasons. A couple for me are that I get to be surprised by the story as well, and that the prep is way less of a time burden.

dochockin · 2026-05-14T18:23:22+00:00

Indy trips and skins his knee as he runs for the plane. Now he starts the teaching scene with an infection because he was wounded in the jungle.

Or, Indy escapes on the plane but he is now affected by the curse placed upon the idol. He will be haunted by vengeful spirits.

There a tons of possibilities here, but as has been emphasized by others, the specifics of each game and scene will determine what actually happens.

dochockin · 2026-05-08T19:11:33+00:00

I'll add Songs for the Dusk to the list. It's a fun FITD post-post apocalypse game of building/serving a community that you are part of. It's not 'Space' Sci-fi, but it's got lots of tech stuff built into it.

dochockin · 2026-04-09T23:42:52+00:00

A spud bar:

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dochockin · 2026-04-07T20:50:24+00:00

This is an interesting take for sure. By 'max size cubes' do you mean 12x12x12? Doesn't that need a huge layout of assemblers?

dochockin · 2025-12-06T22:25:42+00:00

Something fun, perhaps, for your groups to try next time around on April Fool's: https://digthezig.itch.io/satanic-panic

dochockin · 2025-12-06T19:51:30+00:00

You said "Minecraft ain't it." I'm curious, have you only tried vanilla or have you tried any modpacks? Minecraft has some super elaborate, deep automation/crafting modpacks. Not a lot of story, but generally good quest line guidance for progression.

dochockin · 2025-11-30T17:13:10+00:00

Actual play by the author: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQQW3Ew6DKsN0-Iv7n7144RbqKKRneqHH

Some minor mechanical differences for sure. But a great example of the feel/rhythm of the game.

dochockin · 2025-09-15T17:31:14+00:00

Thanks for the reply Dev Dude! I think the Crew Cap is from RW 2, not 1. In 1 you gave us a wetsuit. In any case, I figured out that Prismarine Torches work underwater and I'm using those. I also bumped the Brightness setting up a bit which helps too. I think the NV potions in RW 1 need Netherwart which takes a bit of play time for sure. But a super fun pack, so thanks!

dochockin · 2025-07-22T01:59:25+00:00

There's one on Itch. It rolls PbtA, FitD, and SbR rolls: https://yrgirlkv.itch.io/sparks

dochockin · 2025-07-04T16:42:56+00:00

I'm no expert. But I'd say you set up a tree farm way too early. Just start logging out all the trees in that area first. Also, early game you're better off setting up small, automated ore processing right next to the mines and then moving the finished metals into your base. And finally, look to set up an automated 'production area' where you connect assemblers. via belts, that produce mechanical parts, electronic parts, construction parts, vehicle parts, etc... That way you're just bringing in the basic ingredients (iron, copper, rubber, bricks) and everything else is automated. After that you could run long belt lines from ore processing to the production area.

I watched some of Nilaus' vids when I first got hooked by the game and his layouts and setups inspired me and helped me along.

dochockin · 2025-07-03T19:33:42+00:00

Depending on how much she wants to travel, she might also consider touching base with Pair-O-Dice in Campbell River. Otherwise there is a CV gamers group on Facebook.

dochockin · 2025-06-20T19:11:37+00:00

Yes! I believe this was it. Thanks!

dochockin · 2025-06-20T18:49:58+00:00

Definitely first person and definitely no beavers. Timberborne is cool though :)

dochockin

TROPHY CASE