The thing I liked about west end's star wars is the creators were fans themselves.. hardcore fans. They were awesome to talk to :) - This system is still my favorite and my go to.
I run a campaign for six friends using the revised 1st edition rules, and we've all been having a great time. The last mission they attempted was "Otherspace" - that was fun!
I just collected vintage 1987 prints of the core and source books and plan on running games for my kids in my own home brew new jedi order rising games. I love these old books and lore
great system, agree with everything said that it manages to capture the fast-paced "space opera" style of the OT without getting bogged down. I GM'd a campaign and it was such a blast, all my player-characters have fond memories burned into their brains too :)
Somehow I stumbled into the first edition and read it for the first time after having played Edge of the Empire and the Wotc D20. I must say I am amazed after gming my first couple of sessions. After playing a lot of Free League stuff the last three years (Alien, Vaesen, Blade Runner etc) this feels almost like a follow up to their zero engine. I am using Star Wars D6 Version 1 with the Rule Companion. I heard the force users are overpowered in the second version.
As good as the 2.5 rules for Star Wars by WEG is, the Mini-Six Bare Bones rulebook (which is free!) has a few subtle changes to combat rules. It pairs the rules down to just 35 pages. It also includs 2 versions of combat (traditional combat, or use pre-calculated defense rules), and two damage systems. Again, Traditional D6 combat, or hit points. The rulebook is meant to be generic so you could do Fantasy, HIstorical, any kind of Sci-Fi, but the book inclues 5 sample settings for Firefly, Willow, and Star Wars, but all aspects are renamed to avoid a lawsuit, but they're VERY clearly meant to be those three. The other two settings are for Victorian London steampunk monster/ghost hunters, or another setting for 1970's cops and robbers with a lot of schlocky humor. Or make your own setting. The main reasons to get it is the price (free!), it has some rules that are tweaked a bit to be easier to use, fixes some loopholes, and nerfs a few things that probably needed to be nerfed. I.E. Force Points (hero points) don't double dice rolls. They just add 2D6 to any roll, or you can get other non-combat benefits such as a clue from the GM for your current mission, or a bit of lucky gear can be found to make it so you can solve the problem at hand. Like a locked door that nobody can get thru, so you spend a Force Point/Hero Point and the GM can help you out and do something like you reach up on a whim and feel around the top of the door jam, and find a spare key. Just use the key, get thru the door, and move on with the game. I really like the Mini-Six rules. One caveat. It is specifically stated in the intro that the rules are not meant for a beginner Game Master. You need to know how RPG's work. Its great for beginner players because it is actually simpler than normal D6 rules, but the GM probably should know what to do. Mainly this is because they do NOT explain most of the game or how to play it. They wanted to keep the word count down, so there are no examples of play, and most of the stuff is not detailed out, and the little bit of gear listed has no prices. Things like that.
I think the FFG version showed a bit of genius in offering three different perspectives of their own game with which to approach SW role-playing; you get the Jedi vs Sith Force-heavy focus, the all-military Empire vs Rebels Galactic Civil War angle, and my favorite, since I enjoy the fringers, underworld and smugglers struggling ro survive in the shadow of the larger war, I picked up the Edge of the Empire version!
@@errantknight-f2z Thanks for this concise look at the FFG version. I'd been struggling to understand why they released three sets. Are there real possibilities for crossover of PCs?
It's only been made better by the REUP version made by fans that consolidates some supplementary WEG stuff as well as lifting a few things from D6 Space and incorporating stuff from the prequels.
I played WEG for years and when WOTC took over, I didn't like the new d20 system. Pure bias and fear of change, largely, (I was like 14-15), but i also felt the WEG game was more about fun and less about endless amounts of rules and jargon. I also played Decipher's Star Wars CCG and was sad when that ended as well.
System is good for gcw, dark times and post endor periods. Thing like kotor would be Hard because there is no source books for this period, but after some minutes of "convertation" you Will be fine
Don't even need that. Alot of fans have taken time to "convert" the KOTOR sourcebook from the D20 game to D6. Someone even did a Galaxy Guide for The Old Republic mmo which takes place in the 300 or so years between KOTOR 1 and 2.
I really tried to like FFG version, but it is so rules light in some areas and it's filled with partially fleshed out rules for future supplements. WEGs is the best I feel.
Any suggestions for a returning PnP RPG player (30 years ago) returning to finally play WEG-style Star Wars? I'd be a first time player to PnP Star Wars. Where should I look for a DM to run a newbie-friendly campaign online?
Great video! I really love the WEG Star Wars, the only way to play Star Wars RPG IMHO. I'm not too fond of crazy-symbol-dice ;) Just wanted to mention that I do believe the name for the planet Coruscant came from WEG. Funny enough its never mentioned in the original trilogy. Edit: Just wanted to add. WEG Star Wars had the best Gamemasters Guide out there. It was loaded with great advice on plot, roleplaying and all that stuff, I think I became a much better gamemaster for other games as well due to all the advice given in that book. Sadly its also one of the ugliest books released ;)
This not dnd got me into rpgs. There was a hobby store back in the 80s called leisure world. Yarn, models, toys you name it. And a small game section. Mostly white dwarf and 1st edition modules. But there was one copy of star wars rpg that i pondered over for years.
Travellers 2D6 die in roll up Starwars D6 template stats +7skill D6' =let's go . As Npc also. The opposite of Travellers complexity (then Space opera )
I found this viseo disappointing. The title makes the claim that this game is "One Of The Best Systems Ever Made"; however, there is virtually zero minutes talking about the actual game system and what is so great about it. The primary focus seems to be about the lore introduced by this game, which is a fine reason to love the game, but has nothing to do with a game system being "the best".
I've been running WEG's Star Wars since 1994, and still do every week. And I approve these guys' message.
Thank you! Your group is very fortunate.
@@ReallyDicey Can I quote you on that? :D Keep up the good work. And if you guys ever want to join in, let me know, somehow!
The thing I liked about west end's star wars is the creators were fans themselves.. hardcore fans. They were awesome to talk to :) - This system is still my favorite and my go to.
I run a campaign for six friends using the revised 1st edition rules, and we've all been having a great time. The last mission they attempted was "Otherspace" - that was fun!
I just collected vintage 1987 prints of the core and source books and plan on running games for my kids in my own home brew new jedi order rising games.
I love these old books and lore
great system, agree with everything said that it manages to capture the fast-paced "space opera" style of the OT without getting bogged down. I GM'd a campaign and it was such a blast, all my player-characters have fond memories burned into their brains too :)
Thank you for sharing, I remember it fondly also.
Been playing this since 91’. WEG were the lore makers for Star Wars.
90 seconds in and this was enough to get me to buy. Thank you guys!
Thank you for watching! And I'm glad we helped!
This was my very first tabletop rpg, back when I was a lad of but 7. Glad to see some love for it online
Somehow I stumbled into the first edition and read it for the first time after having played Edge of the Empire and the Wotc D20. I must say I am amazed after gming my first couple of sessions. After playing a lot of Free League stuff the last three years (Alien, Vaesen, Blade Runner etc) this feels almost like a follow up to their zero engine. I am using Star Wars D6 Version 1 with the Rule Companion. I heard the force users are overpowered in the second version.
I should look closely one day between first and second editions.
I meant, of course, the *imperial* remnants are the bad guys.
i've been playing on a D6 game set in the new republic era on discord for the past couple of months
As good as the 2.5 rules for Star Wars by WEG is, the Mini-Six Bare Bones rulebook (which is free!) has a few subtle changes to combat rules. It pairs the rules down to just 35 pages. It also includs 2 versions of combat (traditional combat, or use pre-calculated defense rules), and two damage systems. Again, Traditional D6 combat, or hit points.
The rulebook is meant to be generic so you could do Fantasy, HIstorical, any kind of Sci-Fi, but the book inclues 5 sample settings for Firefly, Willow, and Star Wars, but all aspects are renamed to avoid a lawsuit, but they're VERY clearly meant to be those three. The other two settings are for Victorian London steampunk monster/ghost hunters, or another setting for 1970's cops and robbers with a lot of schlocky humor.
Or make your own setting.
The main reasons to get it is the price (free!), it has some rules that are tweaked a bit to be easier to use, fixes some loopholes, and nerfs a few things that probably needed to be nerfed. I.E. Force Points (hero points) don't double dice rolls. They just add 2D6 to any roll, or you can get other non-combat benefits such as a clue from the GM for your current mission, or a bit of lucky gear can be found to make it so you can solve the problem at hand. Like a locked door that nobody can get thru, so you spend a Force Point/Hero Point and the GM can help you out and do something like you reach up on a whim and feel around the top of the door jam, and find a spare key. Just use the key, get thru the door, and move on with the game.
I really like the Mini-Six rules. One caveat. It is specifically stated in the intro that the rules are not meant for a beginner Game Master. You need to know how RPG's work. Its great for beginner players because it is actually simpler than normal D6 rules, but the GM probably should know what to do. Mainly this is because they do NOT explain most of the game or how to play it. They wanted to keep the word count down, so there are no examples of play, and most of the stuff is not detailed out, and the little bit of gear listed has no prices. Things like that.
Great comment. Thank you for letting me know about the Mini-Six Bones rulebook!
I love this review! I only played one campaign, but it might have been one of the best rpg experiences that I have had so far.
Fun fact: The original Mace Windu was a squib trader, introduced in one of the Galaxy guides.
Excellent video! Really enjoyed your discussion about WEG's SWRPG and how it touched you.
I got lucky to get a bunch of these books physically and ran a campaign. One of the most fun games I've ran. Very easy to get into
This was Ruben’s go-to. I loved playing this back in college.
Great system and I loved playing WEG D6 and miss playing. But i am currently really enjoying playing the FFG version.
Nice, what do you like about the FFG version? Is it the rules or how they handle setting?
I think the FFG version showed a bit of genius in offering three different perspectives of their own game with which to approach SW role-playing; you get the Jedi vs Sith Force-heavy focus, the all-military Empire vs Rebels Galactic Civil War angle, and my favorite, since I enjoy the fringers, underworld and smugglers struggling ro survive in the shadow of the larger war, I picked up the Edge of the Empire version!
@@errantknight-f2z Thanks for this concise look at the FFG version. I'd been struggling to understand why they released three sets. Are there real possibilities for crossover of PCs?
It's only been made better by the REUP version made by fans that consolidates some supplementary WEG stuff as well as lifting a few things from D6 Space and incorporating stuff from the prequels.
You can download PDFs of the WEG Star Wars books here: www.starwarstimeline.net/Westendgames.htm
my favorite easter egg i found in the weg books was the named npc mace windu was not a jedi, but a squrril like race gadget maker.
I know this video is super old, but WEG is launching a D6 System Second Edition on Kickstarter, will you be doing a video talking about this?
Thank you for letting me know that this exists! I sent over a request for an interview and, yes, definitely a review if possible.
I "grew up" with the WEG rpg and books, and to me they will always be true canon sources, regardless of what the giant Mouse says!
Agreed!
For someone who got into TTRPGs with DnD 5e and has not branched out much, how accessible is this system? And what edition should I pick up?
I played WEG for years and when WOTC took over, I didn't like the new d20 system. Pure bias and fear of change, largely, (I was like 14-15), but i also felt the WEG game was more about fun and less about endless amounts of rules and jargon. I also played Decipher's Star Wars CCG and was sad when that ended as well.
Oh man, I forgot about the CCG. I remember it being fantastic and ended way too soon.
@@ReallyDicey it was! It really just made you feel like you were part of that universe. Quite magical
System is good for gcw, dark times and post endor periods. Thing like kotor would be Hard because there is no source books for this period, but after some minutes of "convertation" you Will be fine
Don't even need that. Alot of fans have taken time to "convert" the KOTOR sourcebook from the D20 game to D6. Someone even did a Galaxy Guide for The Old Republic mmo which takes place in the 300 or so years between KOTOR 1 and 2.
I really tried to like FFG version, but it is so rules light in some areas and it's filled with partially fleshed out rules for future supplements. WEGs is the best I feel.
Any suggestions for a returning PnP RPG player (30 years ago) returning to finally play WEG-style Star Wars? I'd be a first time player to PnP Star Wars. Where should I look for a DM to run a newbie-friendly campaign online?
Isn't Tunnels & Trolls (first published in 1975) the first dice pool RPG?
What were the rules for this game? is there a pdf somewhere that summerises them? ty
Great video! I really love the WEG Star Wars, the only way to play Star Wars RPG IMHO. I'm not too fond of crazy-symbol-dice ;)
Just wanted to mention that I do believe the name for the planet Coruscant came from WEG. Funny enough its never mentioned in the original trilogy.
Edit: Just wanted to add. WEG Star Wars had the best Gamemasters Guide out there. It was loaded with great advice on plot, roleplaying and all that stuff, I think I became a much better gamemaster for other games as well due to all the advice given in that book. Sadly its also one of the ugliest books released ;)
This not dnd got me into rpgs. There was a hobby store back in the 80s called leisure world. Yarn, models, toys you name it. And a small game section. Mostly white dwarf and 1st edition modules. But there was one copy of star wars rpg that i pondered over for years.
Is D6 Space basically a generic version of this?
How hard would it be to create the newer/older timelines with the game?
To your first question, yes. I believe they lost the license before the prequels were released, so most of the books took place after RotJ.
Since 92'
I played this game as a kid, often wish there where still groups of people playing. Is there an online players club for star wars?
If you find any, let us know. I've been finding players through conventions.
Love this game!
*high fives*
I have all the original books for this system.
TECHnical 5D Scott as a race
also fan made books online
Travellers 2D6 die in roll up Starwars D6 template stats +7skill D6' =let's go . As Npc also. The opposite of Travellers complexity (then Space opera )
KNOWledge 5D= the beast blue hair/fur (wookie ? )
Str5D Dex5D PERception 1D6 (force PERception)
Starwars WEG D6 Stat N # D6's > skill default Stat + up to 2D6 , then RPG EXPrence increase-able
MECHanical 3D jawa live machines
I found this viseo disappointing. The title makes the claim that this game is "One Of The Best Systems Ever Made"; however, there is virtually zero minutes talking about the actual game system and what is so great about it. The primary focus seems to be about the lore introduced by this game, which is a fine reason to love the game, but has nothing to do with a game system being "the best".