Classic Traveller vs Mongoose Traveller

[Dave Chase]

Well, when the spaceship BANKS when you turn... that is an error...

Only in space. Try that in an atmosphere and see how far you get.



Dave Chase

 

[Klaus Kipling]

Well, CT is much vaunted as a game rooted in golden age SF, where scientists were front and centre, doing science.

Honestly, an SF game without the scientist is like a fantasy game without magic, or a horror game without the supernatural. Doable, but not quite right.

And Spock, McCoy, Data, etc, all did science. It wasn't real, but it was science as far as the plot was concerned. So did John Crichton.

Traveller is also regarded as hardish science. It's space opera that doesn't require a scientist, but often has one anyway.

Anyway, back to the OP, the unique feature that MGT brings is the excellent life event system. Very simple, but incredibly effective, to the point that now, as a ref, all I need to do to generate an adventure is roll up some npcs. The events, contacts, and mishaps in their lives creates the plot for me. It's very organic, and all the characters are living, vibrant people, not just a number string and a few skills. They have pasts, secrets, shame and pride, exes, enemies, and motivations. And it is easy to riff on.

 

[GypsyComet]

The only interesting Scientist characters in TV/books/movies are those who DON'T do science on screen.

Not in my opinion, just think of a series like CSI.

Add in that the majority of gamers lack the background to play a Scientist ...

The majority of gamers also lack the background to play a starship pilot
or an engineer, and the "real world jobs" of pilots and engineers are at
least as boring as those of scientists.

Depends on the science, as well. Consider that the main characters of the original Jurassic Park are two Paleontologists (Geologist/Biologist mix) and a Mathematician, Indiana Jones is an Archeologist, and many Botanists, Marine Biologists, and Geologists are explorers by nature. Subatomic Physics only requires field trips if you are Reed Richards, to be sure, but the broad practice of Forensic Science (per CSI) is good for getting out and about.

Data collection and research are different activities, not everyone is a lab rat, and yes, the really boring stuff rarely makes the screen. That isn't just science, either. All the legal procedural shows and law office comedies sweep 99% of the boring checking of precedent and reference under the rug, and even Taxi spent very little time in moving cabs.

 

[PrinceYyrkoon]

Well, thats what Jack-of-all-trades was for.

 

[ShawnDriscoll]

Mongoose Traveller is a lot closer to Classic Traveller than Traveller 5th Edition will be.

 

[captainjack23]

Mongoose Traveller is a lot closer to Classic Traveller than Traveller 5th Edition will be.

Which is the point, in both cases, I think. And, as far as I can see, pretty successful....original traveller, and evolved traveller. I mean, its the best of both worlds, really.

 

[Infojunky]

Which is the point, in both cases, I think. And, as far as I can see, pretty successful....original traveller, and evolved traveller. I mean, its the best of both worlds, really.

I don't think I would use the term evolved for T5. Traveller mutated maybe.

 

[ShawnDriscoll]

I bought the 3-book Traveller set in the 70's. And the LBB supplements in the early 80's as they each got printed. I loved the game. Mega Traveller was a trick I fell into. So was The New Era. So I ignored 4th edition (Foss paintings from the 70's on the covers that had nothing to do with Traveller). I will ignore 5th edition also. That's how good the now Classic Traveller is.

When I saw the Mongoose Traveller in the store and opened it up, I was very surprised to find an old friend in hardcover and looking fresh. I'm glad they have a 10-year license with M. Miller.

 

[captainjack23]

Which is the point, in both cases, I think. And, as far as I can see, pretty successful....original traveller, and evolved traveller. I mean, its the best of both worlds, really.

I don't think I would use the term evolved for T5. Traveller mutated maybe.

Mutation....evolution....development....adaptation....TomAAAAToe TomAHHHHHto. :wink:

 

[captainjack23]

When I saw the Mongoose Traveller in the store and opened it up, I was very surprised to find an old friend in hardcover and looking fresh. I'm glad they have a 10-year license with M. Miller.

Exactly. Well said.

 

[Dave Chase]

Which is the point, in both cases, I think. And, as far as I can see, pretty successful....original traveller, and evolved traveller. I mean, its the best of both worlds, really.

I don't think I would use the term evolved for T5. Traveller mutated maybe.

Mutation....evolution....development....adaptation....TomAAAAToe TomAHHHHHto. :wink:

Hmm, coming from an individual that didn't like others talking about T5 in detail.

Hah.

T5 will be different. Popular, make money, who knows.

I do know that compared to T5, MGT is doing very well and most likely will still be doing very well.

Maybe if T5 is a subset to MGT then it too will do very well.

Dave Chase

 

[captainjack23]

Hmm, coming from an individual that didn't like others talking about T5 in detail.

Hah.

Do you have me confused with someone else ? Am i misreading the quote blocks ?

 

[TrippyHippy]

Evolution implies successful adaptation. Most mutations usually just lead to death.

 

[captainjack23]

Evolution implies successful adaptation. Most mutations usually just lead to death.

....actually, most evolution leads to extinction, if you want to look at it that way.......

BTW, welcome back! Been a while, it seems. At least on this forum.

 

[Fovean]

I for one would like to take this opportunity to thank Marc W. Miller for ALL the incarnations of Traveller...

It's a thing that has given me escape, happiness, education and thrill ever since I first opened The Traveller Book back in 1985.

Yes, I house-ruled; yes, I thought some things were ridiculous. But so much has been simply sublime... and FUN.

Thanks, Marc.

 

[Gamerguy]

Yea, Classic Traveller LBB's had the best production you could have - stunning in its time. Twilight's Peak was simply stunning in quality.

With newer editions that quality slid - but its still Traveller. All Traveller material with a little work will work just fine with another edition.

I myself love the one ATU (Alternate Traveller Universe) where the Imperium won the Terrian Wars - images of a Galaxy-Wide Imperium at TL-18 come to mind.

I thought Marc Miller started T5 quite some time ago - long before Mongoose Traveller was concieved. He has decided to finish it and release it on CD for those that want it I've been told.

Mongoose Traveller is very popular and is now the main version in print. There are things I really like about it and some things I'd tweak - like artwork for example.

However, it does play very well and some of the material like Strontium Dogs and the Aslan book are true classics.

8)

 

[TrippyHippy]

Evolution implies successful adaptation. Most mutations usually just lead to death.

....actually, most evolution leads to extinction, if you want to look at it that way.......

BTW, welcome back! Been a while, it seems. At least on this forum.

Well, thanks! I live in NZ now, and don't have much of a gaming crew to play with currently, but I enjoy reconnecting with the game through online banter at least.

 

[dmccoy1693]

but I enjoy reconnecting with the game through online banter at least.

It is good to see you again.

 

[Mithras]

Great quote! I agree, agree, agree, agree.

It's a thing that has given me escape, happiness, education and thrill ever since I first opened The Traveller Book back in 1985.