Games to Read

In a fit of excitement during the 50th anniversary celebrations, I ordered a copy of the "Doctor Who: Adventures in Time and Space Limited Edition Rulebook", which as the name implies is a special printing of the core rulebook for the Doctor Who RPG from Cubicle Seven. I had previously avoided picking up this game or any of its supplements because it was a game I couldn't ever see myself running.

I've now read through about two-thirds of the book and, sure enough, it's a game I can't ever see myself running. The fundamental problem being that, like Buffy, it's a set-up where you very definitely have a main character and a supporting cast. Which means that you essentially have one 'star' player and a bunch of other people, which is almost always a recipe for disaster.

That said, I don't think it's a purchase I regret (though I would regret it if I picked up all the supplements, something I actually did briefly consider!). Because while it's not a game I could ever see myself running or playing, it does make for an interesting read in its own right. And I suspect that may be the point - I wouldn't be at all surprised to find that Cubicle Seven were entirely aware that a lot of people would pick up their books to read rather than the use.

(Incidentally, my understanding is that Paizo are much the same with the Pathfinder Adventure Path - that far more people buy them to read than actually do to play. Which actually includes myself, although I'd be far more likely to run Pathfinder than Doctor Who! But it is true that despite having subscribed to Pathfinder from the start I've never quite gotten around to playing it, ever.)

Anyway, that's why I've not yet managed to get to the D&D 5e rules - I want to get this, and perhaps "Ultimate Campaign" cleared from my to-read pile before I tackle the new shiny thing.