Which TSR RPGs have you owned?

[kreider204]

Back in the day, TSR was pretty much the only game in town for me and my small-town friends: thanks to D&D, local book and game stores were far more willing to stock TSR products than anything else (MERP being an exception), so that made TSR and RPGs almost synonymous in our minds. For fun, I found a list of TSR RPGs on Wikipedia (now edited as per some suggestions ... ), and made note after of all those I owned way back when:

Alternity
Amazing Engine
Boot Hill
.....Boot Hill 2e
.....Boot Hill 3e
Buck Rogers XXVC
..... High-Adventure Cliffhangers
Bullwinkle & Rocky
Conan the Barbarian
Dragonlance: Fifth Age (SAGA)
Dungeons & Dragons
.....OD&D
.....Holmes
.....B/X
.....BECMI
.....Rule Cyclopedia
.....AD&D
.....AD&D 2e
Empire of the Petal Throne
Gamma World
.....Gamma World 2e
.....Gamma World 3e
.....Gamma World 4e
Gangbusters
Indiana Jones
Marvel Super Heroes
.....Marvel Super Heroes Adventure Game (SAGA)
Metamorphosis Alpha
Star Frontiers
Top Secret
.....Top Secret 2e

I owned:

Boot Hill
Dungeons & Dragons
.....Holmes
.....B/X
.....AD&D
Indiana Jones
Marvel Super Heroes
Top Secret

Not as many as I would have thought as it turns out, though I supposed that's not too surprising, considering that D&D and MSHRPG took up most of my time. Some came out after I had stopped playing RPGs (around 1987, until again about 5 years ago); for example, I missed Alternity (about which I've heard great things). Some, though, I'm really surprised I never bought - I played Gamma World with friends and liked it, so it's strange that I never picked it up; and I recently found the legally downloadable Star Frontiers PDFs, and I really think I would have liked it back then, but for some reason, my friends and I never managed to try it.

How about you? Which of these did you have back in the day? Which did you discover more recently? Which do you wish you had bought, or wish you hadn't (*COUGHindianajonesCOUGH* ... )?

[Edited the list as per some suggestions.]

[serleran]

I have owned, and continue to own, every RPG line. Not all products but the rule sets. Not when they were initially released, as I was in another kick back then.

[Sir Ironside]

No love for OD&D, AD&D and arguably AD&D 2nd edition? They were all different animals.

Alternity
Amazing Engine (All the books)
Boot Hill
Buck Rogers XXVC
Bullwinkle & Rocky
Conan the Barbarian
Dragonlance: Fifth Age (SAGA)
Dungeons & Dragons
.....AD&D
.....AD&D 2e
.....Basic
.....OD&D
Empire of the Petal Throne
Gamma World
Gangbusters (Still one of the best rpg's that was ahead of its time.)
Indiana Jones
Marvel Super Heroes
Marvel Super Heroes Adventure Game (SAGA)
Metamorphosis Alpha
Star Frontiers
Top Secret
Universe

They also acquired a couple of rpg's from SPI (Universe and DragonsQuest plus Ares Magazine.) They temporarily published Ares as the "Sci Fi" magazine and Dragon was the "fantasy" magazine. They eventually folded Ares into Dragon, supported Universe for a bit before phasing it out in favour of their Star Frontiers game. (Which was a mistake IMO.) I don't remember if they did anything with DragonQuest.

[kreider204]

No love for OD&D or AD&D and arguably AD&D 2nd edition? They were all different animals.

I believe the list intended D&D in the broadest sense - I'm guessing it linked to a page with all the different versions and editions. I assume everyone here owned at least some version of D&D, so I won't belabor that particular entry.

Gangbusters (Still one of the best rpg's that was ahead of its time.)

I think that one really would have interested me, but alas, no store in my area carried it, and I'm not sure I could have gotten any of my friends interested anyway. The closest I came was the Crimefighters game from Dragon magazine, and I could barely talk anyone into playing it with me.

[Buttmonkey]

Alternity
Amazing Engine
Boot Hill
Buck Rogers XXVC
Bullwinkle & Rocky
Conan the Barbarian - Not sure. I may have had this when it first came out, but I can't remember.
Dragonlance: Fifth Age (SAGA)
Dungeons & Dragons - 1E, Moldvay/Cook/Marsh B/X, and Mentzer Basic
Empire of the Petal Throne
Gamma World - 2E and 3E
Gangbusters
Indiana Jones
Marvel Super Heroes
Marvel Super Heroes Adventure Game (SAGA)
Metamorphosis Alpha
Star Frontiers
Top Secret
Universe

[Sir Ironside]

I believe the list intended D&D in the broadest sense - I'm guessing it linked to a page with all the different versions and editions. I assume everyone here owned at least some version of D&D, so I won't belabor that particular entry.

I'm aware of that. Some people will see what I'm saying, especially old Grogmards who played OD&D. Also the list contains both of the Marvel systems and are not just "Marvel Superheroes" it kind of sets the precedent for different versions of D&D.

I also don't think that Alternity shouldn't be on the list simply because it was published post-Wizards of the Coast/Hasbro when they bought the rights to D&D, unless you are willing to put D&D 3e, D&D 3.5 and 4th edition.

Not trying to be a dick, just trying to make the list more accurate.

Maybe a slight adjustment to the list.

Amazing Engine
Boot Hill
Buck Rogers XXVC
Bullwinkle & Rocky
Conan the Barbarian
Dragonlance: Fifth Age (SAGA)
Dungeons & Dragons
.....AD&D
.....AD&D 2e
.....Basic
.....OD&D
Empire of the Petal Throne
Gamma World
.....Gamma World 2e
Gangbusters
Indiana Jones
Marvel Super Heroes
.....Marvel Super Heroes Adventure Game (SAGA)
¹ Metamorphosis Alpha
Star Frontiers
Top Secret
.....Top Secret 2e
Universe

Adjustment to my list

Amazing Engine (All the books)
Boot Hill
Buck Rogers XXVC
Bullwinkle & Rocky
Conan the Barbarian
Dragonlance: Fifth Age (SAGA)
Dungeons & Dragons
.....AD&D
.....AD&D 2e (Never played, though I had many of the books.)
.....B/X
.....BECMI
.....OD&D
Empire of the Petal Throne
Gamma World
.....Gamma World 2e
Gangbusters (Still one of the best rpg's that was ahead of its time. IMO)
Indiana Jones
Marvel Super Heroes
.....Marvel Super Heroes Adventure Game (SAGA)
Metamorphosis Alpha
Star Frontiers
Top Secret
.....Top Secret 2e
Universe (It was the SPI version, so I don't know if that counts.)

I think that one really would have interested me, but alas, no store in my area carried it, and I'm not sure I could have gotten any of my friends interested anyway. The closest I came was the Crimefighters game from Dragon magazine, and I could barely talk anyone into playing it with me.

There was rumblings a couple of years ago that the license holder, of Gangbusters, was thinking of bringing it back, updated for today's market. (Slight rules change, but not very many. Just to clear things up and make a product more inline with how rpg's are being published today.) There were talks about using Kickstarter to fund the resurrection of Gangbusters. Alas it never came to be.

¹ Fun Fact: There was suppose to be a Metamorphosis Alpha 2e, (Metamorphosis: Alpha to Omega) but they decided to make it a part of The Amazing Engine system.

[Buttmonkey]

Maybe a slight adjustment to the list.

Gamma World
.....Gamma World 2e

You need to add Gamma World 3rd edition (released in 1985) and 4th edition (released 1992).

You should also separate B/X from BECMI in the D&D category.

[kreider204]

Not trying to be a dick, just trying to make the list more accurate.

Good thoughts, I adjusted my own list.

I also don't think that Alternity shouldn't be on the list simply because it was published post-Wizards of the Coast/Hasbro when they bought the rights to D&D ...

I'm going to leave that one on there, since it was developed by and released as a TSR game. Other respondents can include it or not, as they see fit.

[kreider204]

You need to add Gamma World 3rd edition (released in 1985) and 4th edition (released 1992).
You should also separate B/X from BECMI in the D&D category.

Done.

[Arduin]

These are the ones I owned:

Boot Hill
Chain Mail (Not on list given)
Dungeons & Dragons
.....OD&D
.....AD&D
.....AD&D 2e
Empire of the Petal Throne
Gamma World
Marvel Super Heroes
Top Secret

[kreider204]

These are the ones I owned:

Boot Hill
Chain Mail (Not on list given)
Dungeons & Dragons
.....OD&D
.....AD&D
.....AD&D 2e
Empire of the Petal Throne
Gamma World
Marvel Super Heroes
Top Secret

I've never played Chain Mail, only heard about it. Was it an RPG, or a minatures wargame?

[Arduin]

I've never played Chain Mail, only heard about it. Was it an RPG, or a minatures wargame?

Chainmail was a mini's wargame. D&D began as a Chainmail variant.

[kreider204]

I've never played Chain Mail, only heard about it. Was it an RPG, or a minatures wargame?

Chainmail was a mini's wargame. D&D began as a Chainmail variant.

That's what I thought. My topic / list is about RPGs only, so I didn't include board games, miniature games, etc. Folks can feel free to include them for interest's sake, though!

[Arduin]

That's what I thought. My topic / list is about RPGs only,

In reality, certain versions of Chainmail WERE an RPG. See my last post.

[Traveller]

Chain Mail (Not on list given)

You'd need to clarify that this is the TSR reprint of Chainmail. Guidon Games produced the first printing. Also, if you're going to start including wargames in the mix, you need to include Warriors of Mars: The Warfare of Barsoom in Miniature.

EDIT: Despite the fact OD&D was based off Chainmail, Chainmail still a wargame, even though it has the fantasy supplement. Therefore, neither Chainmail nor Warriors of Mars should be included in the list.

[Arduin]

Therefore, neither Chainmail nor Warriors of Mars should be included in the list.

In your opinion. It was a REQUIRED component for the '74 "D&D" game

[Sir Ironside]

Maybe a slight adjustment to the list.

Gamma World
.....Gamma World 2e

You need to add Gamma World 3rd edition (released in 1985) and 4th edition (released 1992).

I had always assumed that 3e was WotC era. I owned it but never bothered to see what edition it was. See what happens when you assume things?

Therefore, neither Chainmail nor Warriors of Mars should be included in the list.

In your opinion. It was a REQUIRED component for the '74 "D&D" game

Well if Chainmail is a supplement, this list doesn't include supplements. That'd be one big can of worms that would be opened up if supplements were included.

Edit: Gygax's own words from OD&D

It is a relatively simple to set up a fantasy campaign, and better still, It will cost almost nothing. In fact you will not even need miniature figures, although their occasional employment is recommended for real spectacle when battles are fought.

Forward by Gary Gygax.

[Traveller]

Therefore, neither Chainmail nor Warriors of Mars should be included in the list.

In your opinion. It was a REQUIRED component for the '74 "D&D" game

Strawman argument. Required or not, Chainmail was marketed as a wargame and thus doesn't belong in the list.

[Traveller]

I own or have owned...

Alternity (PHB, GMG, Star*Drive, Dark*Matter, Gamma World)
Amazing Engine (For Faerie, Queen, and Country, The Galactos Barrier, Metamorphosis Alpha to Omega, Once & Future King)
Dragonlance: Fifth Age
D&D (OD&D, Holmes Basic, B/X, Rules Cyclopedia, 1st, 2d)
Gamma World (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, Alternity version already noted)
Marvel Super Heroes (Basic, Advanced)
Star Frontiers
Top Secret (1st Edition)

I also own Universe and owned DragonQuest, but both were SPI properties with SPI marks, so I don't include them in the main list. The ones I wish I owned were Boot Hill, Empire of the Petal Throne, Marvel SAGA, and Metamorphosis Alpha. I don't have any real regrets regarding what TSR product I owned.

[Sir Ironside]

Amazing Engine (For Faerie, Queen, and Country, The Galactos Barrier, Metamorphosis Alpha to Omega, Once & Future King)

If you're a completest, Piazo has all the books for, I think, $7.00 each.

My group ended up playing Bughunters, The Galactos Barrier and Metamorphoses Alpha to Omega. It was a solid year playing those three before the group broke-up. Wanted to play Kromosome, Magitek and Tabloid! (Ripping headlines from; The Weekly World News, for inspiration.) for the second half.

I loved Bughunters and; The Glactos Barrier. I wish I could recommend Kromosme but there is a printing error where a big chunk of rules are repeated therefore taking away a big chunk of necessary rules.

kreider204. I have no idea how everyone missed Rules Cyclopedia but you should definitely add it under Dungeons & Dragons.

[kreider204]

kreider204. I have no idea how everyone missed Rules Cyclopedia but you should definitely add it under Dungeons & Dragons.

Done.

I'm not actually all that clear on the difference between B/X, BECMI, and the Rules Cyclopedia - I went straight from Holmes to AD&D. Anyone want to give me the 25 words or less version?

[Treebore]

I owned, and still own:

Alternity
Amazing Engine
Boot Hill
Conan the Barbarian
Dungeons & Dragons
.....AD&D
.....AD&D 2e
.....B/X
.....BECMI
.....Rule Cyclopedia
.....OD&D
Gamma World
Marvel Super Heroes
Metamorphosis Alpha
Star Frontiers

[Buttmonkey]

kreider204. I have no idea how everyone missed Rules Cyclopedia but you should definitely add it under Dungeons & Dragons.

Done.

I'm not actually all that clear on the difference between B/X, BECMI, and the Rules Cyclopedia - I went straight from Holmes to AD&D. Anyone want to give me the 25 words or less version?

I'll start at the end and work my way backwards.

The Rules Cyclopedia (not to be confused with the Rules Compendium, a 3E product) is basically the BECM material from BECMI compiled into one book. The I part was replaced with new material for the Rules Cyclopedia.

BECMI is sometimes called Mentzer Basic. It is a series of 5 boxed sets written by Frank Mentzer (basic, expert, companion, master, and immortal sets). The BECM volumes took PCs from 1st through 36th level. The Immortals set took PCs from 36th level PCs to immortal beings with god-like powers. The companion and master sets provided rules for things like domain management, mass combat, and sieges. They also had lots of nasty, high-level new monsters. The basic and expert sets from BECMI were pretty similar to B/X, although there are some notable differences. For example, the thief skills table was very different in BECMI (although it may not have been tweaked until the companion or master sets).

B/X refers to the basic and expert sets written by Moldvay, Cook, and Marsh that were released before Frank Mentzer did his rewrite and expansion.

There is also a black box set that was released in the early 90s, I believe, that was part of the classic line including B/X, BECMI, and the Rules Cyclopedia.

[kreider204]

I'm not actually all that clear on the difference between B/X, BECMI, and the Rules Cyclopedia - I went straight from Holmes to AD&D. Anyone want to give me the 25 words or less version?

I'll start at the end and work my way backwards.

Got it, thanks. Would the Holmes "basic" book fall under B/X?

[Buttmonkey]

I'm not actually all that clear on the difference between B/X, BECMI, and the Rules Cyclopedia - I went straight from Holmes to AD&D. Anyone want to give me the 25 words or less version?

I'll start at the end and work my way backwards.

Got it, thanks. Would the Holmes "basic" book fall under B/X?

No, it's its own thing. I believe it to be similar and more readily definable as part of the classic D&D product line as opposed to the AD&D line. B/X refers strictly to the basic and expert sets written by Moldvay, Cook, and Marsh.

[kreider204]

I'm not actually all that clear on the difference between B/X, BECMI, and the Rules Cyclopedia - I went straight from Holmes to AD&D. Anyone want to give me the 25 words or less version?

I'll start at the end and work my way backwards.

Got it, thanks. Would the Holmes "basic" book fall under B/X?

No, it's its own thing. I believe it to be similar and more readily definable as part of the classic D&D product line as opposed to the AD&D line. B/X refers strictly to the basic and expert sets written by Moldvay, Cook, and Marsh.

Noted, thanks.

[Treebore]

Its essentially its own "basic" D&D, covering only the first 3 levels of playing.

[kreider204]

Its essentially its own "basic" D&D, covering only the first 3 levels of playing.

Ya, it's what I started with, but I wasn't sure how it fit into the classification. Back then, I and some of my friends started with Holmes, went directly to AD&D, and maybe picked up the Moldvay Expert, but that's about it.

[Traveller]

Amazing Engine (For Faerie, Queen, and Country, The Galactos Barrier, Metamorphosis Alpha to Omega, Once & Future King)

If you're a completest, Piazo has all the books for, I think, $7.00 each.

I kept Once & Future King because of it being "Le Morte d'Arthur" in the 41st Century and associating it with DC's Camelot 3000. I kept Metamorphosis Alpha simply because it was Metamorphosis Alpha, but I'm willing to part with it now. All the rest I traded away years ago for games that I actually did want at the time.

[Traveller]

The Rules Cyclopedia (not to be confused with the Rules Compendium, a 3E product) is basically the BECM material from BECMI compiled into one book. The I part was replaced with new material for the Rules Cyclopedia.

There is also a black box set that was released in the early 90s, I believe, that was part of the classic line including B/X, BECMI, and the Rules Cyclopedia.

Wrath of the Immortals provided the rules for playing as an Immortal. The Rules Cyclopedia only discussed the quest for Immortality, if it discussed anything at all.

P.S. I have the rulebook from that black box set, but nothing else. The rules covered levels 1-5 for each of the characters, with the expectation that once done with 5th level people would gravitate to the Rules Cyclopedia.