While attending the first day of PAX East 2024, I had the privilege of chatting with Doug Shute from Free League Publishing. I was walking the show floor and caught sight of the prominently displayed ALIEN: The Roleplaying Game. As a massive fan of all things Alien, I knew the booth was a must-stop for me.
My history with the Alien franchise has been rabid consumption of every game, novel, comic, and film available. I have quite the collection back home, and it’s by far my favorite IP. However, I’ve never played the role playing game, as I didn’t grow up playing tabletop RPGs. The folks at Free League Publishing were so kind and patient with me, taking nearly a half hour to teach me how to play and answering all my interview questions.
Deep Lore and Fully Canon
Fans of tabletop games and enthusiasts of the Alien franchise alike will appreciate the careful attention to detail in ALIEN The Roleplaying Game. Andrew Gaska has authored the primary rule book and all the cinematic scenario expansions for the game. What is significant is that Gaska also consults with 20th Century Studios and Disney on all matters of lore for the Alien franchise. He also consults with Titan Books regarding lore for the tie-in novels. Gaska has also written the Canon Continuity Bible, which is the internal-use standard for the IP.
“Gaska grew up with the 1980s Star Wars RPG,” explained Doug Shute. “There was a lot of nostalgia there, and he wanted to create the same sort of experience for the Alien franchise. As a result, we have an incredible horror-PRG experience that works very well as a tabletop.”
This deep commitment to the canon makes purchasing the game materials a must-buy, even for those who won’t play the game and just want more content.
A Full Universe of Gameplay
ALIEN The Roleplaying Game (and its expansions) offer players a variety of content areas to focus on with dedicated content on the Colonial Marines and colonists. The game also allows for short-term and long-term play, so that players can pair it with their needs.
The game can be played in two distinct game modes:
Cinematic play is based on pre-made scenarios that emulate the dramatic arc of an Alien film. Designed to be played in a single session, this game mode emphasizes high stakes and fast and brutal play. You are not all expected to survive.
Campaign play is designed for longer continuous play with the same cast of player characters over many game sessions, letting you explore the Alien universe freely, sandbox style.
Final Thoughts
Though I’ve never been seriously into tabletop games, I’m ready to take a deep dive. Speaking with Free League Publishing and getting a first-hand experience with ALIEN The Roleplaying Game, my mind has been opened–now I just need a group to play with!
Special thanks to Doug Shute and Free League Publishing for gifting me the rule book and Stress Dice / Base Dice sets. I can’t wait to get started!
If you’d like to learn more about ALIEN The Roleplaying Game or want to place an order, click here.
Tell us what you think! Have you played ALIEN The Roleplaying Game? Share your reactions in the comments below. You can also join in the conversation on Boss Rush Network’s Discord, Twitter, and Facebook.
Source: Free League Publishing
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