Order 66 Podcast Episode 4 Now Available

The fourth episode of the Order 66 podcast is available. It covers the Scoundrel class, starship combat, and more.

The Scoundrel discussion focuses on three special builds: the striker, the space monkey, and the jack-of-all-trades. The striker is optimized for combat (Han shot first!). The space monkey emphasizes piloting and tech ability. The jack-of-all-trades is pretty self-explanatory.

There are a lot of good tips here. These guys know their Saga edition.

History of Star Wars roleplaying

What do Ghostbusters and D&D have in common? Both were the basis for Star Wars RPGs!

I was taking a trip down memory lane recently, thinking about earlier editions of Star Wars roleplaying games. As much as I love the current edition, I was never more excited about a Star Wars game as I was the very first one from West End Games, released in 1987 (the 10th anniversary of Star Wars itself).

I thought maybe others might be interested in the history of the game too, so I did a little reading, and that's when Wikipedia told me that the 1st Edition of Star Wars was based on WEG's Ghostbusters RPG (another of my favorites). And, thinking back on that system, I can kinda see it. If we're generous with the term "based on."

Of course, there's no denying that the first edition that Wizards of the Coast put out after picking up the license from WEG was definitely based on D&D 3rd Edition. So why am I even bringing this up?

Somebody needs to make Ghostbusters d20, that's why! (Or maybe not; InSpectres looks pretty damn cool.)

Anyway, here's the honor roll of all Star Wars roleplaying game editions to date.

Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game
1st Edition
West End Games
1987

Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game
2nd Edition
West End Games
1992

Star Wars Roleplaying Game
2nd Edition Revised and Expanded
West End Games
1996

Star Wars Roleplaying Game
Core Rulebook
Wizards of the Coast
2000

Star Wars Roleplaying Game
Revised Core Rulebook
Wizards of the Coast
2002

Star Wars Roleplaying Game
Saga Edition
Wizards of the Coast
2007

UPDATE: Sterling Hershey has reminded me that he has a history of Star Wars RPGs on his blog, Delusions of Grandeur. It's in two parts, and is excellent reading.