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I originally bought Splicers because I liked the idea of organic technology, and was hoping to be able to incorporate it into my games. However, the bio-tech in that game didn't seem to work very well conceptually outside of that setting. I was dismayed for a while, then I heard something about System Failure having some bio-tech. I didn't have the book yet, since when I heard of the idea behind this game (Y2K 'bugs?' *groan*) I was less than excited about picking it up. I mean, in how many different settings must "bugs" be some kind of alien villian/invader? But considering it really wasn't that expensive a game I figured it was time to pick it up and give it a shot.

After flipping through the book quickly I am honestly impressed. Not only does the bio-tech in this book seems like it'll fit my megaversal needs much better than Splicers' but also that it seems like a very decent game as well. It's won me over as something more than just a gimmic based on a play on words from the Y2K scare. I think this'll make a great addition to my palladium collection and I'm sorry I didn't buy it sooner. Eventaully I'll read through the entire thing instead of just skimming, but so far I am not disappointed in this book, and just by having the organic tech in it that I feel I can use it has already surpassed my expectations.

Systems Failure is one of those games that nobody seems to notice when it comes out, but learns to appreciate when they finally get a copy. Mine was an add-on to the Robotech books I bought on clearance from Pally in 2001.

Like much of Bill Coffin's work, Systems Failure really shines. I wish it could have generated the interest it deserved and forced Palladium into providing greater support for it.

A great game - one of Palladium's best.

maasenstodt wrote:Like much of Bill Coffin's work, Systems Failure really shines. I wish it could have generated the interest it deserved and forced Palladium into providing greater support for it.

Say whaaaaat?

I was meant from the get go to be a one shot game. Period.

~ Josh[/i]

Josh Sinsapaugh wrote:

maasenstodt wrote:Like much of Bill Coffin's work, Systems Failure really shines. I wish it could have generated the interest it deserved and forced Palladium into providing greater support for it.

Say whaaaaat?

I was meant from the get go to be a one shot game. Period.

~ Josh

I'll tell you whaaaaat!

It's common knowledge that Systems Failure was conceived as a stand alone. Many would contend, however, that the concept is strong enough to merit more than that. Had sales of the game been as terrific as its quality, the demand might have compelled Kevin to reconsider his initial stance. Heck, Bill had even suggested interest in writing a sourcebook for Systems Failure at one point, so it was never beyond the realm of possibility.

It's just too bad that it didn't happen, that's all.

Josh Sinsapaugh wrote:

maasenstodt wrote:Like much of Bill Coffin's work, Systems Failure really shines. I wish it could have generated the interest it deserved and forced Palladium into providing greater support for it.

Say whaaaaat?

I was meant from the get go to be a one shot game. Period.

~ Josh[/i]

People keep saying that, but they apparently never paid attention to the coming soon page in the Rifter...

Tinker Dragoon wrote:

Josh Sinsapaugh wrote:

maasenstodt wrote:Like much of Bill Coffin's work, Systems Failure really shines. I wish it could have generated the interest it deserved and forced Palladium into providing greater support for it.

Say whaaaaat?

I was meant from the get go to be a one shot game. Period.

~ Josh[/i]

People keep saying that, but they apparently never paid attention to the coming soon page in the Rifter...

Well, I think they just stopped paying attention when Coffin went bye bye. Or was someone else supposed to be in place to write the second book?

Marrowlight wrote:

Tinker Dragoon wrote:

Josh Sinsapaugh wrote:

maasenstodt wrote:Like much of Bill Coffin's work, Systems Failure really shines. I wish it could have generated the interest it deserved and forced Palladium into providing greater support for it.

Say whaaaaat?

I was meant from the get go to be a one shot game. Period.

~ Josh[/i]

People keep saying that, but they apparently never paid attention to the coming soon page in the Rifter...

Well, I think they just stopped paying attention when Coffin went bye bye. Or was someone else supposed to be in place to write the second book?

There was official material by Bill in The Rifter #8. That was it. The book really didn't sell enough copies to warrant a new book anyway. It sold less than Ninjas & Superspies, if I recall correctly.

Marrowlight wrote:Well, I think they just stopped paying attention when Coffin went bye bye. Or was someone else supposed to be in place to write the second book?

Bill Coffin was the designated writer, and presumably his departure and other factors were what doomed the book. From the blurb:

Due to popular demand, at least one adventure-sourcebook for Systems Failure™ by Bill Coffin! Although originally intended as a one-shot stand alone game, gamers are begging us for more. This deliciously fun, new RPG is the talk of the town and selling like crazy! The adventure-sourcebook will probably be an inexpensive and small 64-112 pager.

Yes, Systems failure was a very decent game. You had the whole world near destruction, yet dispite it all, didn't feel helpless. The game won on many levels.

SF Organitech is not unbalancing in the Rifts environment, though I do recommend halving the damage capacity of the Battlesuits before converting it over to mega-damage. On the other hand, the similar technology from Splicers is way too powerful.

SF is one of the best one-shot/mini-campaign games I've ever played. We've played it about 10 times or so, and each time it worked so well as a small, single-evening event.

Good times, good times.

................................................Omote
FPQ

I bought it, read it, liked it - and (so far) never played it. I would have, if there would have been more material for the game though. I know it was planned as a one-shot, but I always thought Palladium is making a big mistake by concentrating on RIFTS RIFTS RIFTS. And now with no book for Palladium Fantasy in AGES the situation is even worse. Nightbane, BTS, Splicers, N&S, RECON...no progress whatssoever...uggh. Now I am depressed. Not that this will be read by anyone in months!

I picked up a copy of Systems Failure in part of my big order for the 'Crisis' recently, and I'm very impressed with it.

A) The layout seems more straightforward than most games. Character creation seemed to be very easy to follow along with.

B) The wacky fonts for the headings made it easier to see where things started and stopped.

C) Interesting horrific bad guys who are still capable of being beat.

D) 13 Bucks. You could afford to buy a second copy and hand it out during character creation.

Definately on my list of games to try and run at a con sometime.

System Failure is a great book. I've never played it as a stand alone, but I have fully integrated it into my HU campaign. A few bugs testing the waters and a company using samples to make biotech chimeras. Most of the basic human character classes have made their way into all of my games.

I would love to see a sourcebook, or even a new Rifter article or three to add to it. The problem is sales. I think it would work well as Rifter articles, but not as a sourcebook. Whatever the sales for the mainbook were, the sourcebook will be less. Like Splicers, it just doesn't have enough umph on its own to warrant the expense. This is especially true with the problems PB has been having.

U.S.Advanced Recon wrote:Hey I know the feeling, but the coolest thing about systems failure is you are not limited.

Very true. You can go as wild as you want and not have to worry about someone screaming about how it contradicts canon.

RockJock wrote:System Failure is a great book. I've never played it as a stand alone, but I have fully integrated it into my HU campaign. A few bugs testing the waters and a company using samples to make biotech chimeras. Most of the basic human character classes have made their way into all of my games.

I would love to see a sourcebook, or even a new Rifter article or three to add to it. The problem is sales. I think it would work well as Rifter articles, but not as a sourcebook. Whatever the sales for the mainbook were, the sourcebook will be less. Like Splicers, it just doesn't have enough umph on its own to warrant the expense. This is especially true with the problems PB has been having.

Likewise, I've never played SF by itself, but I did port the bugs into HU. My favorite part was when the heroes captured one and made a big deal of imprisoning it in an electrical access free glass cage. Then they left, and came back to find the glass broken. Oops!

uhm...the game's not even in the online catalog anymore...how come?

Vidynn wrote:uhm...the game's not even in the online catalog anymore...how come?

I sent an email to the Palladium Staff about this.

I have been informed that the book Systems Failure is now out of print.

glad I got my copy...chances of a reprint seem minimal...

I've seen a couple of copies popping in and out of Half Priced Books. I've actually used Splicers several times in the last year as one off games for when I had an odd group of players. My regular players have made stylized versions of themselves ( I know, I know I hate the idea), plus I have a few generic pre-made characters for newbies. If I have time I'll set them up with custom characters. It is a nice diversion, and a basic game that most people new to role playing, or Palladium can pick up easily, and quickly.

I'm looking forward to combining System Failure with Dead Reign. The O.C.C.s from System Failure should work perfectly in a Zombie apocalypse.

Kelorin wrote:I'm looking forward to combining System Failure with Dead Reign. The O.C.C.s from System Failure should work perfectly in a Zombie apocalypse.

Yeah, me too. When I saw Dead Reign in Rifter #40, I dug out my SF book and re-read it. Can't wait to spring it on my gamers.

Big Bob...................

CommanderT1 wrote:turns out I liked SF better then the other books I was trying to get.

I love when stuff like that happens.



~ Josh

Mr. Deific NMI wrote:I have been informed that the book Systems Failure is now out of print.

Sad to hear that. It is an excellent game. I GM'ed twice and used info from it several times. Hope someday it will make a come back.

maasenstodt wrote:It's common knowledge that Systems Failure was conceived as a stand alone. Many would contend, however, that the concept is strong enough to merit more than that. Had sales of the game been as terrific as its quality, the demand might have compelled Kevin to reconsider his initial stance. Heck, Bill had even suggested interest in writing a sourcebook for Systems Failure at one point, so it was never beyond the realm of possibility.

It was a bit farther than that even. IIRC Bill had some detailed notes compiled on what else he wanted to do with the setting.

Ahem... there was also a nice article in Rifter 12....

Hmm... dare I come out of my years long retirement from Palladiums to pick up Rifter 38?

I special ordered 38 from my FLGS. I might have to get 19, if you guys think it is worth it.

I wouldn't say I'm back, per se, but I am feeling the nostalgia pangs.

Well, that would help me with the kielbasa I had earlier

Phalanx wrote:

Lantis wrote:Ahem... there was also a nice article in Rifter 12....

And Rifter 38.

Don't forget the articles in Rifters 8, 19.
Oh, we can't forget that odd "Flea" thingamajig article in #26...