Metamorphosis Alpha Returns!

Original edition cover

I'm sure you've heard by now that the Godfather of Gamma is back! James Ward's Metamorphosis Alpha is in print again, with updated artwork--but no changes to the rules other than spelling and grammar--oh and a new starter adventure! Get your hands on the first sci-fi RPG, and the first post-apocalyptic one at that.

And if that's not enough, a NEW version is on it's way this summer! Signal Fire Studios is putting out an all new edition:Trade Paperback, Color Cover, and B&W Interior.

New cover art by Jason Engle, click to embiggen

From SFS's website:

In 2012, Signal Fire Studios presents the newest incarnation of this classic RPG, combining the elements that made the original so compelling with an all new game system created by award-winning designer Jamie Chambers. Over the coming months you’ll see teasers and previews, plus demo games coming to game conventions!

Original edition available now:

In print from Lulu for $15.99

PDF at DriveThruRPG for $5.00

2012 edition available for preorder in print for $19.99 and PDF for $5.00

More resources at Metamorphosis Alpha's website

Fight On! #12 is all about the GAMMA!

Thanks to Sniderman for his post on the latest issue of Fight On! which includes lost of post-apocalyptic goodness, not to mention a submission from former TSR editors James M. Ward and Tim Kask.

Just look at that cover--that's an adventuring party if I ever saw one!

It's available in print or PDF. Oh, and do yourself a favor and use this coupon code: BIG305 to save 20% on orders $100.00 or less. Yes, it works, I just used it to order my copy.

Props to Netherworks for the coupon info.

Friends of Starship Warden: Gamma Creator Jim Ward Very Ill

I'm a bit behind the curve on this, but still wanted to pass along that Jim Ward, author of Metamorphosis Alpha, the original Gamma World, and one of TSR's founding editors has fallen seriously ill and is in need of some help. His family and close friends have set up a website to help alleviate some of the cost of his care. From the website:

He has been diagnosed, at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, with a serious neurological disorder. The gaming world came close to saying goodbye to yet another of the pioneers of RPGing several months ago. The experts say that Jim's condition is treatable and manageable, but will remain very serious forever.

Jim is very, very slowly recovering; every day is a new skirmmish with the disorder. He still suffers from acute bouts of dizziness and a pervasive lassitude due to bodily energy issues.

While Jim and his family are fortunate to have some health insurance, the co-pays are mounting at an alarming rate, having hit five digits some while ago and showing no signs of abating any time soon.

Having had a grandmother treated there for Alzheimer's, I can vouch that the Mayo Clinic provides amazing neurologic care. If you've enjoyed any of Mr. Ward's fine work, this Thanksgiving weekend would seem to be an ideal time to visit Friends of Starship Warden and share your appreciation.

James Ward interviewed by Wizards of the Coast

Metamorphosis Alpha, the first Sci-Fi RPG and predecessor to Gamma World

Gamma World and Metamorphosis Alpha creator James Ward was recently interviewed by Wizards of the Coast in light of their October GW revival. Ward talks about his intentions behind creating Metamorphosis as the first sci-fi RPG, and the unintentional effect of Gamma World's rep as a goofy game.

Both games sort of mutated (ha!) once released into the wild, as players and GMs began playing the games not as intended by their author (though I don't think Ward minded too much). One example that strikes me as interesting is captured in this quote by Ward:

When I designed Metamorphosis Alpha, I wanted a science-fiction version of D&D that was an outer space dungeon. I fully expected people to buy the product and create their own starships. Imagine my complete surprise when almost everyone created their own Starship Warden.

So does that mean the game has been played "wrong" for decades? ;)

/Hat tip to Grognardia