ALIEN Starter Set - RPG Review 

I love that Seth is always honest and straightup with his information. By far he's the most useful TTRPG channel.

I watched AVPR in the theater and when a character said, "the government wouldn't lie to us" everyone let out a laugh, stopped and looked around, before bursting into laughter.

It's a damn good thing that no second AvP movie was ever released. That would have been just as bad as say, someone creating a sequel to Highlander. REALLY glad that never happened too.

I couldn't help but notice that the timeline has the events of Alien: Isolation on it. That is AWESOME! It's nice to see that game get some recognition.

Love how the Starter Set actually gives you enough dice to actually play the game. So many skimp on dice that you still need more of your own if you want to play the damned thing. One thing about using cards to determine initiative that is superior to chucking dice: nobody can get the same result, no need for roll-offs to resolve ties. Those weapon cards are really handy as well.

Personal Vendettas & Hurt Feelings sounds like the title of a high school based RPG!

Before we go any further, I think we oughta discuss the bonus situation.

I have to admit, this game looks SOLID. I could imagine homebrewing a 'The Thing' scenario with it.

20 hours to run through Chariot of The Gods? And here I thought I was doing something wrong when it took my group about 16 hours to complete it.

I just wait for the day when Seth and Jack start a fight club... It seems unavoidable.

I feel like the card mechanic for initiative is GREAT ! It's really different from rolling a dice ! I have yet to try it but i feel like it will be waaay faster at the table. It clears up the time spent where everybody has to report what their initiative numbers are, writing them down, and having to put them in the proper order and whatnot. Here you just draw a card. That's your initiative. Boom. You don't need to write it down because it's already on a card, and you don't have to compare it to make sure there are no bigger numbers, because they already are in order. Plus nobody can tie. That's a great system ! Makes me wanna implement it in other games

I like the idea of using cards to decide turn order because they can function without replacement. If you draw a 1, you're going first, and there's no chance that somebody else rolls the same as you and you have to fight over first for a second time.

This is so random. I just came home from my local game store and held this in my hands for quite a while, wondering if it's worth it. And then I come home, open YT and see this just got uploaded!

All the other times you talked to yourself in some weird psychosis, I found amusing and interesting and informing. But this one, about AVP? That, I don't know, it hit a little close to home, and it actually felt like two personas within the Seth Collective talking to each other.

Biggest issue I had with the card initiative is it's more of a pain in the ass running games remotely

A friend of mine has been talking about this for months and I never understood the appeal! This has opened me up to it a bit!

People are gonna homebrew Predator so fast.

Re: AvP I'm 100% with Seth on this. In terms of rights, they are two distinct properties now owned by 2 different companies and are NOT canon. In terms of play and fandom, Predator, Blade Runner, Soldier, The Thing, and Breach are 'linked' via easter eggs and are considered Apocrypha. This is detailed more accurately in the core rules.

Seth has sold me on yet another game system. I've been on the fence about whether I should invest in Alien RPG for some time now, but this video has convinced me to add it to my collection (the beautiful and atmospheric artwork doesn't hurt the case, either). I probably will end up getting the starter set for the accessories and the core book for the full rule set.

You wore the wrong shirt for this video. It should have been the Weyland-Yutani shirt.

From watching the video, I want that ship (map). The resource consumption rules are okay but I see a lot of grief over arbitrary dice rolls limiting resources unrealistically. I like the concept of the Stress rule but I would need to test it in play. The Personal/Hidden Agenda thing also seems neat in concept. Sort of like Paranoia in that regard. Mostly there is a lot of presentation polish but the system itself is pretty bland looking. I can drop any lite system, like FATE, in its place and not miss anything. Based on this review, I don't see anything that compels me to drop the money for this product. Thanks for the balanced review.

There was no second AvP movie, just like there was no terminator movies after Judgement Day! We all agree!

Really appreciate all the work you do bringing these other systems to light for folks! Love me some horror RPG and definitely went over to grab this after your fair and informed review! Great work, as always.

Looks pretty cool. I think mothership would work just as well for an alien RPG, while being much cheaper and less fiddly.

I swear I saw this on your shelf the other day and I thought it'd be so awesome to have you review it. Alien was just released here in Brazil and I can't wait til I get my copy. I'm really looking forward to playing this game. Take care, Seth.

A very thorough review, one of your best videos yet! Totally convinced me to try the starter set in the new year. Thanks and keep up the great work! :)

I keep picking up and setting down the Aliens RPG core book whenever I visit my local game store, so this was a great video to help me decide. Thank you!

Not only am I sold on the starter set, but I 100% want to see more of this version of Jack the NPC. Amazing look.

I've seen multiple reviews of this RPG. I bought the starter set. I can say that you have one of the best walk-through out there. I really appreciate you time and effort. Thank you sir.

Very timely video for the session I'm running over Thanksgiving! Saves me explaining a few things for the first time then.

Great work... and I know it must be a lot of work with such high production values and thoughtful commentary.

Cyberpunk RED!!! Woot! Let's see it buddy!

"Now this game is based off of Adult Movies" WHAT PARTS OF ALIEN DID I MISS SETH?!

Really enjoyed this video, thank you! Learnt everything I wanted to! Also the spoiler jump ahead was perfectly timed!

I’m glad you like this ruleset, Seth. I’ve only had this game for a little bit, but it’s already one of my favorite RPGs, second only to my love for COC

My group and I are halfway through that initial scenario and we're really digging this game. You're spot on that a higher degree of player maturity will be needed to handle the almost inevitable PVP elements too. We totally agree with your thumbs-up review and I'm really looking forward to the upcoming edition of Twilight:2000 from this publisher!

Nicely done, as always. I backed the Kickstarter for this and have kept up with releases since. You're description of the game was concise and clear. I've always been a big fan of Alien and Aliens (even ran the old Aliens rpg once, though that was a bear). Thanks for the additional info.

Great review. Lots of great information. I'm looking forward to the scenario review before I make up my mind completely, but this is definitely going on my "keep this in mind" list

*sees the video in my subscription list* Yes! I'm so happy this video is out, thanks!

So far I have picked up all of the Alien Free League stuff released so far and the Fantasy Grounds Alien modules as well. Can't wait to run a campaign and see how much we enjoy it. Just flipping through the core book I am highly impressed by the depth of information and the quality of all of the printing of each book/guide.

This is so freaking sweet. You’ve got me so stoked to have this on hand to surprise my group some day when we would cancel because people couldn’t make it to the regular campaign.

Hey Seth, great Video! We wait every Week for a new episode and celebrate it. Thanks for reviewing the "alien Rpg" ! Keep up the good work! Greetings from Germany!!

Seth, you’re great at explaining game mechanics in a simple and straightforward way, I wish you would make tutorial videos for all the games I run, or at least that game companies would put out good enough vids that I could point my players towards.

By far, the best game review I've ever seen. Like any game, any review, ever.

Awesome Seth! Thanks, keep up the spice! I love it!

Really Great Review of the box set, very well detailed , cant wait for you other reviews of the books and also looking forward to Kult

Always excited to see the new Jack outfit

I've been wanting to see a review of this game ever since I spied it on the shelf a couple of videos back. Was not disappointed!

I can't wait till the full review drops!

I love every game I’ve ran Free League had anything to do with. Mutant Year Zero, Coriolis, Mork Borg, and my personal favorite, Tales from the Loop.

Thanks for the awesome reviews man! They’re always so thorough and well thought-out, I really feel like you give me a handle on what I’d be getting into. God bless you!

Really great review! Nice Alien NPC costume too haha. I think I'll buy this

I appreciate that your videos cover games that are not D&D or Pathfinder. I've been interested in starting my own channel that focuses on Champions/HERO System, as well as some tabletop crafting (because i love creating for the table), but I just haven't quite figured out how to get started or gotten around to it.

Wow the art and design layout in this looks beautiful

Wow that's an amazing review! Thanks! Loved the space trucker scenes ;)

Glad you seem to have dug it. I'm a huge fan of Free League and I cannot sing their praises enough. Just a fantastic outfit.

Thanks a lot for the subtitles! English is not my first language so its always handy to have them just in case. PD: Great videos. Thanks to you i'm trying to play CoC even before DnD. Just checking the core book (keeper) right now.

The consumables mechanic seems like it could be easily adapted to other rpgs with a survival focus. Still tracking, but it seems simple enough to not be tedious.

Found this video while browsing for info on the Alien game, trying to figure out if I wanted to pick it up and which version to get if I did. Found this incredibly helpful! Thank you!!

As a fan of the Alein franchise, this sounds awesome. Thanks for the review, Seth!

Mr Skorkowsky your reviews are sooo good. Cant wait for you to review the new Cyberpunk Red. Thanks for all your videos!

Looking forward to seeing some more Alien RPG content from you Seth :)

Had no idea this game existed. As a fan of the Alien movies,I’m excited to try this game. Awesome video as usual.

Good review and I love the artwork!

Hey Seth, thank you for the great content. Because of you I got into the Conan rpg amd back into Call of Cthulhu

I love the costume you gave Jack for this review, just needed a tacky Hawaiian shirt to complete the look

I bought this today based on your review. Keep it up.

Yep, my friends and I are completely on-board for the Alien RPG, it's been a massive hit! We just completed Destroyer of Worlds (note I said completed, not survived of course...) after running through the other cinematics. Looking forward to a more complete review. Also holy crap - 20 hour Chariot of the Gods!? We are slow, RP heavy group and even we couldn't drag it out for half that time! Can't wait to hear that story!

Thanks Seth,great review.

Seth, that was an excellent review. Very clear on what I would be getting if I bought the Starter set, and also a neat introduction to the mechanics with some fair-sounding criticisms. Does sound to me that they should have a third option; a Complete set; the starter set contents with the Core rulebook instead of the introductory softback. Price it just under what it would cost to buy the Starter and Core book together. Thanks. Looking forward to further videos on this game.

I preordered the ALIEN Standard Bundle prior to launch so I have no need for the Starter Set. But I did buy the Destroyer of Worlds. The character sheet graphics that you used to explain the system is great. That really helped me to absorb the rules.

I petition to have Jack the NPC join the usual rouge’s gallery of players at the table in future videos.

God this sounds soooo good, I totally need to add this to my growing list of rpgs I'll EVENTUALLY run. And just after I got the new dnd book and it reignited my desire to go back to dnd with some truly fantastic new subclasses like a fungus focused druid that can make cordyceps zombies.

I’ve been running Alien RPG games at conventions and Board Game Cafes for the last couple of years and it’s great. Been running two new scenarios on Roll20 during the the last six months too. A nice counterpoint to Tales from the Loop RPG too.

Great review for a great game! The module in the starter set is very enjoyable and flavorful.

I got this when It first came out. I kinda wish I waited for this because I could have got everything I needed in the starter set. I cant wait to try it with my gaming group. I really love the system, then again, I'm a BIG Sci-Fi fan. Thanks Seth!!

You are absolutely the best man, I love to watch your videos, you’re so entertaining, keep doing what you’re doing, and please, oh please, talk about the lightless beacon.

Great review Seth. I prefer to get the physical products from Free League because I get the PDF included with that price.

I love that you call yourself out, wittily at that.

I have run Chariot of the Gods 7 times. Only ONCE did we finish in 5 hours, and it was because the group was pretty much dead because of freak outs. I LOVE this system. Its fast, fluid, and really makes the players feel the situation. Nothing is more fun than listening to players argue about if they should make a role. They have to do this thing, but it means rolling stress dice, and they are afraid of what happened. I have a lot of wonderful stories from this game. I've run it 10 times. Chariots 7, Hadley's 3. I'm eager to jump into Destroyer of Worlds but with everything going on, its hard to get a real table going.

That consumables mechanic sounds really cool! Might just have to steal that wholesale for Mothership. Thanks Seth!

I'd be extremely interested in seeing what you think of Mothership, particularly in comparison to this. Alien seems very aware of the OSR, and seems to borrow from a lot of OSR titles including Mothership.

AVP freaking rocked! (it was actually the reason I watched both the Alien and Predator movies later on, so I owe it a lot) And yeah, I totally wanna try this out now, it looks fun, and I like the idea of a simplified rule set for one shots.

Thank you for the review

Great video as always! Can't wait to hear your play through of Chariots. (Dweebles as a murderous android would be a must..."you have my thympathy") Luckily for me I was gifted the core rulebook and then purchased the starter set for the dice and swag. I do like having the starter rules on hand for quick reference, handing it out to other players to get them more into the game. My only complaint about the Starter Set was that the box is a shade too small for the core rule book to be neatly stored! That and the glue binding of the starter rules is coming undone.

Seth, you da best! The CoC starter set has provided hours of fun, and the Alien starter set is superb too! Cyberpunk Red hasn't quite gelled with me yet, but their customer service is outstanding, Anyway, thanks for all the reliable and entertaining reviews!

YES!!! FINALLY, SOMEONE TALKS ABOUT THIS GREAT SYSTEM!!

Cannot wait for more Alien videos.

I've been waiting for this!

I have been waiting for Seth to do an Alien Review can't wait till he give us more game play into it

Great review, your reviews are so fantastic. I love them. I believe the advantage of using cards for initiative instead of using dices, is that no one has the same iniative number. I have not played the game yet, but I think the rolls for consumables is a bit tricky. This mechanic means the more I have the more I loose. I think it would be better if a character rolls always with 2 or 3 dices no matter how many oxygen the character has. I imagine following situation, the crew put on their vaccsuits on a mission in hostile environment,. They have 5 Oxygen supply points and after a while, they have to roll for Oxygen depletion. If one of them rolls 5 1s and the Ox is streight empty, that would be frustrating. Even in an oneshot adventure with character replacement.

Can't wait for the core rulebook review!

Great video, Seth, I really dig the Alien universe so I might bring this up as a possibility for future games. Also Jack's Weyland-Yutani outfit is topnotch, suits him very well!

Hey Seth, thanks for all the work you do bringing us entertainment and insight. It doesn't sound like Alien is handling it the same, but Savage Worlds also uses a deck of playing cards to track initiative, it does so dynamically by dealing each participant, or group of participants in the case of mooks, and then counting down. Its hands down my favorite initiative system I've ever encountered and I constantly port and adapt it to other games. If the Alien initiative doesn't stick with you, I recommend looking at Savage World' initiative.

I see you have a Mothership patch on your alter-ego in this video. Do you have a preference between Mothership and the Alien rules?

It's great to see a good review for one of free Leagues games. I hope sometime in the future you'll be able to do a review for their other game "Forbidden Lands".

Thanks. Another thing I didn't know I needed.

Well, that's settled it. I shall be picking this up

We are currently almost done with Chariot of the Gods in Roll20. I have the core book and just adapted a pdf of Chariot, uploading all the images I needed to Roll20. So far, I think it will take about 12-15 hours to finish the scenario, which is more than I expected, but I had a blast adding bonus maps, including lots with dynamic lighting to enhance the scare factor. We love the game so far. The first two sessions were story/cinema heavy and dice rolls weren't really that important. The third session that changed and we had to dive heavier into the nitty gritty mechanics, but they're not particularly complex, and in the case of Stress/Panic, quite ingenious. We just use the base d20 tracker in roll20 for Initiative, it works just fine. I agree with Seth, the cards are not anything special. Rolling for Armor reduction is slightly clunky and it would have been easier with just a 1:1 reduction, but the random nature of armor does had some welcome unpredictability. This was sort of our learning curve in the game, and next I'm prepping Destroyer of Worlds in Roll20, although I did buy the gorgeous box set this time. Destroyer is an even longer and more complicated scenario, so we are still going to be in the Alien world for months. The writer is also planning a third part of a trilogy, so by the time that rolls around I think we will have had our fill of Alien but enjoyed every minute of it. If you're wondering, someone did create a Roll20 character sheet for Alien that looks identical to the official one and works perfectly.

Hi Seth. Great review! I'm glad to see free league's games get reviews from you guys overseas. Would you consider reviewing Coriolis from the same team? It's similar mechanically but the setting is Arabian Nights in space...