BackBureau 13: Stalking the Night Fantastic
Stalking the Night Fantastic. I've always liked that title, even back in the days when the pamphlet that was that game had that annoying plastic thing serving as a binding. A wonderful concept, predating both Men in Black and The X-Files. If you have never read or heard about Bureau 13, here is an introduction.
Enough of that for now. As must be obvious, this is my Bureau 13 page. Right now, it isn't much to look at, but I will be posting some of my notes about running Bureau 13 and other things related to the game. Heck, if I get sufficiently motivated, I may even devise and post a Bureau 13 ID card.
The only thing I don't like about Bureau 13 would be the mechanics. If you want to play it, I recommend using one of the following systems instead (in no particular order): Champions, FUDGE, GURPS, Fuzion or maybe that new d20 System WoTC is putting out. It should be a system that handles skills well and can allow for supernatural talents and abilities while maintaining game balance.
I do think you should pick up a copy of the game, if you don't have it, and perhaps the supplements. The source material is invaluable.
Oh, and I strongly suggest you read the marvelous B13 books written by Nick Pollotta:
They're coming back into print now, starting with the first book, which has been re-titled Bureau 13: Judgment Night. They are being published in trade-paperback size for about $15. I picked up the first one quite eagerly and tore through it. It turned out to not be a straight re-print, but a slight re-write, to include updates in technology and such like.
I had hoped to love all the changes and give a glowing review and recommendation. Alas, I cannot. Not all the changes were related to technology, and there were several of such that did not appeal to me at all.
But you know, I must admit I'm biased. I really enjoyed the books the way they were. Still, I think there is more to my disapproval than a simple fanboy cry of "Waaah, you changed it!" and I could explain myself, but honestly I don't want to go into the changes in depth. If you want to know what the changes are, read both versions and spot them for yourself. Who knows, you may like them.
On another note, apparently there may be a B13 movie in the works. When I hear more than the rumor I'll post something here.
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