Designer interviews #2: Tom Bloom (Lancer)
Added 2024-02-26 14:46:29 +0000 UTCIt's publish day, baby! Here's a very fun interview with Tom Bloom, the artist and gameplay lead on terrific mech combat RPG (and itch.io success story) Lancer.
...*Sort* of a giveaway of what review I'm about to publish, isn't it? π
Comments
The idea that OSR games are not playtested is bizarre. They absolutely are - Dolmenwood is one of the most thoroughly playtested things ever (and its an OSR campaign). Tom isnt a member of the OSR community - and in fact I think his game is very close to what I would describe as the polar opposite of the OSR mindset - and I think he has a very flawed / skewed idea of the movement because of it.
Johnathan Holstad
2025-10-09 17:21:18 +0000 UTCI would love a 2nd edition of LANCER so much. Also the 2nd print run of the book with their exclusive direct cover is one of my favorite RPG things of all time.
Joshua Aslan Smith
2025-07-11 18:03:49 +0000 UTCShadowrun not playtesting would make so much sodding sense suddenly. WHY
NoFun
2025-01-08 16:16:06 +0000 UTCI love this so much. All of these interviews with designers speaking intelligently about their craft and inspiration - itβs the podcast Iβve always wanted.
Sandslide228
2024-04-03 15:54:49 +0000 UTCThanks!
Jacob Bassil
2024-02-26 16:32:46 +0000 UTCGubat is good and shared some lancer dna while being mechanically far lighter. If the idea of a faster tactical rpg appeals, id also recommend the final fantasy tactics styled lancer followup Icon. Marrying pbta narrative and a *significantly* streamlined version of lancers rules. Runs fast. Is good. Is still a beta.
wubbalubba
2024-02-26 16:02:19 +0000 UTCQuintin Smith
2024-02-26 15:33:23 +0000 UTCI couldn't quite make out what he said for the first recommendation... gooper balmer? Anyone mind writing it out in the comments?
Jacob Bassil
2024-02-26 15:28:05 +0000 UTCYESSS! When Quinns mentioned the next review was about space I was hoping it was LANCER. Itβs an absolutely incredible game and more people need to hear about how wonderful it is. It has quickly become my favorite TTRPG book I own.
Zaketh
2024-02-26 15:00:43 +0000 UTC
