Flash Gordon RPG Game Review, Saving the Universe from Ming

“He’ll save every one of us!”

Flash Gordon is a fictional comic strip character created by Alex Raymond in 1934. Flash is a handsome, daring space adventurer who fights evil forces in the universe. Created during the era of pulp science fiction, Flash Gordon has become a pop culture icon. Adapted to various forms of media, Flash has been in radio dramas, movies, TV shows, and video games.

Savage Worlds is a tabletop role-playing game first published in 2003. It is a fast-paced, rules-light system. The design is adaptable, from fantasy and science fiction to horror and Westerns. Settings and supplements like the pulp-inspired “Deadlands”. Also, the post-apocalyptic “Hell on Earth”, and the space-faring “Interface Zero.” Known for flexibility and ease of use, the system is a popular choice among gamers and game masters alike.

Pinnacle Entertainment Group has combed them into a Flash Gordon RPG. The resulting role-playing game creates a unique, pulp fiction, thrilling gaming experience. The experience captures the spirit of the original comics by Alex Raymond, the Buster Crabbe radio and tv serials, and the 1980 Dino De Laurentiis movie.

Flash Gordon’s RGP game system is well-designed and easy to learn and play. The roleplaying game focuses on fast-paced action and cinematic, comic-book-style storytelling. Streamlined rules and initiative allow for a flexible narrative and player creativity. In fact, its game mechanics encourage players to think on their feet. The gameplay then adapts based on those decisions. This keeps the gameplay exciting and engaging.

How is the Flash Gordon Savage Worlds RPG different from Dungeon and Dragons 5e?

The largest difference in the Flash Gordon RPG is the setting. The game world is a vibrant, colorful sci-fi universe filled with exotic aliens. Also, advanced technology is available alongside more primitive weapons. This all lends to epic encounters, battles, and clashes in the world of Mongo. The game captures the pulp adventure feel of the original Flash Gordon comics and movies. Plus, over-the-top villains, daring rescues, and thrilling space battles.

The RPG game also focuses on fast-paced action within a story that the players build as they go. The game encourages more creative thinking rather than overpowering magic items. Or characters exploring and gathering treasure as they go. The Flash Gordon RPG focuses more on the players’ interactions with each other and the NPCs. The game mechanics also includes a romantic option that might influence gameplay. Listed below are other differences.
Flash Gordon RPG Comic Graphic showing a Female Warrior battling a Lion

How to play the Flash Gordon RPG using the Saving Worlds Roleplaying Game Rule System

Player character creation

Character Creation: Players begin by creating their characters using the Savage Worlds character creation system. This involves choosing a race (such as human or Hawkman), an archetype (such as adventurer or scientist), and assigning stats and skills. Their characters are also known as “Wild Cards” which differentiates them from the “Extras” (NPCs) in the game.
Attributes and Skills: Like in other role-playing games, you have a series of attributes like Agility, Smarts, Spirit, Strength, and Vigor. These influence your skills like Acrobatics, Driving, Fighting, Shooting, Stealth, etc… The difference between the Savage World system and other roleplaying games is that your levels equate to certain dice. You begin with a d4, then level up to d6, d8, d10, and so on. When you roll an attribute or skill check, you roll the appropriate dice equal to your skill.

Being a game master

Game Master Preparation: The game master (GM) prepares the adventure by creating NPCs (non-player characters), maps, and encounters.
Initiative: Combat and other encounters are resolved through an initiative system. Players draw cards (playing cards) to determine their initiative order with the GM drawing for the NPCs. The highest number (ace through 2) goes first. This is done each round of the interaction causing players to adjust their gameplay.
Actions: During their turn, players can take actions such as attacking, moving, or using a skill. They roll the dice associated with the skill and level and add/subtract any relevant modifiers to determine their success.
Damage: If a player or NPC takes damage, they suffer a wound point. Wild Cards have three wound points and when they take a fourth, they are incapacitated. “Extras”, NPC characters, have only 1 wound point.

The uniqueness of the Savage World game mechanics

Wild Die: Whenever a Wild Card rolls a skill check, they roll an additional d6 dice. This dice is known as the Wild die. If that die results in a number higher than the skill die, they can choose to use it. This, along with the unique initiative system, allows for a degree of unpredictability in the game.
Raises: If a player rolls four more than the needed number to succeed, it results in a “Raise”. Raises can add extra damage or cause additional things to happen. This is decided by the GM.
Bennies: Players can earn bennies (tokens) by roleplaying well or making clever decisions. Bennies can be used to reroll dice, soak up damage, or gain other benefits. This encourages players to take risks and be creative in their approach to challenges.

These are the basic mechanics of how to play Flash Gordon Savage World RPG. However, the game also includes rules for vehicle combat, psychic powers, and other advanced mechanics that add depth and complexity to the game. It is recommended that players and the GM read through the rulebook thoroughly before starting to play

Reactions to the Flash Gordon RPG

This tabletop game, Flash Gordon RPG, is a roleplaying game based on the classic pulp science fiction hero, Flash Gordon. A character I grew up reading about in comics until the 80’s movie hit the big screen. Then, I became a superfan. With this game, I (you) can take on the roles of Flash Gordon, Dale, Hans Zarcov, Prince Vultan, and more. Or even a villain like Klytus, Princess Aurora, or Ming.

The original rulebook is rich in detail on the world of Mongo. Along with the various kingdoms like Frigia, Alboria, Volcania, Tropica, and more. Plus, there are descriptions of the people of Mongo, like the Lion Men, the hated Sharkman, and the Giants. Most of which you can play as a character. The follow-up sourcebook expanded on the lore with the “Moons of Mongo”. This book talks about how to travel to the rarely explored moons. Together, these books allow you as a gm, to build a robust adventure.

The Savage World character creation system is also well-designed. It allows players to create unique and interesting Wild Cards, or heroes, that are unique to the game. The system is flexible enough to accommodate a wide range of character concepts. Along with personalized game-playing styles. This makes it easy for players to find the right fit for their preferences. The player can further customize their Wild Cards with a variety of skills, equipment, and vehicles.

“Long Live Flash”

Overall, the Flash Gordon RPG is an excellent choice for fans of science fiction and pulp adventure. The game system is easy to learn, the setting is rich and exciting, and the gameplay is fast-paced and engaging. Whether you’re a seasoned RPG player or a newcomer to the genre, the Flash Gordon RPG is definitely worth checking out.