Alien: The Roleplaying Game Starter Set

Free League Publishing’s Alien: The Roleplaying Game Starter Set is a masterclass in delivering an accessible, immersive, and truly terrifying tabletop RPG experience. Designed to capture the essence of the Alien franchise, this Starter Set is both a love letter to longtime fans and a perfect entry point for newcomers. Combining my experience as a seasoned GM with Eliza’s fresh perspective as a relatively new player, we explored the Starter Set’s strengths, weaknesses, and everything in between.

Spoiler: this is one of the best boxed sets out there.

Opening Thoughts

The Alien: The Roleplaying Game Starter Set is a product that understands its source material and knows exactly how to translate it into an interactive format. From the moment you open the box, you’re greeted with tools that make jumping into the Alien universe effortless. Eliza summed it up perfectly: “This set eliminates so much of the intimidation of running or playing a new RPG.”

As someone who has been playing and running tabletop RPGs for years, I was particularly impressed by how well this set caters to both new and experienced players. It’s not just about teaching mechanics—it’s about creating a cinematic experience. You don’t need hours of prep or deep knowledge of the Alien franchise. All you need is the Starter Set, a few friends, and a willingness to embrace the horror.

The Breakdown

1. Setting (B)

The Alien universe is as iconic as it gets, and the Starter Set leverages that familiarity to full effect. The setting drops players into a scenario straight out of the first film: gritty space truckers facing corporate greed and existential terror. The Chariot of the Gods scenario included in the set is pitch-perfect for introducing players to the world of Alien and its oppressive atmosphere.

That said, as Eliza pointed out, the setting doesn’t take many risks. It leans heavily on established tropes, which is both a strength and a limitation. For new players, the familiarity of the setting is a great asset, making it easy to jump in without extensive worldbuilding. However, for longtime fans like me, there’s a sense that the Starter Set plays it safe, sticking to the basics rather than exploring new territory within the franchise.

2. Art (A)

If there’s one thing that Alien: The Roleplaying Game absolutely nails, it’s the art. The visuals are striking, evocative, and perfectly aligned with the franchise’s tone. From the stark silhouettes to the muted color palette, every piece of artwork contributes to the feeling of dread and isolation.

Eliza, who has a particular passion for critiquing art, praised the consistency and intentionality of the design that the art makes you feel like you’re already in the dark corridors of a doomed ship. For me, the standout pieces were the covers of the rulebook and Chariot of the Gods, which immediately set the mood for the game.

While the art doesn’t attempt to replicate the surreal horror of H.R. Giger, it doesn’t need to. Instead, it focuses on capturing the oppressive atmosphere of the Alien universe, making it accessible and immediately engaging for players.

3. System Playability (A)

The mechanics of Alien: The Roleplaying Game are simple, elegant, and designed to enhance the horror experience. At its core is a d6 dice pool system that’s easy to learn and quick to play. Where the system truly shines, though, is in its Stress Dice mechanic.

As your character experiences stress from the horrors around them, you gain additional dice for your rolls—giving you a better chance of success. However, these dice come with a risk: rolling a 1 on a Stress Die triggers the Panic Table, creating chaos that can derail even the best-laid plans.

Eliza highlighted how this mechanic adds both tension and comedy: “Watching your friends at the table play up their versions of What Panic looks like is very interesting and enlighten.” For me, the Stress Dice are a brilliant way to capture the feeling of being in a horror movie, where rising tension and sudden breakdowns are essential to the experience.

4. Ease of Use (A/B)

The Starter Set is a masterclass in accessibility. It comes with pre-generated characters, item cards, glossy maps, and even replacement characters for when the inevitable happens and someone dies. Everything is designed to minimize prep time and maximize immersion.

Eliza, as a newer GM, praised the Starter Set for its thoughtful design because it feels like the game is rooting for you to succeed as a GM. That said, I did encounter a small hiccup: the stat block for the Neomorph, one of the key creatures in the scenario, was missing. This forced me to look it up mid-game, which was a minor inconvenience but worth noting.

5. Quality (A/B)

The physical components of the Starter Set are impressive for the price. The custom dice, maps, and item cards are all high-quality, and the pre-generated character sheets are printed on glossy, durable paper.

However, as Eliza noted, the reliance on paperback materials makes the set more vulnerable to wear and tear compared to hardback alternatives. While this doesn’t detract from the overall value, it’s something to keep in mind if you plan to use the set extensively.

6. Value (A+)

Simply put, this Starter Set is a steal. For the price, you get everything you need to run a complete cinematic horror scenario, and then some. Eliza emphasized how approachable it is for new players, while I appreciated how it delivers a fully immersive experience without the need for additional purchases.

If you’re looking to get the most out of the set, I’d recommend picking up the GM Screen as well. While not strictly necessary, it’s a great addition that enhances the overall experience.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Pros:

  • Accessible design that’s perfect for new players and GMs.

  • Stunning artwork that captures the essence of Alien.

  • Intuitive mechanics that heighten tension and immersion.

  • Incredible value for the price, offering a complete experience.

Cons:

  • Minor production oversights, such as missing Neomorph stats.

  • Paperback materials require careful handling.

  • Familiarity with the setting may feel limiting to longtime fans.

Final Verdict

Alien: The Roleplaying Game Starter Set is a near-perfect adaptation of the Alien franchise into a tabletop RPG. With its elegant mechanics, atmospheric art, and accessible design, it’s an essential experience for fans of survival horror. Whether you’re a seasoned GM like me or a newer player like Eliza, this set delivers a cinematic adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Rating: A+
If you’re ready to face the terror of space and embrace the chaos of a true horror experience, this is the box set for you. Just remember: in space—and at the gaming table—no one can hear you scream.

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