Free League Games and 20th Century Studios have released the hardcover version of “Building Better Worlds,” an expansion to the award-winning Alien RPG tabletop experience. The narrative in this expansion unfolds against the vast expanse of space, promising a rich exploration of humanity’s deep space colonization history. As players step into the roles of pioneering explorers and colonists, the expansion offers an open-world campaign with high stakes, introducing a level of horror are creature-induced fear the Alien franchise is known for.
One notable positive aspect lies in the expansion’s new lore and detailed timeline, providing insights into colonization and exploration events. The focus on colony-based campaigns is a standout feature, offering extensive rules for creating functional colonies that add a layer of depth akin to management video games. The campaign sets itself apart from its predecessor, featuring higher stakes, exotic locations, and a substantial focus on the Engineers, who typically aren’t at the forefront of Alien lore.
However, the expansion also has its drawbacks. The lineup of creatures included in the narrative draws mainly from past scenarios, predominantly the prequels, whereas previous Alien RPG stories did more with subsequent and original lifeforms. The gear section of the expansion, while robust with ships and vehicles, may feel somewhat barebones compared to previous releases like Colonial Marines. You can say the same about the character creation options you have here as well, missing the opportunity for impactful subclasses like we had in Colonial Marines.
Despite these small drawbacks, Building Better Worlds was definitely worth the wait, particularly for those keen on experiencing a colonist campaign for a change – which definitely adds to the narrative richness of what Alien RPG has to offer.
In terms of art, Building Better Worlds doesn’t just offer expanded lore, but also features captivating illustrations of new gear and spaceships. The extrasolar species catalog enhances the suspense with menacing creatures, aligning with the franchise’s legacy. The campaign framework, Lost Worlds, sets the stage for uncharted space exploration, offering six expeditions that are standalone and playable in any order, each presenting unique challenges.
In the climactic endgame of this expansion, players face a dramatic showdown where the fate of humanity hangs in the balance. As such, Building Better World seamlessly integrates with the core Alien RPG rulebook, enhancing the experience that started back in 2019. As players navigate the far reaches of the cosmos, this expansion brings a mix of exploration, wonder and terror, staying true to the Alien legacy and providing a comprehensive addition to the core game that fans will more than welcome.
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