Lancer is a science fiction tabletop role-playing game about laser mecha, created by Miguel Lopez and Tom Bloom (né Parkinson-Morgan). The first printing of the core rulebook was published by Massif Press in 2019, followed by an updated edition in collaboration with Dark Horse Comics in 2024.[1][2] In deliberate contrast to dystopian settings, Lancer is inspired by classic science fiction set in post-scarcity utopias that nevertheless still face problems.[3]
 | |
| Designers | Miguel Lopez and Tom Bloom |
|---|---|
| Publishers | Massif Press, Dark Horse Comics |
| Publication | 2019, 2024 |
| Genres | Tabletop role-playing game, science fiction |
| Website | https://massifpress.com/lancer |
Gameplay
editPlayer characters are mecha pilots, and the setting is on the outskirts of a far-future, post-apocalyptic, technological utopia.[1][2] Lancer features tactical battle mechanics and detailed character customization. Instead of experience points, Lancer tracks character growth using milestones, allowing players to level up after each mission by hand-picking upgrades from any mech in the game.[4][5]
Themes
editIt was important to the creators for Lancer not to be a dystopian sci-fi setting, as they were tired of ''cynical'' sci-fi.[6] They wanted the game to be fundamentally optimistic in its worldview, like classic sci-fi. According to Lopez, Lancer’s setting has a Gramscian-style pessimism of the intellect and optimism of the will. The creators wanted player characters to focus on defending something dear to them. To help prioritize this, they avoided a monetary reward system.[6]
Publication history
editThe first edition of Lancer was independently published by Massif Press in 2019 after a Kickstarter campaign raised over $400,000.[1] In an interview with Luke Shaw for Dicebreaker, the creators attributed their disciplined work ethic on the project to Lopez's recent MFA in Creative Writing and Bloom's previous three years of producing the weekly webcomic Kill Six Billion Demons.[6]
In 2023, Massif Press announced a second printing, to be published as an illustrated hardcover book in collaboration with Dark Horse Comics.[1][2][7] The second edition was released in July 2024.[8]
ENNIE Awards protest
editLancer was initially nominated for the 2020 ENNIE Awards for "Best Electronic Book"; however, the creators later asked to be withdrawn from nomination, in protest against a 2017 award for a Lamentations of the Flame Princess supplement. In a public email to the awards committee, Massif Press said that the supplement contained "casual graphic sexual assault and racism."[9][10]
Official supplements
edit- No Room For A Wallflower: A Lancer Narrative[11]
- The Long Rim: A Lancer Setting[11]
- The Karrakin Trade Baronies: A Lancer Setting[11]
- Operation Winter Scar: A Lancer Narrative[11]
- Operation Solstice Rain: A Lancer Narrative[11]
- Dustgrave: A Lancer Narrative[11]
- Siren's Song: A Mountain's Remorse[11]
References
edit- ^ a b c d Carter, Chase (2023-09-29). "Acclaimed mecha tabletop RPG Lancer announces second physical printing with Dark Horse Comics". Dicebreaker. Retrieved 2024-11-03.
- ^ a b c Ross, Patrick (2023-10-03). "Dark Horse enters tabletop gaming with 'LANCER' TTRPG • AIPT". Retrieved 2024-11-03.
- ^ Shaw, Luke (2020-09-21). "Lancer: Inside the cockpit of the mech RPG looking to a positive future for roleplaying - and the universe". Dicebreaker. Retrieved 2024-11-04.
- ^ Pilon, Zachary (2022-07-16). "Lancer Is the Perfect TTRPG for Players Who Wish D&D Had Mechs". CBR. Retrieved 2024-11-03.
- ^ Zambrano, J. R. (2024-07-15). "'Lancer' RPG Gets a New Mech-Filled Print Run". Bell of Lost Souls. Retrieved 2024-11-03.
- ^ a b c Shaw, Luke (2020-09-21). "Lancer: Inside the cockpit of the mech RPG looking to a positive future for roleplaying - and the universe". Dicebreaker. Retrieved 2024-11-04.
- ^ Morrison, Matt (2023-10-04). "Dark Horse Comics Now Publishing Roleplaying Game Books". Comic Book Movies and Superhero Movie News - SuperHeroHype. Retrieved 2024-11-03.
- ^ "Lancer TTRPG Core Rulebook by Tom Bloom, Miguel Lopez: 9781506742915 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books". PenguinRandomhouse.com. Retrieved 2024-11-03.
- ^ Jarvis, Matt (2020-07-07). "Quest, Alien and Mörk Borg among nominees for best RPGs of the year at 2020 ENnie Awards". Dicebreaker. Retrieved 2024-11-03.
- ^ Zambrano, J. R. (2020-07-02). "RPG: Lancer Withdraws From ENnies, Protesting Controversial Title Receiving Award". Bell of Lost Souls. Retrieved 2024-11-03.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Massif Press". massifpress.com. Retrieved 2024-11-03.