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Alien The Roleplaying Game
Alien RPG: Colonial Marines Operations Manual
The ALIEN RPG: Colonial Marines Operations Manual is a complete campaign module for the award-winning official ALIEN roleplaying game, written by sci-fi novelist Andrew E.C. Gaska and Paul Elliott. It gives you all the tools you need to run a full open-world campaign as the iconic Colonial Marines. Contents:
History & Organization – the inside story of the illustrious Colonial Marine Corps.
Creating Marines – expanded character creation rules for grunts of all kinds.
Weapons & Vehicles – an extensive chapter with new gear, gloriously illustrated.
The Frontier War – the framework and backstory for a Colonial Marines campaign.
Factions on the Frontier – the powers that be and their dark agendas.
Marine Missions – six thrilling missions for your Marines, playable in any order.
The Endgame – the showdown against a deadly enemy, finally revealed.
History & Organization – the inside story of the illustrious Colonial Marine Corps.
Creating Marines – expanded character creation rules for grunts of all kinds.
Weapons & Vehicles – an extensive chapter with new gear, gloriously illustrated.
The Frontier War – the framework and backstory for a Colonial Marines campaign.
Factions on the Frontier – the powers that be and their dark agendas.
Marine Missions – six thrilling missions for your Marines, playable in any order.
The Endgame – the showdown against a deadly enemy, finally revealed.
352 pages, Hardcover
8 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Andrew E.C. Gaska
29 books60 followersWith two decades of experience in the comics and video game industries, author Andrew E.C. Gaska is the Senior Development Editor at Lion Forge LLC. Having previously freelanced for Lion Forge’s Labs division as a script, pitch, and proposal writer, he now generates original IP for the brand, developing both comics and animation projects while working closely with creative teams to guide their vision to fruition.
He is founder/creative director of the guerrilla integrated-media studio BLAM! Ventures, and for the past three years has worked as a freelance franchise consultant to 20TH CENTURY FOX, writing series reference bibles, maintaining continuity, streamlining in-universe canon, and creating detailed timelines for the legacy franchises of ALIEN®, Predator®, and Planet of the Apes®. He was also a sequential storytelling instructor at the School of Visual Arts in New York and for seventeen years served as a visual consultant to Rockstar Games on the Grand Theft Auto series, Red Dead Revolver, and all other releases.
Known as ‘Drew’ to his friends, his online sci-fi and sociopolitical essays on social media and at rogue-reviewer.com draw controversial debate and discussion from all sides. His graphic novels and prose works include Critical Millennium™, Space:1999™, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century®: The Draconian Fire Saga, Conspiracy of the Planet of the Apes®, Tales from the Forbidden Zone: The Unknown Ape™, and the upcoming novel, Death of the Planet of the Apes®.
Drew resides in Gulf Breeze, Florida with his affectionately glutinous feline, Adrien. Find out more about his upcoming projects at www.blamventures.com
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 15, 2021
Free League continues to knock it out of the park. This weighty tome is printed in the same atmospheric high quality as the full length core rulebook. Heavily bound, printed in all black with white or green text. The font for stories and such taken right from the movies.
The illustrations are excellent as are the background stories and of course overall tone of the book in terms of how it's written. It's written as if it's addressing a Marine in the movie. Included inside is exactly what the title says, along with the core rulebook it has everything you could possibly need to run a Colonial Marines campaign where your PCs are the hard chargin' forces of the free worlds.
Comes with 6 fully fleshed out unique missions that can be run as a campaign or one offs. Also of particular appreciation is the end of each mission has an 'Alternative Use' section where it helps the Game Mother repurpose these missions for their own campaign or one offs. Basically put more bang for the buck in the ideas dept.
The title also references tantalizingly another complete box campaign like 'Destroyer of Worlds'. Can't wait for that to be announced.
The illustrations are excellent as are the background stories and of course overall tone of the book in terms of how it's written. It's written as if it's addressing a Marine in the movie. Included inside is exactly what the title says, along with the core rulebook it has everything you could possibly need to run a Colonial Marines campaign where your PCs are the hard chargin' forces of the free worlds.
Comes with 6 fully fleshed out unique missions that can be run as a campaign or one offs. Also of particular appreciation is the end of each mission has an 'Alternative Use' section where it helps the Game Mother repurpose these missions for their own campaign or one offs. Basically put more bang for the buck in the ideas dept.
The title also references tantalizingly another complete box campaign like 'Destroyer of Worlds'. Can't wait for that to be announced.
December 4, 2024
Suplemento muy interesante con información útil, contexto y una campaña bastante chula (pendiente de jugar) compuesta por varias misiones que se pueden usar por separado o usar de inspiración. Recomendado.
En mi opinión solo tiene 3 cosas a mejorar:
- El tema de la raza alienígena similar a los humanos (arturianos creo que se llamaban) se toca muy por encima y además parece q a la humanidad no les ha llamado la atención en absoluto.
- Hace un uso excesivo de acrónimos y a veces es difícil recordar q era cada cosa y no hay un índice donde verlo.
- El libro tiene algunas páginas con una textura como arenosa, es algo raro (y al parecer común a todos los libros).
En mi opinión solo tiene 3 cosas a mejorar:
- El tema de la raza alienígena similar a los humanos (arturianos creo que se llamaban) se toca muy por encima y además parece q a la humanidad no les ha llamado la atención en absoluto.
- Hace un uso excesivo de acrónimos y a veces es difícil recordar q era cada cosa y no hay un índice donde verlo.
- El libro tiene algunas páginas con una textura como arenosa, es algo raro (y al parecer común a todos los libros).
January 17, 2022
A great layout for a campaign, along with just being a great read regardless. A fun story that would be a delight to implement with a good cast of players.
Was meant to be a quick read but getting covid really messed with my reading list this month. IT IS NOT FUN. This book is.
Was meant to be a quick read but getting covid really messed with my reading list this month. IT IS NOT FUN. This book is.
June 30, 2021
Solid, no surprises, meat n potatoes guide to running a Colonial Marines campaign. Good enough.
June 18, 2022
A day in the Marine Corps is like a day on the farm. Every meal's a banquet! Every paycheck a fortune! Every formation a parade!
Enlist now and be taken for the wildest bug hunt you've ever been on.
Enlist now and be taken for the wildest bug hunt you've ever been on.
August 5, 2024
Ring Side Report- RPG review of ALIEN RPG Colonial Marines Operations Manual
Originally posted at www.throatpunchgames.com, a new idea every day!
Product- ALIEN RPG Colonial Marines Operations Manual
System- Alien RPG
Producer- Free League Publishing
Price- $11.99 here https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/356935/alien-rpg-colonial-marines-operations-manual?affiliate_id=658618
TL; DR-A few issues don’t keep this from being a fun book. 93%
Basics- Game over man, GAME OVER! Colonial Marines Operation Manual expands on the world of Aliens, focusing on the military men and women who will defend the frontier from both men and monsters. This book features a few new careers, talents, and items for the players and for the GM it has a TON of story and a whole campaign.
Mechanics or Crunch- This is a classic example of what’s here is good, but there needs to be more. There are a TON of ships and tanks, so if you wanted to have more of that in the game, you are going to love this. But there is not much new for characters to directly build themselves. What’s here is good however. The new military careers are fantastic and will make your character feel more like they are more than just generic soldiers. I would just like more player specific options. For the GM, there is an impressive amount here to throw around with a guide on how to make a military campaign and a full military campaign in the book! 4.5/5
Theme or Fluff- Want to learn over 200 years of history and culture in a book? This is that book! This book goes deep into the lore of the universe, and it’s well done. You get small glimpses into individual soldiers' lives and an overview of nearly two centuries of corporate intrigue and international and planetary politics. This doesn't even cover all the multitude of new aliens added to the lore or added to this game. This is a solid story hit. 5/5
Execution- I like what’s here, but don’t completely love it. The layout is ok, but it's lots of green boxes with a black background. There are pictures, but not many when it comes to the aliens. Humans and weapons yes, which I like, but not many to show the new xenomorphs. The book does read easily and has hypertext, so I love that. The campaign is good, but I don't like the layout as I feel some of the style hides the lead and makes it a bit hard to run on the fly. But, I do appreciate it. I’d like the pregens to be separate, but they do exist in the book. Not as character sheets, but as blocks that you can print out. It’s good, but I would like a few improvements. 4.5/5
Summary- If you want to run a military campaign for the Alien RPG, this is the book you need. Heck, it comes with a military campaign so you don't event need to do hard work as a GM for the first 8 sessions! It’s not perfect; I want more player options and some changes to layout and writing. But these are small complaints compared to the parts of the book that are well done. 93%
Originally posted at www.throatpunchgames.com, a new idea every day!
Product- ALIEN RPG Colonial Marines Operations Manual
System- Alien RPG
Producer- Free League Publishing
Price- $11.99 here https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/356935/alien-rpg-colonial-marines-operations-manual?affiliate_id=658618
TL; DR-A few issues don’t keep this from being a fun book. 93%
Basics- Game over man, GAME OVER! Colonial Marines Operation Manual expands on the world of Aliens, focusing on the military men and women who will defend the frontier from both men and monsters. This book features a few new careers, talents, and items for the players and for the GM it has a TON of story and a whole campaign.
Mechanics or Crunch- This is a classic example of what’s here is good, but there needs to be more. There are a TON of ships and tanks, so if you wanted to have more of that in the game, you are going to love this. But there is not much new for characters to directly build themselves. What’s here is good however. The new military careers are fantastic and will make your character feel more like they are more than just generic soldiers. I would just like more player specific options. For the GM, there is an impressive amount here to throw around with a guide on how to make a military campaign and a full military campaign in the book! 4.5/5
Theme or Fluff- Want to learn over 200 years of history and culture in a book? This is that book! This book goes deep into the lore of the universe, and it’s well done. You get small glimpses into individual soldiers' lives and an overview of nearly two centuries of corporate intrigue and international and planetary politics. This doesn't even cover all the multitude of new aliens added to the lore or added to this game. This is a solid story hit. 5/5
Execution- I like what’s here, but don’t completely love it. The layout is ok, but it's lots of green boxes with a black background. There are pictures, but not many when it comes to the aliens. Humans and weapons yes, which I like, but not many to show the new xenomorphs. The book does read easily and has hypertext, so I love that. The campaign is good, but I don't like the layout as I feel some of the style hides the lead and makes it a bit hard to run on the fly. But, I do appreciate it. I’d like the pregens to be separate, but they do exist in the book. Not as character sheets, but as blocks that you can print out. It’s good, but I would like a few improvements. 4.5/5
Summary- If you want to run a military campaign for the Alien RPG, this is the book you need. Heck, it comes with a military campaign so you don't event need to do hard work as a GM for the first 8 sessions! It’s not perfect; I want more player options and some changes to layout and writing. But these are small complaints compared to the parts of the book that are well done. 93%
March 13, 2023
The Colonial Marines Operations Manual will take you into the core workings of he Corps. As Game Mother you will have a campaign mapped out for you with suggestions on how to use it on other worlds, change it up to make it your own, or keep it as is.
Within the Operations Manual there are maps you can share with the players so they can have an idea of their surroundings. There are also maps and descriptions of the ships they will traverse the galaxy in. While in stasis the players won’t have much role playing to do so they can plan on what they are going to need when they get there, unless they enter REM dream state. In dreams no one can hear you scream. I space no one can hear you in space.
This book is huge and covers a lot of material. The pictures are gorgeous. If you are going to be a player you should read the first part of the book and leave the Game Mother section alone. You wouldn’t want to spoil the surprises it has in store. You will learn what you need to know in order to survive to the end of the mission and get on to the next. Knowing what I know now from reading the entire book, I would be able to be the Colonial Marine team leader and get them through the mission alive, that would be until the Game Mother decides to turn up the heat and infect one of us or knock our drop ship out of the sky onto the antenna array so we can’t even call The Tamb’Itam to send another drop ship.
“We’d better get back, ’cause it’ll be dark soon, and they mostly come at night…mostly.” - Newt
If you want a game where you can easily survive, play something else. If not, you have my sympathy. The “monsters” in this game are not just xenomorphs with shiny metallic teeth, some of them wear suits and have company ID cards. At least you know the xenomorph looks like something that is out to get you.
You want a hint? Don’t go charging off half-cocked. Pay attention to your surroundings. Listen. Keep your coms open and your lips zipped unless absolutely necessary. Others are monitoring the radio waves. Don’t split up or go off alone even if you need a bathroom break. Stay away from vent openings. Be on the lookout for black goo or k-y jelly. When things seem to calm down, like you can take a breather to gather your wits or some supplies, it is going to get really crazy real quickly. Always post a lookout. A little scratch test will show if anyone is a synthetic. Time is not on your side.
Within the Operations Manual there are maps you can share with the players so they can have an idea of their surroundings. There are also maps and descriptions of the ships they will traverse the galaxy in. While in stasis the players won’t have much role playing to do so they can plan on what they are going to need when they get there, unless they enter REM dream state. In dreams no one can hear you scream. I space no one can hear you in space.
This book is huge and covers a lot of material. The pictures are gorgeous. If you are going to be a player you should read the first part of the book and leave the Game Mother section alone. You wouldn’t want to spoil the surprises it has in store. You will learn what you need to know in order to survive to the end of the mission and get on to the next. Knowing what I know now from reading the entire book, I would be able to be the Colonial Marine team leader and get them through the mission alive, that would be until the Game Mother decides to turn up the heat and infect one of us or knock our drop ship out of the sky onto the antenna array so we can’t even call The Tamb’Itam to send another drop ship.
“We’d better get back, ’cause it’ll be dark soon, and they mostly come at night…mostly.” - Newt
If you want a game where you can easily survive, play something else. If not, you have my sympathy. The “monsters” in this game are not just xenomorphs with shiny metallic teeth, some of them wear suits and have company ID cards. At least you know the xenomorph looks like something that is out to get you.
You want a hint? Don’t go charging off half-cocked. Pay attention to your surroundings. Listen. Keep your coms open and your lips zipped unless absolutely necessary. Others are monitoring the radio waves. Don’t split up or go off alone even if you need a bathroom break. Stay away from vent openings. Be on the lookout for black goo or k-y jelly. When things seem to calm down, like you can take a breather to gather your wits or some supplies, it is going to get really crazy real quickly. Always post a lookout. A little scratch test will show if anyone is a synthetic. Time is not on your side.
August 16, 2024
All right, sweethearts, what are you waiting for? Breakfast in bed? Another glorious day in the Corps! A day in the Marine Corps is like a day on the farm. Every meal's a banquet! Every paycheck a fortune! Every formation a parade! I *love* the Corps!
ALIEN RPG: Colonial Marines Operations Manual is the invaluable sourcebook to military life in the ALIEN franchise.
Even though you’d obviously want this if you play the ALIEN RPG (or if you run it), it’s also useful if you are a fan.
The book has some wonderful stats and art on all the hardware used by the colonial marines AND MORE. Their ships, their equipment, even various military specialties.
Diving deep into the lore of the alien RPG, it also gives a sizable “history” of the world with many assorted incidents that helped form the modern military infrastructure.
You also get a breakdown of the militaries and equipment of other human civilization colonies…if you want an alternate version of colonial marines based on a. Different corporate or government structure.
Like the main book; they also offer suggestions for adventure and campaign ideas as well as a fully fleshed out campaign to run that fully embraces all elements of the alien rpg.
ALIEN RPG: Colonial Marines Operations Manual is the invaluable sourcebook to military life in the ALIEN franchise.
Even though you’d obviously want this if you play the ALIEN RPG (or if you run it), it’s also useful if you are a fan.
The book has some wonderful stats and art on all the hardware used by the colonial marines AND MORE. Their ships, their equipment, even various military specialties.
Diving deep into the lore of the alien RPG, it also gives a sizable “history” of the world with many assorted incidents that helped form the modern military infrastructure.
You also get a breakdown of the militaries and equipment of other human civilization colonies…if you want an alternate version of colonial marines based on a. Different corporate or government structure.
Like the main book; they also offer suggestions for adventure and campaign ideas as well as a fully fleshed out campaign to run that fully embraces all elements of the alien rpg.
May 12, 2025
Voilà un supplément magistral.
Dans la continuité directe du déjà fabuleux "destructeur des mondes", ce livre donne à jouer.
D'abord, il fournit l'essentiel pour incarner davantage nos marines coloniaux : historique du corps, organisation, archetypes, materiel, activités entre missions.
Ensuite, il fournit un contexte impressionnant de cohérence, contexte avec les forces en présence que l'on va pouvoir exploiter directement pour créer ses propres scénarios et/ou dérouler la campagne en 7 épisodes.
Enfin, la campagne, qui donne à voir du paysage bien diversifié, tout comme des antagonistes et des objets de missions bien variés. Et ce qui m'attire particulièrement, le fait que Maman soit mise en co-créateur, avec une trame génerale, une description des lieux et des événements à déclencher ou pas. On fait notre propre tambouille.
On peut regretter le faible nombre d'illustrations, ou la faible clarté de l'organisation des squads (un schéma aurait été bienvenu), mais au regard de ses qualités, cela n'est pas bien grave.
Dans la continuité directe du déjà fabuleux "destructeur des mondes", ce livre donne à jouer.
D'abord, il fournit l'essentiel pour incarner davantage nos marines coloniaux : historique du corps, organisation, archetypes, materiel, activités entre missions.
Ensuite, il fournit un contexte impressionnant de cohérence, contexte avec les forces en présence que l'on va pouvoir exploiter directement pour créer ses propres scénarios et/ou dérouler la campagne en 7 épisodes.
Enfin, la campagne, qui donne à voir du paysage bien diversifié, tout comme des antagonistes et des objets de missions bien variés. Et ce qui m'attire particulièrement, le fait que Maman soit mise en co-créateur, avec une trame génerale, une description des lieux et des événements à déclencher ou pas. On fait notre propre tambouille.
On peut regretter le faible nombre d'illustrations, ou la faible clarté de l'organisation des squads (un schéma aurait été bienvenu), mais au regard de ses qualités, cela n'est pas bien grave.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews