Doctor Who is a beloved British science fiction television series that has captured the hearts of millions of viewers worldwide. The show follows the adventures of a time-traveling alien known as the Doctor, who explores the universe with his companions in a time and space ship called the TARDIS. With its engaging storylines, captivating characters, and unique premise, it’s no surprise that Doctor Who has inspired many fans to create their own role-playing games (RPGs) based on the show. In this article, we’ll be exploring the world of Doctor Who RPGs, examining the different games available, and discovering what makes them so popular among fans. So, put on your sonic screwdrivers and get ready to dive into the world of Doctor Who RPGs!
The Appeal of Doctor Who RPGs
The Doctor Who Universe
A Brief History of Doctor Who
Doctor Who is a British science fiction television show that has been broadcast since 1963. The show follows the adventures of a time traveler known as the Doctor, who explores the universe in a time and space ship called the TARDIS. Along with his companions, the Doctor battles various foes, solves puzzles, and saves civilizations throughout the universe.
The Characters and Settings
Doctor Who has a vast array of characters, both heroic and villainous, that populate its universe. The Doctor, as the protagonist, is the central character, with a rich backstory and personality that has evolved over the decades. The Doctor’s companions are often human, but have included aliens and robots as well. These companions serve as the audience’s surrogates, allowing them to experience the wonders and dangers of the Doctor’s adventures.
The settings in Doctor Who are just as diverse as the characters. The show has taken place in various times and places throughout history, as well as on other planets and in space. The TARDIS itself is a character in its own right, and has been central to many storylines. The interior of the TARDIS is vast, containing many rooms and areas that the Doctor and his companions can explore.
These elements—the rich history, diverse characters, and unique settings—make Doctor Who a compelling universe for role-playing games. Players can explore the universe as their favorite characters, battling enemies and solving puzzles in a world that is both familiar and full of surprises.
The Role-Playing Experience
The Social Aspect
Doctor Who RPGs provide a unique social experience for players. These games encourage collaboration and communication among players, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Players must work together to create a cohesive story, each contributing their own ideas and perspectives. This shared experience can strengthen relationships and create lasting memories.
The Creative Freedom
Doctor Who RPGs offer a vast universe of possibilities for players to explore. With a rich history and diverse range of characters, the Doctor Who universe provides ample opportunities for creative expression. Players can develop their own unique characters, each with their own backgrounds and motivations, and shape the course of their adventures. This freedom allows for endless storytelling possibilities and encourages players to think outside the box.
Popular Doctor Who RPGs
Tabletop RPGs
Tabletop RPGs are a popular form of Doctor Who role-playing game that involves players gathering around a table to play a game with a facilitator, also known as a game master. These games often involve a combination of dice rolling, character creation, and collaborative storytelling.
Doctor Who: The Adventure Games
Doctor Who: The Adventure Games is a series of interactive adventure games developed by the BBC in 2010. These games are designed to be played on a computer or mobile device and feature Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor. Players take on the role of the Doctor’s companion and must solve puzzles and make choices that affect the outcome of the story.
Doctor Who: The Role-Playing Game
Doctor Who: The Role-Playing Game is a tabletop RPG that was first published in 1987. The game allows players to create their own Doctor Who adventures, using a combination of dice rolling and character creation to determine the outcome of the story. The game is designed for 2-6 players and can be played in a single session or over multiple sessions.
Players can choose to play as any character from the Doctor Who universe, including the Doctor himself, his companions, and even villains like the Daleks and the Cybermen. The game is designed to be easy to learn and play, making it accessible to both experienced RPG players and those who are new to the hobby.
Overall, tabletop RPGs offer a unique and immersive way for Doctor Who fans to experience the world of the show. Whether you prefer the interactive adventure of Doctor Who: The Adventure Games or the collaborative storytelling of Doctor Who: The Role-Playing Game, there is a tabletop RPG out there for every Doctor Who fan.
Video Games
Doctor Who: The Lonely Assassins
- Platform: Mobile
- Genre: Puzzle-adventure
- Gameplay: Players must navigate through various levels, solving puzzles and uncovering clues to progress in the game.
- Storyline: Players take on the role of a new companion to the Doctor, investigating a series of assassinations that threaten the safety of the universe.
- Characters: Features appearances from the Twelfth Doctor and Bill Potts, along with new characters created specifically for the game.
Doctor Who: The Edge of Time
- Platform: Virtual Reality (VR)
- Genre: Action-adventure
- Gameplay: Players are transported into the world of Doctor Who, interacting with iconic characters and locations from the show.
- Storyline: Players take on the role of a time traveler who has accidentally been transported into a dangerous alternate reality. With the help of the Doctor, players must navigate through various time periods to repair the damage caused by a malevolent force.
- Characters: Features appearances from the Thirteenth Doctor, along with new characters created specifically for the game.
Creating Your Own Doctor Who RPG
Building Your Adventure
Plot and Setting
Creating a compelling plot and setting is essential for a successful Doctor Who RPG. To begin, consider the Doctor’s current situation and the time and place in which the adventure will take place. Think about the historical events and characters that the Doctor may encounter, as well as any scientific or technological advancements that may exist in this world. Consider the themes and conflicts that you want to explore in your adventure, and how they relate to the Doctor’s character and journey.
Characters and Monsters
In a Doctor Who RPG, the characters and monsters are just as important as the plot and setting. When creating these elements, think about the role they will play in the story and how they will interact with the players. Consider the Doctor’s companions, enemies, and allies, and how they will impact the adventure. For monsters, think about the creature’s abilities, weaknesses, and appearance, and how they will challenge the players. Additionally, consider any unique characteristics or abilities that the monsters may possess, such as regeneration or telepathy.
Using Existing Systems
When it comes to creating your own Doctor Who RPG, using existing systems can be a great way to get started. There are a variety of RPG systems that can be adapted to fit the world of Doctor Who, or you can create your own system from scratch.
Adapting Existing RPGs
One option for creating a Doctor Who RPG is to adapt an existing RPG system to fit the world of Doctor Who. This can be a great way to get started, as it allows you to use an established system that has already been playtested and refined.
There are a variety of RPG systems that can be adapted to fit the world of Doctor Who, such as the popular tabletop RPG, Dungeons & Dragons. The 5th edition of Dungeons & Dragons, for example, has a flexible system that can be easily adapted to fit the world of Doctor Who. You can use the existing classes and races as a starting point, and then customize them to fit the world of Doctor Who.
Another option is to use a system that is specifically designed for science fiction or time travel, such as the GURPS system. GURPS, or “Generic Universal Role-Playing System,” is a flexible system that can be used to create a wide variety of settings, including science fiction and time travel. You can use the existing rules and mechanics of GURPS as a starting point, and then customize them to fit the world of Doctor Who.
Homebrewing Your Own System
Another option for creating a Doctor Who RPG is to homebrew your own system from scratch. This can be a great way to create a unique and customized RPG experience, but it can also be a lot of work.
If you decide to homebrew your own system, you will need to start by creating the basic rules and mechanics of the game. This will include things like character creation, combat, and skill checks. You will also need to create a setting for the game, which can be based on the world of Doctor Who or something entirely new.
Once you have created the basic rules and setting for the game, you will need to playtest it to make sure it is balanced and fun to play. This can be a time-consuming process, but it is important to get it right.
Overall, using existing systems can be a great way to create a Doctor Who RPG, whether you choose to adapt an existing system or homebrew your own. It can be a lot of work, but the end result can be a unique and customized RPG experience that is sure to please fans of Doctor Who.
Tips for Running a Doctor Who RPG
Creating a Cohesive Experience
Balancing Action and Exploration
When creating a Doctor Who RPG, it’s important to balance action and exploration to keep players engaged. Encourage players to explore the TARDIS and its various rooms, while also incorporating exciting action sequences that allow them to use their unique abilities and weapons. This will create a dynamic and varied experience that keeps players invested in the story.
Incorporating Humor and Drama
Another key aspect of creating a cohesive Doctor Who RPG experience is incorporating humor and drama. Doctor Who is known for its quirky humor and emotional depth, so incorporating these elements into the RPG can help players connect with the characters and the story. Use dialogue, character interactions, and plot twists to add humor and drama to the game, and encourage players to embrace their characters’ personalities and quirks.
Managing the Social Dynamics
Dealing with Conflict
When conflicts arise in a Doctor Who RPG, it is important to address them in a timely and constructive manner. The game master should make sure to listen to all sides of the argument and encourage open communication among the players. It can also be helpful to establish ground rules for resolving conflicts before they occur, such as setting a timer for each player’s turn to speak or using a neutral third-party mediator.
Fostering Teamwork
In order to create a positive and collaborative atmosphere in a Doctor Who RPG, it is important to encourage teamwork among the players. This can be achieved by setting goals and objectives for the group to work towards, encouraging players to support and help one another, and rewarding cooperative behavior. Additionally, the game master can incorporate elements of storytelling and role-playing that require the players to work together in order to succeed.
The Future of Doctor Who RPGs
As the world of Doctor Who role-playing games continues to evolve, there are several exciting developments on the horizon.
Expanding the Universe
One of the most exciting aspects of the future of Doctor Who RPGs is the opportunity to expand the universe. With the show’s extensive history and rich lore, there are countless worlds, races, and characters to explore. This provides an opportunity for players and game masters to create their own unique stories within the Doctor Who universe, allowing for endless creative possibilities.
Embracing New Technologies
Another exciting development in the future of Doctor Who RPGs is the potential for new technologies to enhance the gaming experience. Virtual reality and augmented reality technologies, for example, could allow players to fully immerse themselves in the Doctor Who universe, experiencing iconic locations and interacting with beloved characters in new and exciting ways. Additionally, advances in video conferencing and online collaboration tools could make it easier for players to connect and play together, regardless of their physical location.
Overall, the future of Doctor Who RPGs looks bright, with many exciting developments on the horizon. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the show or a newcomer to the world of role-playing games, there has never been a better time to explore the universe of Doctor Who.
Keeping the Adventure Alive
Sharing Your Stories
As a Doctor Who RPG player, sharing your stories with others is an excellent way to keep the adventure alive. By recounting your experiences with friends, family, or other gamers, you can relive your favorite moments and get feedback on your gameplay. This not only helps you improve your skills but also strengthens the bonds between players. Consider sharing your stories on forums, social media, or gaming groups to connect with other Doctor Who RPG enthusiasts.
Joining the Community
Joining the Doctor Who RPG community is another way to keep the adventure alive. By connecting with other players and game masters, you can learn new strategies, share tips, and discover exciting new adventures. There are many online resources available for Doctor Who RPG players, including forums, social media groups, and gaming websites. You can also attend conventions and events to meet other fans and play together in person. By becoming an active member of the community, you’ll have access to a wealth of knowledge and experiences that will enhance your gameplay and keep the adventure alive.
FAQs
1. What is a Doctor Who RPG?
A Doctor Who RPG is a role-playing game that allows players to explore the world of Doctor Who, a popular science fiction television series. In a Doctor Who RPG, players take on the roles of characters from the show, such as the Doctor, his companions, and various aliens and villains, and work together to solve puzzles, defeat enemies, and advance the plot.
2. Are there different types of Doctor Who RPGs?
Yes, there are several different types of Doctor Who RPGs. Some are tabletop games that are played with dice and require players to sit around a table, while others are video games that can be played on a computer or console. There are also RPGs that are based on specific eras of the show, such as the classic series or the modern series, and those that allow players to create their own adventures.
3. Who can play a Doctor Who RPG?
Anyone who is a fan of Doctor Who and enjoys role-playing games can play a Doctor Who RPG. These games are typically designed for players of all ages and skill levels, although some may require a certain level of knowledge about the show in order to fully appreciate the story and characters. It’s also a good idea to have a group of friends or family members to play with, as these games are typically more fun when played with others.
4. Where can I find a Doctor Who RPG?
Doctor Who RPGs can be found at many gaming stores, both online and in person. They can also be purchased on websites such as Amazon or eBay. Some RPGs may be exclusive to certain regions or languages, so it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re buying the right version for your needs.
5. How do I get started playing a Doctor Who RPG?
To get started playing a Doctor Who RPG, you’ll need to purchase the game and any necessary materials, such as dice or character sheets. You’ll also need to gather a group of players and decide on a time and place to play. If you’re playing a tabletop game, you’ll need to set up the game board and familiarize yourself with the rules. If you’re playing a video game, you’ll need to download or purchase the game and make sure you have the necessary hardware and software. Once you’re ready to start playing, simply follow the instructions provided with the game and have fun exploring the world of Doctor Who!