The moon has been blasted out of Earth’s orbit, and for the inhabitants of Moonbase Alpha, the date is September 13th, 1999.
While the real-world timeline has long since bypassed the future imagined by Gerry Anderson, the fight for survival continues in the tabletop sphere. Modiphius Entertainment has released the core rules for the Space: 1999 roleplaying game as a PDF.
The release brings the cult-classic 1970s sci-fi series into the modern gaming era, adapting its high-stakes survival narrative to the 2d20 system.
A struggle for survival in deep space
The premise of the game mirrors the television series: a nuclear accident has turned the moon into a rogue projectile, hurtling through the cosmos with 311 inhabitants clinging to its surface. Unlike Star Trek, where exploration is a mandate of the Federation, exploration in Space: 1999 is often a desperate necessity to find supplies, repairs, or a new home.
The 300-page core rulebook is now available via DriveThruRPG. It utilises the 2d20 ruleset, a mechanic well-trodden by Modiphius in their adaptations of Dune, Fallout, and Star Trek Adventures. The system is known for its cinematic pacing, utilising a meta-currency economy of “Momentum” (for players) and “Threat” (for the Gamemaster) to simulate the ebb and flow of dramatic tension.
Inside the Core Rulebook
The PDF release offers extensive detailing on the layout and operations of Moonbase Alpha. According to the table of contents, the book breaks down character roles by department, including Command, Main Mission, Technical, and Security.
Players can choose to create their own original crew members or step into the shoes of the show’s iconic cast, including Commander John Koenig and Dr Helena Russell.
The book includes:
- Location Guides: Detailed breakdowns of Moonbase Alpha, including Medical, Research, and Pilot sections.
- The 2d20 System: The complete ruleset tailored for the setting.
- Gamemaster Tools: A bestiary of NPCs and aliens, along with advice on structuring episodes that capture the specific “disaster of the week” tone of the show.
- Project Arrow: A pre-written introductory adventure that sees the Alphans launching a desperate bid to re-establish contact with Earth.
Anniversary timing
The release arrives as interest in the property sees a resurgence ahead of the show’s 50th anniversary. While the RPG allows fans to live out the narrative, collectors have also been catered to recently.
As previously reported, Sixteen 12 Collectibles announced a Space: 1999 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Golden Eagle Transporter. For fans looking to put a physical representation of the Eagle on their gaming table, or simply on a display shelf above it, the high-end die-cast model serves as a premium companion piece to the new roleplaying game.
Quick Links
- The Space: 1999 Core Rulebook is available now in PDF format from DriveThruRPG.
