Space Opera TTRPG Against the Starmaster Coming to Kickstarter this Autumn

The Free Worlds are under threat by an ancient Evil, and with the Intergalactic Resistance fragmented, hope for the galaxy lies in the hands of a small band of heroes. For fans of Star Wars, Flash Gordon, Dune, and other epic star-faring adventures, Against the Starmaster is the latest creation from Open Ended Games, the creative minds behind the celebrated Against the Darkmaster roleplaying game.

 Players take on the role of a ragtag group of space adventurers who battle the odds against an impossibly powerful foe, the Starmaster, and their endless army of fanatical minions. This is a game of blazing starships, ancient mysteries, mystical powers, and swashbuckling heroism using a streamlined version of the Open00 system found in Against the Darkmaster and inspired by classic games like Middle-Earth Roleplaying (MERP) and Rolemaster.

 Because Against the Starmaster is setting-agnostic, players have free reign to create their own space opera campaigns inspired by their favourite sci-fi worlds and franchises. The mechanics merge "crunchy" and visceral combat with a simple d100 system for a game that feels different to many available right now.

 Open Ended Games has made it easy to get started before the Kickstarter launch with a free-to-download playtest pack which includes rules and an adventure. While not the final version of the rules, the playtest pack offers players everything they need to get started.

 The publisher is seeking feedback to make the game the best it can be, inviting playtesters to join the Open Ended Games Discord to discuss the rules.

 Against the Starmaster credits include Massimiliano Caracristi (lead designer), Tommaso Galmacci (art director), and Nikola Segoloni (layout editor).

 Lead designer Caracristi said: "We can't wait for players to experience Against the Starmaster. We've taken all the stuff people loved about Against the Darkmaster and made the rules even tighter this time around. And like Darkmaster, this game is a true labour of love for us, based on all the movies and books we experienced growing up.

 "Players can expect high-stakes, brutal combat with cool critical hit charts, meaning every fight is tense. A well-aimed laser blast can pierce a lung, while the swing of a Starblade could lop off an arm. Meanwhile, Passions and Drive form the heart of narrative roleplay in the game, giving players rewards for following their motivations and forming allegiances. Plus, the book includes incredible original art that perfectly evokes the feel of pulp sci fi adventures."

 Against the Starmaster will launch of Kickstarter November 2026.