I mentioned this in passing a few pages back, but one game I'd love to see make a comeback is Avalon Hill's Dune. I know it was reborn as Rex Imperialis but this is a poor (and ugly) imitation and the original was such a well matched combination of game and flavour, the fiction and the mechanics fitted so well.
No science fiction universe is as rich IMO and the game plays out with exactly the same kind of asymmetric, multifaceted and manipulative manner as the books. You're almost forced into roleplay - you have to be subtle and underhand if you're the Bene Gesserit, you have to seize the initiative and play to the strengths of your leaders as the Atreides, you have to stand aside, wallowing in your wealth, and accept your presence on the planet will always be marginal as the Guild etc.
Amazing that they managed to make a six player game with six completely different factions, play styles, objectives and rules, and then throw them together in a game with no dice that comes out so balanced and somehow harmonious. It's a rare thing when you find a game that tells a story as it unfolds, but this is definitely one. If you have six players, if you've read Dune, and if you can find a copy and the time, then I envy you.
I played it once. I'd love to play it again.
LB, you really are a massive geek.
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