No matter where you are in the ALIEN roleplaying game from Free League Publishing—even if you’ve never played it—the Swedish publisher has got you covered with the new Colonial Marines Operations Manual.

Until now, I’ve primarily focused on cinematic scenarios because they are the more approachable ways to play the game that doesn’t require the full investment of a long RPG campaign. Also, with the other roleplaying commitments I have, it’s just more manageable. That doesn’t mean I haven’t wanted to try it out, though. The mechanics of the ALIEN RPG are exciting and more opportunities to sink into that world are always welcome.

This is why the latest announcement has got me excited. Free League Publishing and 20th Century Studios have revealed the new campaign module that offers a hardback book with everything needed to run an open-world narrative in the tabletop universe. And players will be controlling some of the iconic Colonial Marines as they engage with this fully-prepared campaign.

But what will you be doing?

Armor-piercing rounds sizzle through your defenses. Acrid smoke chokes you. Chemical attacks melt your armor, while bioweapons turn your insides out. It’s a living hell—but none of that’s as bad as the flashes of gnashing metal teeth that terrorize you every time you try to close your eyes. Welcome to war on the razor edge of space, marine.

Has that piqued your interest yet? It has mine. Here’s what you’ll find in the illustrated hardback book:

• 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 – five thrilling missions for your Marines, playable in any order.

• The Endgame – the showdown against a deadly enemy, finally revealed.

If you want to pre-order The Colonial Marines Operations Manual, then it will set you back $39.99. Scheduled for a March 2021 release, you’ll be able to start your campaign next spring, as long as you have the core rulebook to supplement the new campaign module.

Missed my review of the ALIEN RPG? Check it out here.

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