From 1997 to 1999 I wrote a games column for Odyssey magazine; most columns didn't have much to do with the themes of Forgotten Futures, but some readers may find them interesting. At the end of July 1999 the magazine announced that it has ceased publication.
The first column was written for Issue 0. This was originally supposed to be a "dummy" issue, a preview for distribution to dealers etc., but unexpectedly went on sale; there was a long delay between writing and publication, and some errors and omissions weren't corrected before it was printed. Despite this, I hope it's a reasonably useful overview of Victorian RPGs.
Issue 1 contained an article about the shortcomings of horror games. I think there are still a few shortcomings in the text, most notably an unjustified reference to my own web page, but overall there is a slight improvement.
The Issue 2 article is about Vampire and the other "World of Darkness" games from White Wolf, in the form of a pastiche of Hunter S. Thompson's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Reactions were mixed.
In Issue 3 I look at near-to-mid future SF RPGs, with a focus on Biohazard Games' Blue Planet.
Issue 4 discusses the opening moments of adventures; setting the scene and involving players in the action.
Issue 5 discusses story telling card games and includes one to build yourself.
Issue 6 looked at humorous RPGs and is mainly a review of GURPS Discworld.
Issue 7 talked about character concepts, and included a small competition. Please note that the competition is CLOSED!!! The winning entries are shown on another page.
The text of these articles doesn't necessarily include any editorial changes made after they were submitted to Odyssey.