Dark ConspiracY
DC is a game of science fiction horror, set in the present to near future of a similiar reality to our own. There are some major changes to the time line of DC and their effects on the future.
DC is basically a grand conspiracy game. Any conspiracy theory that you can think of, from floride to flyning saucers can and probably should be included in the game. Primary amongst these are the aliens with their technology, and the Dark Masters from another dimension with their mind powers. The aliens play a varied role from evil to good, independent to puppets. The Dark Masters however form the binding glue that brings all the events together. The Dark Masters are being of pure evil from another dimension who seek to bring the world as we know it to an end. Their purpose and reasons remain hidden, but their influence is everywhere.
DC comes in two formats, a Basic set of rules (Players and Referees books) and a Masters set of rules. The Basic books are pretty basic, so I strongly suggest that you dont bother with them and go straight for the Masters set. Unfortunately the Masters set is only available from their web site. They dont retail them. The Master set of rules have around 400 pages of extra material, and very useful stuff as well.
The rules system is a derivative of the GDW house system used in Travellor and Twilight 2000. A basic characteristic is added to a skill level (normal range 1-10) to give a value that you must roll equal to or less than with 1d20. Situational modifiers are applied - average doubles your score, formidible halves it. In most non-stress (non-combat) situations performing a task is not that hard as your level will be doubled or quadrupled. I like this a lot. The combat system is pretty straight forward, with some nice touches for auto fire. The game also has small sections describing various different kinds of combat and damage situations that I find very useful.
The Master Edition has about 200 pages of stuff on the Dark Minions and Dark Tek (technology) and Dark Realms (alternate dimensions). These are so extensive they are actually a problem. I find myself wanting to include things I really like and end up with too much stuff. Some of the creatures you have to be careful with also, they can be VERY powerful compared to poor human beings.
I really like the environment of the game, it gives a lot of scope for creative adventuring. But then again I really liked Fading Suns as well but the rules let that game down (not that you can't modify them to some extent). I hope you will give the game a try, its not all that expensive really. The publishers have released one scenario book at present - Sin City Vol 1. This is meant to be a seven part series describing a single city that can be slotted in anywhere, as you will see from my other pages. This first book was a bit shallow if you ask me, but again the environment leaves plenty of scope, so I am using it.