Coda vs Icon

[Space_Cadet]

I've thinking of getting the Icon Lug core book just for fun since one can get them less than 10 dollars these days. I was wondering.. what are the differences between coda and icon and their pros and cons.. just curious

[Robbert Raets]

ICON doesn't have professions/classes. You just puy skills, ability scores and advantages.

[Steele1701]

The Coda system seems to cover more. You have inititave rolls instead of using whatever skill you are about to use to determine who acts first. The mechanics lend itself to more of a Star Trek feel to the game.

[buck rogers]

Personally I LOVE the starship combat rules for Coda. They are far superior to the LUG trek. In every way they are much better. Also the rest of the Coda rules system is just generally better, in my opinion.

[AslanC]

I think the ICON system is great for anyone who has fond memories of the old FASA game.

I am middling on CODA over all, but love the starship rules

Also the NG is the best RPG book I have ever read.

[C5]

Very shortly :

CODA's pros :
- Excellent starship combat
- Better resolution system (no drama die)
- Easier character creation and evolution (no more of "what if I get the same skill twice")
- No drama die
- Professional abilities (a nice way to customise your character)
- No drama die
- Excellent starship creation rules
- No drama die
- Broader range for skills and attributes
- No drama die
- More detailed healing rules
- No drama die
- More useful courage points

CODA's cons :
- Horrible layout for the PG and the character sheet
- Less detailed combat rules
- More rigid character developement (because of the professions)
- No guidelines for creating one's own profession or professional ability

A few other will probably come to mind later, but these are the most important to me. Oh, and also the fact that CODA doesn't use the drama die.

[Lee T]

I prefer CODA to ICON though I prefer skill based systems, but the strong points about the old books is that all the descriptions and background they contains are still valid in CODA-Trek.

[Captain Sonek]

After a long debate over which system to use in my upcoming Star Trek game, I am leaning more strongly towards ICON.

I like ICON because I find it more user-friendly, with not as high a leaning curve as CODA. I also happen to think that it is still an excellent system. I also like the amount of fan produced source material that is available.

Is CODA a more detailed system? Yes...but I still feel more at home with ICON. It's simpler, easier to grasp, and quicker to pick up.

Will I continue to support the CODA line by purchasing Decipher's products? Absolutely! They are excellent sourcebooks, and a mine of information.