I have not played a lot of role playing games, but I used to pour over the Advanced Dungeon & Dragon rulebooks as a kid. I studied the Player's Handbook and the Dungeon Master's Guide so much I could probably tell you what is on every page. I spent more time creating characters than actually playing the thing.
I never went further than that when it came to this kind of tabletop gaming. I've flirted with the idea of getting back into tabletop RPG (or rather actually playing the thing). However, I would quickly get overwhealmed by the complicated dice and table look-ups and the sheer enormity of the various worlds.
That being said, I am very pleasantly surprised to have discovered one of the latest RPG releases from Fantasy Flight Games - Edge of the Empire. It is a simple system that emphasizes storytelling over elaborate calculations and look-up tables. The key is a collection of specialized dice that have various symbols on them. To make a skill check you get to add good dice (the number and type depends on your character's proficiency & situation) as well as bad dice (depending on your opponent's skills & situation). You roll the pool of dice and see if you end up with more good rolls than bad rolls. It really is that easy!
I won't go into a full review because (1) I still haven't played the game yet and, (2) there are plenty of more reputable sources you find on the web that do a much better job than I ever could! However, here is a summary of what is currently available for this game:
INTRODUCTORY MATERIALS
Beginner Box - This is like the old D & D red box where you get a much reduced rulebook, pre-made characters, dice, and a streamlined adventure, called Escape from Mos Shuuta. It is the try before you buy sampler, which I think is a fantastic idea. I bought the newly revised D&D red box and, though I haven't played it, I feel like I have a good idea what it is like. I am not a big fan of the maps and miniatures that seem to be common among RPG systems these days. I guess I am too old school for that. I am glad that it seems the Edge of Empire RPG does not rely so much on miniatures. This is a perfect place to start with this RPG (released Dec 14, 2012)
The Long Arm of the Hutts - This is a free downloadable adventure from Fantasy Flight Games that continues the story, Escape from Mos Shuuta, started in the Beginner's Game. It also includes two more pre-generated character folios. (released Dec 14, 2012)
CORE MATERIALS
Core Rulebook - Unlike D&D, there is just one rulebook for both player and game-master to use. I like that approach. While it possibly makes it more expensive, it is just more convenient and compact. Apparently the adventure that begins with the Beginner Box continues with the sample adventure, Trouble Brewing, included here. (released Jul 5, 2013)
Game Master's Kit - This kit includes a screen to hide the the actions of the GM, as needed. It also has the adventure, Debts to Pay, included. (released Jul 5, 2013).
ADVENTURES
Under a Black Sun - This adventure was made available during the 2013 Free RPG day. (released Jun 15, 2013)
Beyond the Rim - This is the first full length adventure set in the Edge of the Empire RPG. It is a 3-act adventure. (released Sep 6, 2013)
The Jewel of Yavin - This is the second full length adventure set in the Edge of the Empire RPG. (To be release Q1 2014)
SUPPLEMENTS
Enter the Unknown - This is the first rule supplement that expands the Explorer career (released Dec 6, 2013)
Suns of Fortune - This is a sourcebook supplement for the Corellian system. There are new weapons, ships, and races included here (released Jan 24, 2014).
Dangerous Covenants - This is the second rule supplement that expands the Hired Gun career (released Feb 28, 2014)
Specialization Decks - There are several specialization deck cards available for the each of the paths within each career.
This series is just one of three cross-compatible series planned by Fantasy Flight Games. The other two, Age of the Rebellion and Force & Destiny are due out in 2014 and 2015, respectively. The beta test version of Rebellion was released in September 2013.
If you want to see the downloadable content from Fantasy Flights Games, follow this link.
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