SECTION IV: ROBOTECH MERCHANDISE

The Robotech RPG is a role-playing adaptation from the TV show. It allows players to pretend to be a character living in the Robotech universe, and to live out through the game the adventures of people from that fictional setting.

The Robotech RPG is published by Palladium books, and its principal author is Kevin Siembeda. The game mechanics are derived from his earlier games (the Palladium Fantasy RPG, Heroes Unlimited, etc). See below for information on how to contact Palladium books.

The books released in the series, in chronological order of setting, (to date) are:

1. _Macross_: Game mechanics and mecha for the First Robotech War and years immediately after.

ROBOTECH: The Role-Playing Game, Book One: Macross. Copyright 1986, by Kevin Siembieda. 110 pages, $9.95. Cat. No. 550, ISBN 0-916211-21-5

2) _RDF Manual_: Source material on Post-holocaust Earth, new rules, and equipment for the RDF, and rival governments.

Book Two: RDF Manual. Copyright 1987, by Kevin Siembieda. 48 pages, $7.95. Cat. No. 551, ISBN 0-916211-23-1

3) _The Zentraedi_: Source material on these warrior-giants.

Book Three: Zentraedi. Copyright 1987, by Kevin Siembieda. 48 pages, $7.95. Cat. No. 552, ISBN 0-916211-22-3

4) _Southern Cross_: Game mechanics and mecha for the Second Robotech War

                     and the periods before and after, and source material
                     for the era.

Book Four: Southern Cross. Copyright 1987, by Kevin Siembieda. 112 pages, $11.95. Cat. No. 553, ISBN 0-916211-27-4

5) _Invid Invasion_: As above, but for the Third Robotech War and Invid occupation.

Book Five: Invid Invasion. Copyright 1988, by Kevin Siembieda. 112 pages, $11.95. Cat. No. 556, ISBN 0-916211-28-2

6) _Robotech II: The Sentinels_: As above, but for the Robotech

                 Expeditionary Force's adventures on Tirol and other Invid-
                 occupied worlds.

ROBOTECH II: The Role-Playing Game, The Sentinels. Copyright 1987, by Kevin Siembieda. 160 pages, $14.95. Cat. No. 557, ISBN 0-916211-33-9

7) _REF Field Guide_: An illustrated reference work for the _Sentinels_ book.

ROBOTECH II: REF Field Guide. Copyright 1989, by Kevin Siembieda. 144 pages, $14.95. Cat. No. 558, ISBN 0-916211-36-3

Adventures published for this game include: _RDF Accelerated Training Program_, _Ghost Ship_, _Zentraedi Breakout_, _Return of the Masters_, and _Lancer's Rockers_.

ROBOTECH RPG Adventures: Ghost Ship. Copyright 1988, by Kevin Siembieda. 48 pages, $7.95. Cat. No. 554, ISBN 0-916211-29-0

ROBOTECH RPG Adventures: RDF Accelerated Training Program. Copyright 1988, by Kevin Siembieda. 56 pages, $7.95. Cat. No. 555, ISBN 0-916211-32-0

Book Six: Return of the Masters. Copyright 1989, by Kevin Siembieda. 88 pages, $9.95. Cat. No. 559, ISBN 0-916211-37-1

ROBOTECH RPG Adventures: Lancer's Rockers. Copyright 1989, by Kevin Siembieda. 48 pages, $7.95. Cat. No. 560, ISBN 0-916211-42-8

ROBOTECH RPG Adventures: Zentraedi Breakout. Copyright 1994, by Kevin Siembieda. 64 pages, $9.95. Cat. No. 561, ISBN 0-916211-67-3

There are a number of minor ones, which are collected in an essay called "A Collection of Comments...", referenced in section IX of this FAQ.

The largest discrepancies, however, are two-fold: Firstly, the RPG claims (in _Invid Invasion_) that the Invid returned some years after the Regis' departure, contradicting both letter and spirit of the last episode, providing an artificial reason not to end the role-playing campaign when the show ends. It is this liberty that has drawn the most fire from fans (though others have accommodated it into their campaigns).

Elsewhere, (in _The Sentinels_) Siembeda takes liberties with the number of ships that supposedly departed with the SDF-3 to Tirol. According to all the known Sentinels reference material, the SDF-3 was supposed to be alone. However, Siembeda seems to be attempting to address problems in Macek's version of the Sentinels; one ship leaves, and hundreds (fully crewed) return. Likewise, he has the REF spend an indeterminate time sweeping the Galaxy clean of the Regent's Invid, where in the outlines for the Sentinels TV show, the REF was to have returned not long after the capture of the Invid's home-world.

The _Macross II RPG_ is based on the Japanese TV series Macross II, which was based on the movie Macross: Summer '84, which was based on the Macross TV series, from which Robotech was derived. In other words, the scenarios are not related, though they use similar game mechanics and mecha (being both published by Palladium and written by Siembeda, and the mecha designers in Japan were the same for both TV shows, this is not surprising). The plot of the Macross II TV show is detailed elsewhere in this FAQ.

Well, not exactly.

RIFTS could be called Palladium's seminal game, incorporating as it does elements from most of Palladium's prior role-playing games (Heroes Unlimited, Beyond the Supernatural, Ninjas & Superspies, TMNT/After the Bomb, the Palladium Fantasy Role-Playing Game, and, yes, Robotech).

It is set several hundred years in the future, a century or two after a magical apocalypse triggered by nuclear war. The earth has been transformed into a magic-supercharged dimensional nexus, infested by monstrous creatures of all descriptions. Magic, psionics, mutants, and supernatural creatures abound, as well as all sorts of giant robots. Civilization consists primarily of scattered small villages and settlements, with a couple of large communities made up of magic-users and the more benevolent supernatural creatures, and several fascist, pro-human dictatorships.

RIFTS could be considered a sequel to Robotech in that it was Palladium's next giant robot project once Robotech lost its popularity. Rather than let this new system of mega-damage and gameplay mechanics go to waste, they incorporated it into their new super-RPG. However, RIFTS has no actual connection to the Robotech universe (though there do exist rules for bringing Robotech mecha into that universe, in the RIFTS Conversion Book).

(Although there is no _official_ connection, my stories and the Robotech RPG net.supplement that Dave Deitrich and Chris Meadows are writing hint that the RIFTS universe is where the SDF-3 ended up after misfolding and vanishing on the way to earthspace. But this is completely non-canonical (if anything in Robotech can be described as "canon"), so feel free to make up your own interpretations.)

Palladium's games are widely available in most gaming and comics stores, Robotech included. Failing that, try writing them at:

PALLADIUM BOOKS 2455 Universal Drive Taylor, Mi 48180

Unfortunately, Palladium does not make international mail-order shipments. If you live outside the U.S. and want to order the Robotech RPG books via mail-order, try the following mail order RPG store and ask for a catalog:

      Mail Order Hobby Shop
      P.O. Box 756
      Lake Geneva, WI 53147
      USA

Enclosing some money for return postage would be a good idea as well.

Yes, US Renditions (A division of Books Nippan) released first an LP, and later a CD of the Robotech soundtrack. This CD is now out of pring, but there will be a NEW Robotech CD coming soon. Please read section 4.2.5 for more info. Information in sections 4.2.2 through 4.2.4 all relate to the ORIGINAL soundtrack and not the upcoming release.

Both were pressed and released through US Renditions, however, they are Copyright 1985 Harmony Gold USA, Inc./Tatsunoko Productions Co. Ltd. And the CD bears both the US Renditions and Harmony Gold logos.

This is from the first page of the CD liner:

Hello and Welcome to the Robotech BGM Perfect Collection Compact Disc! First of all, we at Nippan/U.S. Renditions would like to thank everyone who purchased the Robotech record and we thank you for your continued support.

In the spring of 1987, Books Nippan approached Harmony Gold about creating a new Robotech product. Because of the overwhelming interest from the fans in a Robotech soundtrack, we decided that a background music album would be the best selection. In a joint effort between Harmony Gold and Books Nippan, the first American BGM album was produced. In the process, many of the Robotech instrumentals had to be given new names. Titles such as "Mechastorm," "The New Mission," and "Red Alert" were created to give identity to the most popular Robotech music.

Shortly after the release of the album, fans offered a great deal of favorable comments and constructive criticism. Some felt that there should have been more vocal tracks from the Robotech characters Lynn Minmei and Yellow Dancer. Others did not understand the significance of the Sentinels Medley and how it fit into the Robotech Universe (The Robotech sequel, The Sentinels, is now available on home video [Editors note: They mean the one tape.]). "Together", the wedding song of Rick and Lisa, was such a moving composition to some fans that they played it during their own wedding ceremonies. Mark

1. Weiss, one of the most enthusiastic Robotech BGM fans had this comment about "Together": "This song touched something deep within me. The melody, the words, a very beautiful voice... a very romantic song about lasting love and commitment - all done with perfect orchestration!"

This Compact Disc collection is Nippan/U.S. Renditions' way of saying "thank you" to all of the fans who made Robotech not just another animated series, but an actual phenomenon.

                                        Enjoy,
                                        David Keith Riddick
                                        Special Projects Producer
                                        Nippan/U.S. Renditions

Both the CD and LP have:

1. Robotech Main Theme
2. Mechastorm
3. Flower Of Life (Regis Theme)
4. Enemy Attack
5. Love Theme I
6. We Will Win
7. Robotechnology Theme
8. Love Theme II
9. Rick Hunter Theme
10. Roy Fokker Theme
11. Earth Government At Work
12. Lonely Soldier Boy
13. Macross Theme
14. Robobumper
15. Red Alert
16. The Way To Love
17. Together
18. The Sentinels Medley

In addition, the CD has the following bonus tracks.

19. My Time To Be A Star 20. We Will Win (Minmei Extended Version) 21. It's You 22. Look Up (The Sky Is Falling) 23. We Will Win (Lancer Version)

US Renditions sold out several years ago. Your only hope is to find a dealer who still has some, or find them used at a convention. You can also try asking on rec.arts.anime.marketplace and/or alt.tv.robotech, but be warned, it will be very expensive. The CD has sold for over $150 US online.

The following text is reprinted from a post by Todd Hill on the Robotech mailing list.

To: All ROBOTECH soundtrack fans

From: Tom Bateman - President, ROBOCON IO

In an effort to clear up any confusion about the ROBOTECH songs, I am providing this information based on my own extensive research into ROBOTECH's musical scores. Over the past year I have had the opportunity to interview several of the people who actually made the music that we have all clamored for. Among these are: composer/orchestrator Arlon Ober, composer Ulpio Minucci and music editor John Mortarotti. All of whom are scheduled to appear at ROBOCON IO later this year.

After pouring through tape libraries, cue sheets and music notes, I have come up with a list of ALL songs that were made for the show, by the above composers. This is to dispel any rumors that circulate and to keep people from chasing ghosts. Here is a the most complete list available and what I will call:

ROBOTECH : THE COMPLETE VOCAL COLLECTION

1.* MY TIME TO BE A STAR - performed by Reba West written by Arlon Ober and Ulpio Minucci

2. TO BE IN LOVE - performed by Reba West written by Arlon Ober and Ulpio Minucci

3.* THE MAN IN MY LIFE - performed by Reba West written by Arlon Ober and Ulpio Minucci

4.* IT'S YOU - performed by Reba West written by Arlon Ober and ulpio Minucci

5. THE RIGHT MOVE - performed by Reba West written by Arlon Ober and Ulpio Minucci

*NOTE: This song was never completed and the final recording lasts all of :45 seconds. What you heard in the episode "Reconstruction Blues" is all that there is.

6.* WE WILL WIN - performed by Reba West written by Arlon Ober and Ulpio Minucci

*NOTE: There is an additional stanza that was recorded seperately from the regular song, that brings the song to a finale, but for whatever reasons, it was not used in the show. Here it is:

     Now that we have reached this last encounter
     Where are we now?
     What shall be now?
     How could we have come so far to give up?
     We won't give up
     We can win

     CHORUS

7. THE WAY TO LOVE - performed to Reba West written by Arlon Ober and Ulpio Minucci

*NOTE: The Minmay version of the song was not used in the show, though the instrumental orchestration can be heard while Dana is in the shower in an episode of the Robotech Masters segment, though I can't remember which one. A cover of this song was done by Lancer and is featured at the end of "Symphony Of Light".

8. LIFELINE - performed by ? written by Arlon Ober and Ulpio Minucci

*NOTE: The vocal version of this song was never used, though the instrumental is heard quite often.(i.e.: when Dana takes Zor to the amusement park)

9. THE FLOWER OF LIFE - performed by ? written by Steve Wittmack and Michael Bradley

*NOTE: This is the vocal version sung by Musica when she is in Bowie's quarters.

10. MACROSS ANTHEM written by Arlon Ober and Ulpio Minucci

*NOTE: This song was done for the original Macross direct-to-video release and is quite similar in tone to the original japanese theme. The instrumental was on the old ROBOTECH Perfect Collection CD.

11. TOGETHER - performed by Sunny Hilden written by Steve Wittmack and Michael Bradley

*NOTE: Used as Rick and Lisa's wedding song in THE SENTINELS

12. LOOK UP! (THE SKY IS FALLING) - performed by Michael Bradley written by Steve Wittmack and Michael Bradley

13. DON'T GET ANY BETTER - performed by Michael Bradley written by Steve Wittmack and Michael Bradley

14. LONELY SOLDIER BOY - performed by Michael Bradley written by Steve Wittmack and Michael Bradley

15. THE WAY TO LOVE - performed by Michael Bradley written by Arlon Ober and Ulpio Minucci

16. WE WILL WIN - performed by Michael Bradley written by Arlon Ober and Ulpio Minucci

These are the six songs that were done for ROBOTECH : THE MOVIE - THE UNTOLD STORY There are no plans at this time to include these on the new release of the ROBOTECH soundtracks, which is a shame, because they are very good.

17. IN MY HEART - performed by Three Dog Night written by Steve Wittmack and Michael Bradley

18. UNDERGROUND - performed by JoAnn Harris and Michael Bradley written by Michael Bradley

19. SAVED BY SCIENCE - performed by JoAnn Harris written by Steve Wittmack and Michael Bradley

20. CALL ON ME - performed by JoAnn Harris written by Steve Wittmack

21. ONLY A FOOL - performed by Gigi written by Jack Alan Goga

22. THE FUTURE IS NOW - performed by JoAnn Harris written by Steve Wittmack and Michael Bradley

I hope that this information will clear up things for all you ROBOTECH music

fans. Note: There was no Robotech version of "My Boyfriend's a Pilot"; this line in the show was not changed from the original Macross script. I am currently writing the liner notes for the upcoming CD project, which should be out before the ROBOCON IO convention in October of this year. If anyone has any more questions about the songs or the music in general, please contact me through my friend Todd Hill at: [email protected]

Tom Bateman, President - ROBOCON IO

P.S. At some future date I will include the times for all the songs.

Note: Finding detailed information on a project over a decade old is difficult, there may be some "slight" discrepancies, but they only pertain to songwriting or singing credits. I will correct and update these things in the future.

Yes; Hasbro bought the rights to the large Valkyrie toy from Bandai, a Japanese toy company licensed to make and sell Macross toys, before Harmony Gold ever got involved with Macross.

Matchbox's action figure line was generally unsuccessful, and was eventually canceled. They just didn't sell. Some blame demographics (Robotech fans tended to be older and less interested in toys, as opposed to collectibles), and the rendering of the figures was widely seen to have been of middling to poor quality.

Matchbox put out several lines of toys. One of the first were 1/100 or so scale die-cast toys of the Macross Destroids, small egg-Valkyries (with stubby cartoonish limbs and torso), 1/35 or so and 1/72 scale toy Alphas and 1/6 scale Cyclone-and-rider toy. All of these toys were made in Japan and were repackaged here. Later lines included toys manufactured specifically for Matchbox, including Bioroids, a Hovertank, Invid Scout and Shock Troopers, and the action figures. The second line of toys was of mixed quality.

At the same time Hasbro acquired the Valkyrie toy, Revell acquired the rights to several Bandai model lines. This included three Valkyries (from Macross), a mecha from Orguss (a series done by some of the same team as Macross), and a host of mecha from a Japanese series that was never widely seen outside Japan, Dougram. These models were the first 'Robotech' anything; the Harmony Gold concept was only called Robotech after pressure from Revell. When FASA was trying to come up with authentic-looking designs for its Battledroids game (eventually to be renamed Battletech), they took designs from Macross, Dougram, and a movie called Crusher Joe (quite without permission - a suit was avoided through an out-of-court settlement). Hence the overlap.

While Macross and other Robotech-related models and toys were readily available from convention dealers' rooms (and in the case of the Matchbox toys, toy stores) in the late 1980's, they are rare now. One can often still find them overseas, or from well-stocked distributors. One place to look might be:

NEWTYPE TOYS AND HOBBIES 1531 B 10th Ave. San Francisco, CA 94122 Phone: (415) 731-3077

Another place you can try is:

KIMONO MY HOUSE 1424 62nd St. Emeryville, CA 94608 Phone: (510) 654-4627

Not currently. Harmony Gold has licensed a US game company to produce a CD-ROM, interactive Robotech game. However, at this time it is still in the preliminary stages and nothing definite is known.

Yes, there is a Robotech MUSH based on PennMush 1.50. Listed below is a message from one of the MUSH "wizards."

After a too long downtime, and a nearly complete rebuilding and restructuring of the Mush, we have finally decided it is time to open it for the Public.

So come live the Robotech Saga...

        -Start as one of the civilians of the SDF-1 and create history with
         the rest of the players as you face the great challenge, to simply
         survive.

        -Join the RDF and experience the glamour (and long hours ;) of the
         military as you fight the Zentraedi in their attempt to reconquer
         the ship and kill every human aboard in the process.

        -Or make the lives of the puny micronians hard by taking the role
         as one of the gigantic Zentraedi warriors as they try to fulfill
         their main objective; To reclaim what was once theirs, to capture
         it intact at any cost.

We are available at: MARVIN.DF.LTH.SE 2142 (IP:130.235.88.94 2142)

the theme is Robotech, and the focus is on Roleplaying the lives of the humans aboard the SDF-1. Although combat is _not_ the primary objective, it will in some form be availabe, but I stress the focus on Roleplay over either code/building/or combat. We're running PennMush 1.50, pl-10 presently.

The Robotech Masters have brought their war to earth. The saga has begun...

/Vedui@Robotech - Head-wiz/God/dabbler *8)

(Mail goes to: [email protected] or robotech.df.lth.se)