TSR’s Top Secret is one of those wonderfully bold early 1980’s RPGs that tried something completely different from the fantasy dominated landscape of the time. Thus, instead of dragons and dungeons, it dove headfirst into the world of espionage, covert operations, and Cold War intrigue and it did so with a tone that was equal parts gritty and pulpy. In this setting, Top Secret allows you to play as government agents, freelance operatives, or shadowy specialists working in a world of international espionage. The game leans heavily into the spy fiction traditions of the time such as James Bond, Mission: Impossible, and classic Cold War thrillers. The original TSR editions are remembered fondly for their ambition, atmosphere, and their willingness to explore a genre that tabletop RPGs rarely touched at the time. Your missions would comprise of strategic infiltration, surveillance, assassination or extraction, high‑stakes heists, double agents, or political tension. It is considered to be one of the earliest RPGs to fully embrace the spy genre, and it carved out a niche that no other major publisher was touching at the time. Similar to Dungeons and Dragons, characters had defined attributes, these were the following:
Physical Strength
Coordination
Willpower
Perception
Charm
In addition, similar to character classes of role playing games, your players would choose areas of expertise. These included cryptography, forgery, disguise, demolitions, martial arts, firearms, and more. The rules emphasize realism of the era, with detailed mechanics for gunfights, security systems, and covert operations. Similar to adventuring modules, the game’s structure encourages mission-based play, often with a “briefing → operation → debriefing” rhythm that feels very cinematic.
The Editions:
The following Top Secret Bundle is currently in stock and available for purchase!
Bundle Includes:
Top Secret/SI 1987 Original Boxed Set : Good Condition+
Module : TSA1 – The Web (Original Shrinkwrap!)
Module : TSA2 – The Final Weapon (Original Shrinkwrap!)
Module : TSE3 – Web Wars (Original Shrinkwrap!)
Complete Bundle Price for all four Items: $174.38
NOTE: Due to constraints of shelf space at the store, the Top Secret Bundle is currently in storage (it is Top Secret!). If you are interested in purchase, please reach out to us and we will gladly arrange to have it placed in general stock for your pickup and purchase.
