Questions tagged [game-recommendation]

OFF TOPIC — DO NOT ASK RECOMMENDATION QUESTIONS. (Click “Learn more…” or “info” for details.) This tag exists only for historical reasons.

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64 votes
34 answers
132k views

Looking for solo (one person) RPGs - do they exist? [closed]

I am looking to find out if solo RPGs exist, and which you'd recommend. I do not mean "one-on-one" 1 player + 1 GM games. I really mean "1 person." Update: After receiving two (fine, up-voted) ...
48 votes
23 answers
55k views

Are there any good tabletop RPGs for young beginning players? [closed]

I'm looking for a fun, easy to get into RPG for my kids. It could be simple and card-based, or more "normal" tabletop style. I'm looking for something less bloody and dark, and more fun and easy to ...
triptych's user avatar
  • 597
25 votes
12 answers
11k views

What role-playing games should I pick for an absolute beginner group? [closed]

I've always wanted to play Dungeons and Dragons, but where I live it's more of an underground thing, so it was difficult to find other players. After recently moving to a new school, I made a few ...
TheHdcable's user avatar
11 votes
6 answers
7k views

Realm Management Rules That Work

I have been searching for years for a good realm-management rule set for RPGs. By "realm management," I mean a system that tracks the fortunes of large areas and / or groups in the way that most RPGs ...
52 votes
26 answers
21k views

What games are out there that could be played in a single night, with no prep? [closed]

What games are out there that could be played in a single night, with no prep? I have Spirit of the Century, but it really takes too long to make characters. So, in my opinion, it's great if you've ...
gomad's user avatar
  • 33.4k
32 votes
10 answers
25k views

1 GM and 1 Player games and game systems? [closed]

I'm eager to hear how other people handle this? I do quite a bit of GM-Less gaming in Mythic and some other fringe systems, but, sometimes it's just better to be playing 'other sides' even if you're ...
Katniss's user avatar
  • 1,161
25 votes
17 answers
74k views

A 2 Player RPG for buddies? [closed]

If myself and an old buddy sit down for a night of roleplaying, what game can we use? I've heard of a couple of romantic games, but they're not really for buddies. Are they? Suggestions please. I'm ...
Sebastian Hickey's user avatar
22 votes
10 answers
25k views

What GM-less RPGs exist and are the mechanics adaptable to other systems? [closed]

I'm constantly looking for new systems to either steal from or at least try out for a one-shot. What systems are currently available that feature GM-less mechanics? Further, do any of these systems ...
rjstreet's user avatar
  • 2,562
20 votes
8 answers
16k views

What game system is best for playing Fallout on the tabletop?

Give details - why is the game system a good fit? What matches the Fallout setting?
YogoZuno's user avatar
  • 15.4k
14 votes
8 answers
5k views

European Medieval Fantasy RPG with an appropriate setting, minimal bookkeeping, random characters, and simple rules? [closed]

I want to run a campaign in a fantasy-setting. I want there to be a primary focus on travel, adventure, swordplay and sorcery, with the option of pursuing more diplomatic solutions to problems. I ...
Zibbobz's user avatar
  • 9,650
14 votes
5 answers
2k views

Are there any games that include a good rule system for running a business? [closed]

In my regular D&D 4e game, we are currently in mid-paragon tier. My character had accrued enough gold that he decided it was silly to continue paying for a room at the local inn whenever we rolled ...
TML's user avatar
  • 1,138
14 votes
5 answers
4k views

Statless & diceless systems

Thanks to a couple of The Riddle of Steel sessions I had seneschaled, which didn't really use any dice or stat comparison, I started to ponder the idea of a statless system. I realize that it would be ...
Maurycy's user avatar
  • 4,862
14 votes
10 answers
24k views

Which roleplaying games feature realistic combat? [closed]

For many players and referees the characteristics of a Roleplaying Game are important. Does it allow for extensive character creation or it is quickly resolved, is it rules light or does it cover many ...
13 votes
4 answers
1k views

Recommend a published encounter for 4e to demo its strengths to newbies! [closed]

I'm looking for recommendations for a published (but not necessarily WotC), fun, single encounter to introduce some friends to D&D 4E. We'll be using a virtual tabletop (Roll20 specifically) for ...
Matthew Everhart's user avatar
10 votes
6 answers
1k views

What system would you use for an "Inception" inspired game? [closed]

Please provide some detail on the merits of the game you suggest and explain some of the things we "know" about the movie world in terms of the specific mechanics. I have seen the movie, but please ...
p.marino's user avatar
  • 3,250
7 votes
3 answers
3k views

Collections of two-player free-form adventure ideas? [closed]

I'm planning a short two-person (one PC, one GM) free-form session. Is there a good quality compilation of adventure outlines tuned for one-on-one play somewhere? The theme doesn't matter much, but I'...
Tim's user avatar
  • 401
27 votes
16 answers
9k views

How to design game elements other than combat? [closed]

Most RPGs I know about and have played are fighting-centered. That doesn't mean that all gaming is only about fighting, but that most of the rules and character abilities are primarily useful in ...
Mnementh's user avatar
  • 2,692
24 votes
12 answers
4k views

Looking for a Space marine RPG similar to Starship Troopers (the Novel) [closed]

I'm trying to find an RPG that appropriately reflects the feel of Robert A. Heinlein's Starship Troopers and could use a system commendation. (The novel, not the movies. They're very different in many ...
Joshua Aslan Smith's user avatar
24 votes
9 answers
5k views

Realistic modern day combat system to model real life ambush [closed]

I came across a video (helmet camera) of an Taliban force ambushing US infantry troops in Afghanistan. This is a link to the video of ambush: Combat in the First Person, Spc.Michael Gannon guides us ...
Sardathrion - against SE abuse's user avatar
23 votes
3 answers
18k views

Free Basic-Rules-only adventure to showcase D&D 5e [closed]

With the free release of the 5e Basic Rules, I'm looking for an adventure to introduce myself and my group to 5e (in the spirit of this question): we want to try the system before deciding if we'll ...
BESW's user avatar
  • 53.3k
23 votes
4 answers
10k views

RPG system for "town management"? [closed]

I have an idea for a campaign in which my players will go with a "colonisation" mission. They will be responsible of exploration and making settlement on unknown land. My question is, if there is any ...
Forien's user avatar
  • 457
18 votes
6 answers
3k views

Dragon Player Characters [closed]

Are there any good rpgs where the player characters are dragons? I am familiar with the old D&D supplement "Council of Wyrms", but that was just screwing with some basic D&D stats and trying ...
Tito's user avatar
  • 183
18 votes
8 answers
3k views

Easy-to-learn system that supports one-on-one play [closed]

The Situation I'm looking for a system that I would be able to GM and have my wife as my only player. I am experienced with RPGs; she is not. She joined a D&D 4e game with me and my friends ...
thunderblaster's user avatar
17 votes
7 answers
3k views

Are there any RPGs/settings where a character's class is not chosen but "earned" through their actions? [closed]

My experience RPGing has thusfar been limited to Dungeons and Dragons v3.5. As I've grown more experienced playing the game, I've toyed with creating my own campaign settings and am now playing with ...
Cat's user avatar
  • 3,862
17 votes
18 answers
6k views

What RPG systems work well online? [closed]

I have a number of RPG-loving friends, but they're unfortunately scattered around the world. I'd like to run a game with them online, using emails or message boards or something of that ilk. (like ...
Trevel's user avatar
  • 742
16 votes
9 answers
2k views

Superhero cinematic gaming -- looking for a system [closed]

Our current campaign is going to wind down in a few months, and I'm planning a new campaign. I'm looking for a system that has the following characteristics: Supports a low-to-medium power superhero ...
bryanjonker's user avatar
  • 3,895
15 votes
3 answers
3k views

What role-playing game tactically simulates basketball? [closed]

Rather than abstracting a game of basketball into one or more die rolls, is there a role-playing game that can, with a minimum of house rules, simulate almost moment-by-moment on-court basketball ...
Hey I Can Chan's user avatar
14 votes
6 answers
8k views

Choosing DnD 4th edition or Essentials for a new group and DM? [closed]

Recently I've got interested in roleplaying. My background is more or less hardcore boardgamer, I have played quite a large number of board games, even some of the most complicated ones and found it ...
Dvole's user avatar
  • 243
14 votes
18 answers
12k views

One-off simple game with little to no character creation? [closed]

We are between campaigns and are looking for a good, short game to fill the prep time for the GM. Character creation must be very short. Minimal stats is best. We want to be able to start playing ...
TorelTwiddler's user avatar
11 votes
4 answers
2k views

Games where some characters can play as weapons [closed]

Are there any games that provide some characters with the option of playing as a weapon, possibly wielded by other players? I've never heard of or seen a game that has any rules or specific about ...
porkypiny's user avatar
  • 111
11 votes
6 answers
2k views

Character-driven fantasy adventure with infrequent combat? [closed]

I'd like to try one-on-one RPGing with my partner and am looking for an initial high-fantasy adventure to get started with. My original plan was to adapt the Fighting Fantasy gamebook, 'The Warlock ...
lumpkin's user avatar
  • 359
9 votes
8 answers
2k views

Which systems do you find most realistically model progression through skills? [closed]

The role-playing systems I've played so far seem to either provide a mostly artificial skill system progression, or ignore skill progression entirely. I'd like to learn about, and maybe try playing, ...
blueberryfields's user avatar
8 votes
1 answer
746 views

Implementing the rational magic and world from Harry Potter: Methods of Rationality in a game? [closed]

HP:MoR is a novel-length fanfiction by Eliezer Yudkowsky, exploring the concept of a rational Harry Potter. The world is a profoundly rationalist world, and has elements of scientific experiment, ...
Brian Ballsun-Stanton's user avatar
7 votes
10 answers
779 views

Which systems use the Cthulhu Mythos? [closed]

I need to know which systems use the Cthulhu Mythos. Could you give me a list? Please give only systems that specifically reference the Cthulhu Mythos. For example, don't bother listing Escape From ...
4 votes
7 answers
3k views

What systems exist with rules that fit on a single page (or so)? [closed]

I was reading the Overview of OSR Games and as many of the linked-to systems I could fine. Most of them seemed sort of ho-hum, in that they all had about the same kind of complexity as one of the ...
rjbs's user avatar
  • 8,427
2 votes
2 answers
2k views

System for a game of courtly intrigue [closed]

I'm considering running a game, in which characters take on a role of courtiers in a sovereign ruler's court. The idea is that these courtiers all serve as spies, diplomats, enforcers etc. to some ...
eimyr's user avatar
  • 17.2k
47 votes
12 answers
6k views

Maximum bookkeeping fantasy game with magic [closed]

So far, I've seen questions about minimum-bookkeeping game recommendations, to keep it simple easy, and fast-to-play. That is understandable, since many play their games in-person. However, lots of ...
Baka-Mastermind's user avatar
34 votes
17 answers
15k views

Fast-paced and brutal rpg system [closed]

Does anyone in here know a system that is both fast-paced, brutal and suited for fantasy roleplaying? By brutal, I mean dangerous. Most RPG's have a tendency to have lenient combat systems, given ...
Undreren's user avatar
  • 3,596
30 votes
7 answers
19k views

What are the most beginner friendly table top role playing games? [closed]

Many RPGs are extremely complex and hard for first time gamers to get into. Many others assume (even to the point of saying so in their introduction) that they are for people who already know what a ...
myusuf3's user avatar
  • 449
28 votes
15 answers
5k views

What are some good systems for a game similar to Firefly or Jedi-less Star Wars? [closed]

I have an idea of running a space-travelling game. I was thinking something like Shadowrun, only on an interstellar scale. What are some good systems I should look into using? I'm looking to do ...
Pulsehead's user avatar
  • 17.5k
27 votes
11 answers
1k views

RPG designed for irregular players/gaming? [closed]

Is there an RPG specifically and explicitly (as in: the developers stating this in the actual book) designed for parties whose members gather irregularly (there's always someone who can't make it) and ...
OpaCitiZen's user avatar
  • 39.2k
26 votes
10 answers
7k views

How to introduce a pen-and-paper RPG to family? [closed]

My brother and I have dabbled in D&D when we were younger. Also, at the last place where I worked, we had a weekly Pathfinder game session, which was fun. Usually at our family get-togethers my ...
rishimaharaj's user avatar
26 votes
16 answers
5k views

"Learn a new RPG a year": Which systems are a must-know? [closed]

I'm fairly new at this, having just started playing on a Dragonlance 2nd Ed. D&D campaign, and DMing on a 4E adventure. As a programmer, I'm aware of the dictum "Learn a new language every year". ...
Adriano Varoli Piazza's user avatar
24 votes
9 answers
2k views

What game systems determine skill levels only through use? [closed]

Is there a table top game similar to the video game Dungeon Siege where you don't really pick a class but what you become depends on what you do? You cast magic your magic skill increases, you beat ...
Jack C Buel's user avatar
  • 2,440
24 votes
10 answers
44k views

What role-playing games best emulate a non-mystical Old West setting? [closed]

I am interested in running an American Old West RPG/campaign that doesn't rely on fantasy/mystical or sci-fi/steampunk elements. What system do you recommend, and why do you think it captures a more ...
Lynn's user avatar
  • 2,666
23 votes
14 answers
5k views

I am looking for a game to ease my friends into role playing [closed]

Let me start with saying it's been many years since I played D&D. I have a group of friends that meet every week to play board games like Descent, Heroquest, etc. The thing is, none of these ...
Serrith's user avatar
  • 231
22 votes
6 answers
2k views

Rules system for playing out the details of founding and developing a city? [closed]

I want to run a campaign in which the players control individual but influential characters (maybe heads of families), with the main focus of play on the PCs building up a city over time, starting ...
Percy's user avatar
  • 221
22 votes
10 answers
8k views

Need to play D&D on a budget, at least for now [closed]

My friends and I plan on playing D&D this summer, and I'm going to be the DM. I need advice on reducing the price as much as I can without reducing fun so we can have enough of it to bring my ...
DungeonKeeper2BestGameNA's user avatar
22 votes
11 answers
17k views

What RPG best models a "World War Z" zombie apocalypse?

I've been reading a ton of Zombie apocalypse fiction. I find the World War Z stories by Max Brooks to be among the best. What RPG would be best suited to this type of story and why? Some additional ...
shaneknysh's user avatar
20 votes
9 answers
9k views

Low-random, low-dice fantasy rpg system [closed]

In my endless struggle to find RPG systems which suit my style of game mastering I've made my way through endless pages of results on the RPGGeek with no avail, so once again I am going to surrender ...
Maurycy's user avatar
  • 4,862