Questions about which game systems have been used for a given purpose. Questions and answers must follow certain guidelines, see the tag wiki for the link.
50
votes
32answers
11k views
Looking for solo (one person) RPGs - do they exist?
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) ...
40
votes
17answers
6k views
Are there any good tabletop RPGs for young beginning players?
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 ...
34
votes
24answers
2k views
What games are out there that could be played in a single night, with no prep?
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 ...
27
votes
7answers
8k 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 ...
25
votes
9answers
1k views
1 GM and 1 Player games and game systems?
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 ...
23
votes
16answers
1k views
How to design game elements other than combat?
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 ...
22
votes
10answers
6k 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 ...
21
votes
16answers
2k 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". ...
21
votes
14answers
2k views
What are some good systems for a game similar to Firefly or Jedi-less Star Wars?
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 ...
21
votes
15answers
865 views
I am looking for a game to ease my friends into role playing
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 ...
19
votes
10answers
519 views
RPG designed for irregular players/gaming?
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 ...
19
votes
17answers
10k views
A 2 Player RPG for buddies?
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.
18
votes
13answers
1k views
Fast-paced and brutal rpg system
First, the question: Does anyone in here know a system that is both fast-paced, brutal and suited for fantasy roleplaying?
Now, the explanation: by brutal, I mean dangerous. Most RPG's have a ...
18
votes
18answers
1k views
What RPG systems work well online?
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 ...
18
votes
8answers
699 views
Are there any RPG systems specifically designed for larger numbers of players (10+)?
I'm currently running a D&D 4E game with anywhere between 14-18 players depending on the time of year. While I think we do a fairly good job of keeping the story moving, keeping combat from ...
18
votes
11answers
4k views
Best story-focused, rules-lite, fantasy, non-class-based RPG? [closed]
I've been considering starting up tabletop RPGing again after a 13-year pause. During the time I did RPGing before, I mainly used Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (second edition). In retrospect I ...
18
votes
2answers
1k views
What are the major differences between Vampire: the Requiem and Vampire: the Masquerade?
As the title states, I would like to know the biggest changes between the two systems, both mechanic-wise and story-wise. Why should I choose one over the other?
(And please, don't use "Vampire: the ...
17
votes
9answers
2k views
What role-playing games best emulate a non-mystical Old West setting?
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 ...
17
votes
6answers
554 views
Making magic “magical”
When I work with settings that contain magic, whether traditional fantasy or others, I always perceive something of a tension when trying to portray the magic between the following factors:
Magic ...
17
votes
9answers
449 views
What game systems determine skill levels only through use?
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 ...
17
votes
6answers
441 views
Suggested System/Mechanics/Setting Choices for X-Files/Fringe Inspired Game?
Requesting system, specific mechanic, and published setting recommendations for a recurring game inspired by the X-Files and Fringe.
Here are my goals and details for the game that may provide ...
17
votes
6answers
708 views
Realistic modern day combat system to model real life ambush
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 ...
17
votes
8answers
976 views
As a DM, how can I integrate a commerce aspect to D&D?
In my current game, two of my players are always on the lookout for "get rich quick" schemes and they are looking into establishing trade routes between cities to make money.
That led to great ...
17
votes
5answers
247 views
Rules system for playing out the details of founding and developing a city?
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 ...
16
votes
20answers
1k views
Which RPGs primarily reward roleplaying your character?
In what games (either in-print or out-of-print) are the rewards for playing your character's role or depicting your character's behavior the primary means of character advancement, as opposed to ...
16
votes
13answers
1k views
Which role-playing systems might be best suited for use over a road-trip?
Four of us will be in the car for roughly 10 hours, for a road trip that will probably take 12 hours or so to complete. It occurred to me that we could try to spend the time doing a role-playing ...
16
votes
11answers
538 views
Looking for a Space marine RPG similar to Starship Troopers (the Novel)
I'm trying to nail down an RPG that appropriately reflects the feel of Heinlein's Starship Troopers. (The novel, not the movies. They're very different in the ways relevant to this question.)
...
16
votes
12answers
614 views
What is important when choosing an RPG?
I am currently writing a guide to creating a free RPG and I would like to include a section on how to mould the game in such a way that would make it appealing to the general roleplaying public. What ...
16
votes
6answers
794 views
What role-playing games should I pick for an absolute beginner group?
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 ...
16
votes
6answers
579 views
Dragon Player Characters
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 ...
15
votes
2answers
235 views
Enabling PC-driven Climate Change: is there a rules system to deal with PC created changes to the environment?
I am looking for a set of rules, (if possible a full game), that allow players to take an active part in changing the world, and its the world itself that's their greatest enemy. It could be a sci-fi ...
15
votes
2answers
255 views
Is there any other RPG that includes snailmail-writing as an integral component?
In De Profundis, an important part of the game is writing and sending letters to the other players. It's played in real-time with mail correspondence being the only form of contact between players. ...
14
votes
22answers
1k views
Good first “indie” rpg to try out? [closed]
What would be a good "indie" role-playing game to try out something a little more experimental than the mainstream games?
Recently we've been playing D&D3, WFRP 2nd ed, and a FUDGE-game based on ...
14
votes
8answers
2k views
Free tabletop rpg suggestion [closed]
Does anyone know any simple tabletop roleplaying games like Dungeons and Dragons available for free? I just want to try out this type of game with my friends to see whether it's worth spending ...
14
votes
8answers
3k views
What GM-less RPGs exist and are the mechanics adaptable to other systems?
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 ...
14
votes
4answers
550 views
Which rpg system supports freeform magic and is intended for Fantasy games?
We've been looking for a system that fits our current requirements for a while and we seem to be failing miserably at it... Does anyone know of a system that fits the following?
Magic system
...
14
votes
11answers
573 views
What is a sci-fi system that would feel familiar to reluctant Pathfinder players?
For the last few months I've been running a Pathfinder campaign, and recently I told my players that I needed a break and they agreed on switching games for a few months. I'm a fan of the works of ...
14
votes
6answers
4k views
Any games with a Magicka-like (experimental/combination-based) magic system?
I really like the exploratory/combining elements of the magic system in the computer game Magicka. Can anyone recommend a tabletop game with a similar system?
The system is based on obtaining ...
14
votes
9answers
1k 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?
14
votes
9answers
1k views
Low-random, low-dice fantasy rpg system
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 ...
14
votes
6answers
421 views
What fantasy systems center on evil characters and specifically the consequences of being evil?
I am looking to run a campaign of evil characters, but I want them to have consequences for being evil. The more evil power you gain the more it changes your physical body, mental state and ability to ...
14
votes
5answers
520 views
Are there any games that include a good rule system for running a business?
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 ...
14
votes
5answers
431 views
What systems, if any, could emulate an MMORPG or CRPG?
Similarly to Tasuret in his question about running a game within a game, I am looking for a system to model something that feels like a MMORPG or CRPG. Here are some more specifications, roughly in ...
14
votes
4answers
567 views
Is there a pen and paper rpg adaptation of Half Life?
Just out of curiosity: Do you know of a good (un)official pen and paper rpg adaptation of the famous first person shooter computer game series Half Life?
I know there are games/systems in which a ...
13
votes
8answers
433 views
Games with mechanics for dreams
I'm interested in developing a RPG based on Inception. The team would have a mission similar to the movie, invade several layers of dreams to plant or retrieve information from a target. For the ...
13
votes
7answers
686 views
Are there any RPGs/settings where a character's class is not chosen but “earned” through their actions?
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 ...
13
votes
7answers
234 views
What systems or special mechanics enforce equal stage-time between players most effectively?
What systems/mechanics have proven most effective at giving each player about equal spotlight-time and enforcing that equality between look-at-me players and 'turtles'?
There's a pretty shy player who ...
13
votes
4answers
286 views
Tips for organising a short campaign?
I'm planning on fitting as much roleplay into my university's intersemester break (ISB) as I can. I've got ideas for campaigns in my head, and I'm reasonably comfortable jotting down a few stats and ...
13
votes
7answers
449 views
Do any resources exist which cover player governance of a population
I have some players who would be interested in managing their own city. Is there any literature out there which covers the ins and outs of PCs governing a populace?
Some example scenarios:
The PCs ...
13
votes
2answers
189 views
Are there any pen-and-paper RPGs based on the writings of Ray Bradbury?
As the title says:
Are there any PnP RPGs out there that are based on the unforgettable works of Ray Bradbury (R.I.P.)? (On Martian Chronicles, for example?)
