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Role Playing Games
Role Playing Games derived from or inspired by anime (Japanese animation) and/or manga (Japanese comics). To begin with this section will borrow heavily from firm's media releases and catalogues etc for the descriptions.
ARMOURED TROOPER VOTOMS
Published by R. Talsorian Games.
"A hundred years of deadly mechanised warfare has just come to a tentative peace. But for one man, his personal war has just begun. Hounded by a shadowy Secret Society driven to create the perfect killer, he seeks only to answer the riddle of his past, and the outcome of his ultimate Destiny. He is Chirico Cuvie, elite warrior and the Perfect Soldier the Society seeks. . . . Now his destiny can become yours, as you enter the world of Armoured Trooper VOTOMS. Based on the hit anime series, this book is packed with everything you need to create a world of endless mecha combat and intrigue. Mecha, ships, troops, characters, equipment, and the most complete series background ever compiled in English. " From firm's media release.
BATTLETECH
Published by FASA.
For more than a decade FASA had incorporated into its fictional BattleTech universe some images created and used in the Japanese television series Macross. The right to use these images was challenged by Harmony Gold and Playmates Toys who had the American rights to the Robtotech series (an Americanised version of Macross) and associated products. Although the court case against FASA was dismissed, FASA phased out the dozen or so specific design images that appeared in the Macross series so that the only mecha designs now present in BattleTech are those done by FASA itself.
BIG EYES, SMALL MOUTH
Published by Guardians of Order.
"A multi-genre RPG, inspired by the dynamic characters and stories found in Japanese animation. Comedy or horror, fantasy or science fiction . . . if you can imagine it, you can play it! The game rules accurately reflect the "anime atmosphere" by emphasising role playing rather than numbers and charts. Additionally, character creation can take less than ten minutes, and is extensive enough to offer characters magics, mechs, psionics, heightened abilities, unique artifacts - the options are nearly limitless!" From firm's media release. Premiered at GenCon 1997.
BIG ROBOTS, COOL STARSHIPS
" the multi-genre mecha design and combat supplement for BESM and the Tri-Stat System was released on 13 July 1999. The book contains the necessary mechanics to run a mecha-heavy campaign featuring the exploits of angst-ridden robot pilots, sleek combat cyborgs, bold starship captains, and a limitless number of other anime mecha archetypes. But it doesn't stop there! Big Robots, Cool Starships is sufficiently flexible to allow players and GMs to design and stat-out nearly any vehicle, structure or giant monster from any genre in a matter of minutes -- from motor bikes to space stations, mecha-dragons to pirate ships. All this from a flexible creation system that minimizes overly-complex mechanics and maximizes your creative potential! By David L. Pulver. "
From firm's media release
BUBBLEGUM CRISIS RPG
Produced by R. Talsorian Games.
"It's the year 2033 AD. Like a Phoenix, the city of MegaTokyo is rising from the ashes of a devastating earthquake. In the twisted canyons of the megalopolis, the Knight Sabres, a small band of high tech mercenaries, fight a lonely battle against the evil GENOM Corporation and its sinister androids, the Boomers. Venture into an all too probable future, where technology has run amuck, and emotion is all that separates Man from Machine. Based on the hit anime video series, the Bubblegum Crisis Role Playing Game is packed with art and information never before published in English - it's everything you need to play in the world 2033. Join the Knight Sabres and the AD Police in their quest to protect Mega Tokyo from Genom and their fearsome Boomers, or you can create your own adventures with the new FUZION system. " From firm's media release.
Bubblegum Crisis: Before & After
"2027: Before the Knight Sabres, only the AD Police stood between man and machine . . . and in the cyberpunk streets of MegaTokyo, it's all too easy to cross the line . . 2034: Admidst a sea of robots and androids, the ultimate evil is back - and only the Knight Sabres stand between MegaTokyo and the total destruction of Bubblegum Crash!. Now: The world of Bubblegum Crisis is back with a vengeance, in a hot new supplement packed with data from BGC's prequel series, AD Police and it's sequel Bubblegum Crash! You'll get: 2 new Powered Suits, 4 new Hardsuits, 9 new vehicles, 12 new character templates, 16 new characters, 22 new Boomers, plus adventure hooks, cybernetic rules, and guidelines for constructing your own Hardsuits, Boomers, and other Mecha with our anime techbook Mekton Z Plus. From firm's media release.
Bubblegum Crisis EX
"Within this book, you'll find 3 new Battlemovers, 5 new motorcycles, 7 new Powered Suits, 7 new Motorslaves, 8 new personal items, 10 new Hardsuits and Hardsuit modifications, 11 new vehicles and 24 new Boomers. You'll get information translated from Japanese sources, complete Fuzion game stats, and original Japanese artwork (not American knockoff art). In addition, BGC EX provides expanded portraits of the major characters, a stand-alone Hardsuit construction system, tons of scenario ideas, and a complete adventure. Plus there's a wealth of "Bubblegum Crossfire" campaign material, with information on major cities across the globe, an examination of the frontiers of the BGC world (from deep space to the ocean floors to virtual reality), and guidelines for refereeing Bubblegum Crisis monstrous mascots - Boomers. " From firm's media release.
THE CYBER CITY OEDO 808 RPG AND SOURCEBOOK
Scheduled for a fall 1999 release (ie our Spring) by Guardians of Order.
Will be a complete stand alone game based on the Cyber City Oedo 808 anime series and featuring Guardians of Order's Tri-Stat System.
THE DEMON CITY SHINJUKU RPG AND SOURCEBOOK
To be released in September 1999 by Guardians of Order.
Will be a complete stand alone game based on the Demon city Shinjuku anime and featuring Guardians of Order's Tri-Stat System.
THE DOMINION TANK POLICE RPG AND SOURCEBOOK
To be released in July 1999 by Guardians of Order.
"Based on the classic 1989 four-part anime series, from the mind of Japan's prominent storyteller artist, Masamune Shirow! In the year 2010 A.D. , the Earth is a very unfriendly place — the atmosphere is a poisonous bacterial soup, vicious underworld organizations have run of the cities, and the governments are virtually helpless. Leading the attack on society are the sexy and ruthless cat sisters, Annapuna and Unipuma, and the grotesque half-cyborg, Buaku. The last line of defense against utter chaos is Newport City's Tank Police: a team of trigger-happy officers with an affinity for demolition and disaster. The book offers a complete role-playing game (featuring Guardians Of Order's Tri-Stat System), an extensive resource and reference section about the OAV series, and a full-colour gallery of spectacular animation art. For gamers and Shirow fans alike!" From firm's press release.
THE GEOBREEDERS RPG AND SOURCEBOOK
Scheduled for release in early 2000 by Guardians of Order.
Will be a complete stand alone game based on the Geobreeders anime and featuring Guardians of Order's Tri-Stat System.
GURPS MECHA
One of the books for Steve Jackson Games Generic Universal Roleplaying System.
"From battlesuited space marines making an orbital drop to cinematic Japanese anime action featuring giant walking tanks piloted by beautiful alien princess, GURPS Mecha covers the entire genre of mecha action. In the pages of Mech you will find . . . advice on using mecha in everything from alien invasions to superhero campaigns and suggestions for running anime theme adventures inspired by Japanese anime . . " From firm's press release. Released in 1997, currently out of print.
HEAVY GEAR RPG 2nd ED
"A new game from Dream Pod 9 and Janus Publications, being the RPG of the excellent Heavy Gear card combat game.
The world is heavily inspired by Japanese anime and manga. The world Terra Nova was settled a thousand years ago, but now is isolated from Earth after the collapse of the Human Concordat. Two confederations exist on Terra Nova and apart from beating off invasions from imperialistic Earth, they totter on the brink of world war, with constant border clashes and raids. Warfare is mostly restricted to ground units such as Heavy Gears: suits of body armor making an infantryman into virtually a small vehicle: light and heavy tanks, striders, grunts, etc. This 2nd Edition includes the simple and elegant Silhouette game engine: complete role playing rules, a detailed world background, a rich setting: complete tactical rules and guidelines for campaigns, scenario generators for quick games: rules to use the tactical system as a hexless miniatures tabletop game: 20 illustration archetypes, illustrated & detailed stats for 8 Gears and 2 Striders". From the Military Simulations catalog.
HOT RODS AND GUN BUNNIES
"The ideal supplement for running Big Eyes, Small Mouth campaign adventures within the "guys-with-cars and girls-with-guns" Japanese anime and Hong Kong action film genre -- is scheduled for release in September 1999. Specific genre character types include police officers, army personnel, bounty hunters, skip tracers, drivers, pilots, government agents, hackers, private detectives, thieves, hitmen, and many others. The book also contains design mechanics for customizing character vehicles and weapons using an intuitive template system. Finally, Hot Rods and Gun Bunnies features a new and innovative skill system for the Tri-Stat System, which helps players design distinctive low- to mid-powered anime characters. A truly valuable resource for modern-day anime-based "cops and robbers" campaigns. By Jim Crocker. "
From firm's media release
JOVIAN CHRONICLES RPG
"A complete Science Fiction adventure based on Japanese anime brought to us by Dream Pod 9.
Tensions continue to rise between the Jovian Confederation and the Central Earth Government. Jovian President announced that Jovian Armed Forces will be increasing patrols in the Belt region through to the orbit of Mars. Earth responded by placing its fleet on high alert and placing new limits on civilian travel. War is expected before the end of the year. This is a complete game, using the Silhouette system found in Heavy Gear, about conflict in our solar system in the year 2210 AD. These rules contain everything required to play, including a detailed description of the Jovian Chronicles universe, the Silhouette roleplaying and tactical system, and a set of realistic vector-like space movement rules that are fast and efficient. Has more than 12 pre-generated vehicles. With full color pages". From the Military Simulations catalog.
MACROSS II RPG
Produced by Palladium.
"Is a complete role-playing game and uses Palladium's famous mega-damage combat. It is compatible with Rifts, The Mechanoids and the entire Palladium megaverse. Spectacular artwork shows front, side and back views, cut-a-ways, close-ups and detail drawings based from the original animation model sheets. Data includes the new transformable robots, battle armor, vehicles, equipment, Marduk and Zentran invaders, spacecraft and more. Highlights includes: 14 occupational character classes, including UN Spacy troops, Zentran and Murdoch, five transformable Valkyries, UN Spacy spacecraft, satellites, vehicles, weapons and war machine. Seven types of Marduk and Zentran power armor and mecha. Stats on major characters from the animated series. " From firm's media release.
MECHA!
By Seventh Street Games.
"Mecha! is a fast paced miniatures combat system that remains true to the Japanese anime giant robot traditions from which it was spawned. Explosions, missile exchanges, down and dirty hand-to-hand combat, and lethal firefights are the trademarks of this high action and easy to learn game" No longer in print.
MEKTON ZETA RPG
Produced by R. Talsorian Games.
"The complete system for real anime sci-fi adventure! Streamlined construction for all types of mecha, from transformable automobiles, to kilometre long star cruisers. Fast, detailed rules covering all kinds of anime action, from planet busting devastation to Kung Fu blows - all with the style and flash of your favourite Japanese Animation shows". From firm's media release.
PROJECT A-KO, THE ROLE PLAYING GAME
Released in 1995 by Dream Pod 9 and Janus Publications.
"Project A-ko: The Role Playing Game is a comedy science fiction game, complete with rules, equipment and characters derived from the Project A-Ko animated features. Also included is the Project A-Ko Fighter card game that can be used on its own or with the role playing game, with 36 cards printed in full color on quality stock. " From firm's media release. No longer in print.
RoboMACS
Under development by Plaid Rabbit Productions, they have finished the draft and are working on art and layout as of Dec'98.
"This game is for all fans of giant robot cartoons and live action shows who want to roleplay those kind of characters, but have found other systems too wargame-like. RoboMACs tries to have more of a dramatic, cinematic flavor to it, and tends to replace hard numbers with general traits and 'hooks'. The rules tend to be tilted more towards combat between humanoid or animalform Robos as opposed to vehicles, since that captures more the feel of the genre. Vehicle combat rules are presented, but detailed rules for creation of totally nonhumanoid "Robos" (such as starships, bases and non-transforming aircraft) are not part of this game. " From firm's media release.
ROBOTECH RPG
Produced by Palladium.
"Faithful recreation of the Robotech-Macross universe: from the destruction of SDF-1/2, to the launching of SDF-3. Mankind faces a war against an alien army. Includes character creation and classes, skill lists, combat mechanics, a complete Mecha and Destroid inventory, data on various weapon systems and suits, etc. From the Military Simulations catalog.
SAILOR MOON RPG AND SOURCEBOOK
Published by Guardians of Order.
"The core rule book will focus on the characters, plots, settings and themes presented in the first two seasons of the Sailor Moon TV show. The rule mechanics will be fully compatible with our highly acclaimed Big Eyes, Small Mouth anime RPG, allowing the two game books to be used in the same campaign setting. While the North American English translations of the TV show will serve as the primary source for the RPG background, corresponding and related information from the original Japanese anime and manga series will also be presented. So even though we'll usually refer to the boy-crazy blond as Serena, we'll be sure to tell our readers that her Japanese name is Tsukino Usagi, affectionately known as Usako by Damien (known in Japan as Mamoru). This way we can be true to the original Japanese production while maintaining familiarity with the English translation. Players will have the option of using the character sheets we provide for the Sailor Scouts and the villains (yes, you can play Nephlite or Prince Diamond) or creating their own versions of the Scouts with customized abilities. Additionally, players can even generate a totally new character with unique powers, magical items and skills, with our character creation rules. If you have a desire to play the grandson of Sailor Venus, Catsie's ex-boy friend or Molly Baker's evil twin sister, we say go for it! The Sailor Moon game engine is very easy to learn and understand (even for beginners), extremely flexible, and captures that "anime feeling" by emphasizing role-playing over numbers and charts. When the game rules are combined with an extensive resource and reference section (containing information previously unpublished in North America), a role playing campaign can be created that spins the entire story of Sailor Moon into unexplored and exciting directions. "
Firm's Press release.
STAR RIDERS
Published by Ianus Games.
Has been described as a complete stand alone game with the rules basically straight out of Teenagers From Outer Space with the absolute minimum of altering to transform the wacky high school game into a wacky space opera game. No longer in print.
TEENAGERS FROM OUTER SPACE
Published by R. Talsorian Games.
"The amazingly weird roleplaying game that lets you become a character in your own (or even somebody else's) Japanese Animation Comedy Show! Complete with everything you'll need to create Silly Superpowers, Gonzo Gadgets, Bikini Battlesuits, Mecha Mayhem, Magical Girlfriends and the ever popular sex-changing Boy/Girl Gun, this new edition of the original award winning game is guaranteed to change the way you look at anime (and roleplaying) forever!" From firm's media release.
TINKER'S DAMN
Published by Studio Cranium.
"Has been written as a flexible gaming system - this means that you aren't limited to one specific storyline or genre: science fiction, fantasy or modern-day adventure can be mixed in any proportion for an endless range of different campaigns. You can use the rules to duplicate your favorite anime shows or comics, or to create your own worlds from scratch and be as strange and unusual as you want! Let our lively mascots, Allison and Mittens, guide you though the basics - including magic, psychics, cyborgs and hackers, as well as special sections on weapon and vehicle design for those weekend warriors and armchair engineers out there! Then try your hand in any of our three sample campaigns filled with tons of hilarious characters and wild hardware . . .Hot Rod Apocalypse. The police have dealt with urban violence and organized crime for years, fighting hard to keep the peace. But when possessed muscle cars tear up the streets and demons incinerate downtown office buildings, they have to turn it over to a bunch of rubber-burning wizards. . . As "gritty" as a pulp novel detective story, "Hot Rod Apocalypse" - an alternate here and now - finds magic dressed not in cloak and staff, but business suit and briefcase. And it's not uncommon for your neighbour to have horns, a tail and listen to AC/DC! Blazing sorcery and leaded gasoline combine in a bizarre form of urban mayhem! Warbird Unlimited. In 1947, the wake of the Second World War left thousands of people restless and competitive - but even more restless than the people were the planes. . . Join a group of the wildest, strangest, most reckless pilots from around the world as they engage in a dirty, treacherous, hilarious race for fame and fortune. In this fast paced lifestyle, things never get boring: with all the air races, treasure hunts, corporate espionage, "mysterious encounters", cargo hauls and Nazis, the excitement never ends. As treasure and enemies come and go, each night will find them scrambling in a foreign sky for a different prize. . . Besides, it's more fun than a barrel of Nazis! Allied Patrol. In the not-so-distant future, a small group of military-misfits fight to stave off a nearly omnipotent alien force; although equipped with sleek fightermecha loaded for bear with massive engines and scathing armament they are barely a match for the invading Black Hats. . . destined to become lone gunners of a psychic war. Chock full of heavy action and light comedy "Allied Patrol" is a "clean" space opera of the 60's and 70's with many cliches from science fiction - likely those fiendishly effective armoured bikinis. A lively tale of interstellar warships and cute cat-girls.
USAGI YOJIMBO ROLE PLAYING GAME
By Gold Rush Games.
"Is a roleplaying game based on the Eisner Award winning comic book by Stan Sakai, following the adventures of a samurai rabbit in an anthropomorphic version of 17th century Japan. The game includes character write ups and background of all the popular hero characters from the comic, including Gennosuke, Tomoe Ame, Zato-ino, and even Miyomoto Usagi himself. You can use one of the characters right from the book or make up your own. The Usagi Yojimbo RPG uses the Instant Fuzion rules, a streamlined version of the Fuzion rules".
BY FIRM:
Dream Pod 9 http://www.dp9.com/
Heavy Gear RPG 2nd Ed
Jovian Chronicles RPG
Project A-Ko, The Role Playing Game
Gold Rush Games http://hometown.aol.com/goldrushg/index.htm
Usagi Yojimbo Role Playing Game
Guardians of Order http://www.guardiansorder.on.ca/
Big Eyes, Small Mouth
Big Robots, Cool Starships - supplement
Cyber City Oedo 808 RPG and Sourcebook (coming)
Demon City Shinjuku RPG and Sourcebook (coming)
Dominion Tank Police RPG and Sourcebook
Geobreeders RPG and Sourcebook (coming)
Hot Rods and Gun Bunnies - supplement (coming)
Sailor Moon RPG and Sourcebook
Palladium http://www.palladiumbooks.com/HOMEPAGE.HTM
Macross II RPG
Robotech RPG
Plaid Rabbit Productions http://plaidrabbit.galstar.com/
RoboMACS
Seventh Street Games
Mecha!
R. Talsorian Games http://www.talsorian.com/
Armoured Trooper Votoms
Bubblegum Crisis RPG
Mekton Zeta RPG
Teenagers From Outer Space
Steve Jackson Games http://www.sjgames.com/gurps
GURPS Mecha
Studio Cranium http://users.lewiston.com/cranium/
Tinker's Damn
Naturally we would be interested to hear about any anime and/or manga inspired or related games that are not yet listed (and can be played by those who only understand English). masweb@metva.com.au
