Help me pick a game to run.

[Reynard]

I am feeling the need for a lengthy break from running 5E and am trying to figure out what might be a good fit. I kind of want to try something new that I don't play or write for regularly (so no Savage Worlds) and I think I want less focus on violence as a core component of the fiction.

Due to how generally busy I am, I want something that is low to no prep. It should be episodic rather than a singular serial "story" and accommodate, say, 4 players. I'd prefer the rules to be a little more narrative but not necessarily a "story game." While I am okay with some system complexity I am not interested in either big fat rulebooks or extensive menus of PC abilities.

Genre wise I am not sure but I like supers, cyberpunk, space opera, weird fantasy, post apocalyptic, some horror elements and genre mash-ups. I don't like cutesy anything, though, and no children PCs.

Game wise I am okay with loo(ing at suggestions in the OSR, PbtA, FitD, Fate or other spaces. I don't mind a bespoke system either.

I will be playing weekly 2 hour sessions over the internet (probably just over Discord since I'm a little burnt on Fantasy Grounds).

So, all that considered, what game should I give a look to?

Thanks!

 

[Xamnam]

It's one of the obvious answers, so I'll just get it out of the way: sounds like Blades in the Dark might not be a bad fit, especially if the setting grabs you. Violence doesn't need to be core, the prevalence could vary depending on what crew/scoundrels you go with.

 

[Snarf Zagyg]

As per usual, I'm going to recommend a rules-lite one pager. Maybe ... Lasers & Feelings to start? Or if you're looking for something that both appeals to your love of Jane Austen and giant mechs, how about Pride and Extreme Prejudice?

Once you start, you won't stop.

 

[Reynard]

As per usual, I'm going to recommend a rules-lite one pager. Maybe ... Lasers & Feelings to start?

I really like the clean design of L&F. I keep meaning to host a one shot to see if it translates to the actual table.

 

[Reynard]

It's one of the obvious answers, so I'll just get it out of the way: sounds like Blades in the Dark might not be a bad fit, especially if the setting grabs you. Violence doesn't need to be core, the prevalence could vary depending on what crew/scoundrels you go with.

I like FitD in general but I can take or leave the settings for the "big three" -- Blades, Bands, and Scum and Villainy. I need to find a FitD that isn't so hyperfocused on a setting.

 

[Snarf Zagyg]

I really like the clean design of L&F. I keep meaning to host a one shot to see if it translates to the actual table.

It's a great option to start, but the thing is ... there are so many great one page systems. Find the one that appeals to you and run it. Eventually, you'll just make them on your own as needed.

 

[innerdude]

I agree with @Xamnam , your overall requirements sound like a FitD-type system would be a good fit.

For short, episodic, online roleplaying with just basic video/audio, Ironsworn or Ironsworn: Starforged would be a fantastic fit. My group did a short, 8-session Ironsworn campaign in mid-2021 that was basically just what you described (low tech, primarily just audio/video), and it was an absolute blast.

I haven't played it yet, but I recently got my kickstarter fulfillment for Court of Blades, which is a courtly intrigue / Three Musketeers take on Blades in the Dark. Just based on my read through, everything about the way they've structured this iteration of FitD is awesome.

I also think Genesys with the Netrunner sourcebook would work really well for cyberpunk, if you're okay with the narrative dice mechanic. It's not "no prep", but it's definitely "low prep". It's quite easy to do a lot of stuff on the fly, with the way challenge dice pools are built.

 

[Reynard]

For short, episodic, online roleplaying with just basic video/audio, Ironsworn or Ironsworn: Starforged would be a fantastic fit. My group did a short, 8-session Ironsworn campaign in mid-2021 that was basically just what you described (low tech, primarily just audio/video), and it was an absolute blast.

How well does Ironsworn run with multiple players and a GM? I am only familiar with it by way of Me, Myself and Die -- which I loved. The system looks really intriguing and am definitely curious about Starforged.

 

[hawkeyefan]

I can’t disagree with recommendations for Blades in the Dark- or any of the iterations mentioned- or Ironsworn. Those are both solid, low prep options that allow for multiple paths to success.

I’ll add Spire: The City Must Fall. I beat this drum a lot, but this game is great. It’s similar in ways to Blades, both mechanically and thematically, but different enough to warrant consideration. You can also get the Quickstart as PWYW and the same for three published scenarios.

For something on the OSR side, Mothership is a fun sci-fi horror game. You can get the core rules for free (though the updated version will be released soon), and there are a bunch of reasonably priced scenarios, including three very solid options from the game’s designers, which are different from one another.

 

[CleverNickName]

Why OSR, when you can just OS?

I recommend the old Basic and Expert boxed sets to anyone wanting a refreshing change of pace from 5e. Rules-light, story-forward, faster play, and plenty of published modules and gazetteers at your fingertips.