D&D 4E 4e and anime

[The_Fan]

I've heard a lot of people (though less lately) say that 4e will be "too anime." I have to disagree.

I don't think it's anime ENOUGH!

I grew up on anime before it became cool (darn kids these days with their professional-quality dubs), and it really flavored my view of warrior types. But before Bo9S, I've never been able to pull off anything resembling an anime fighter in D&D. Even then, there was a lot that seemed missing. So, I'm all for martial charactes with flowery names for their attacks, but that's not enough!

I want my fighter to be able to slash his sword and cause a pressure wave to strike an enemy at a distance, or smash his hammer against the ground and cause a shockwave that stuns or knocks down every enemy nearby. I want my rogue to be able to move so fast he leaves an after-image that confuses his enemy, allowing him to backstab, or my ranger to rush through multiple enemies, slicing at each one as he goes by.

Naturally, these would have to be pretty high-level abilities, but I want the option to be there once I reach that level.

Who is with me?

 

[Doug McCrae]

I don't think it's anime ENOUGH!

Agreed. But I figure we'll have to wait until 6e before it will be 100% anime.

I recently bought Tome of Battle and it really does rock. At last guys who hit things can do mad, cool, interesting stuff. If anyone wants to see a preview of 4e btw, buy ToB, it's got more 4e features than any of the other recent books.

 

[CleverNickName]

I like anime...but my childhood exposure to it was mostly from futuristic films like Akira. So it doesn't feel right with my preconceived notions of what D&D should be.

But man...if I'm playing D20 Modern, I'm all over it. All. Over. It.

 

[Nifft]

I like anime...but my childhood exposure to it was mostly from futuristic films like Akira.

I remember Akira! That would be a funky setting.

Anything like the blob-dude's absorb stuff power in M&M?

Cheers, -- N

 

[Monkey Boy]

Why wait for 4E when you can play Exalted and have your anime inspired fantasy right now?

Exalted has a lot of fans and seems popluar, especially on rpg.net. Have you given it a go?

In other words, the game you crave already exists. You may want 4E to be over the top anime but I expect you will be dissapointed.

 

[Mathew_Freeman]

Why wait for 4E when you can play Exalted and have your anime inspired fantasy right now?

Exalted has a lot of fans and seems popluar, especially on rpg.net. Have you given it a go?

In other words, the game you crave already exists. You may want 4E to be over the top anime but I expect you will be dissapointed.

Warning: In my experience, Exalted also has lots of dice rolling. Really, really, lots. And you have to keep working out how many dice you get depending on what powers you have. This can make combat a little slow.

But I want to stress that I love the setting, and would happily steal it in a heartbeat.

As regards the original post - yes, I agree! More super-ninja funky types! So long as the 'dumb-as-a-rock-and-about-as-tough' archetype is still there, too.

 

[WhatGravitas]

Naturally, these would have to be pretty high-level abilities, but I want the option to be there once I reach that level.

Who is with me?

Similar opinion here. Anime-style is generally not by cup of tea. But the option, sure thing. I want to be able to take quasi-mystical animesque powers or similarly powered mundane-flavoured ones.

Cheers, LT.

 

[Cadfan]

I agree with The_Fan.

It should be optional, though. Rather than mix in the occasional 60' radius hammer generated shockwave, just make a book entirely devoted to that sort of character.

D&D can handle basically every anime trope, except the "everyone can fly" style of anime martial arts. Flying messes with the game mechanics if its available at early or even mid levels.

 

[KoshPWNZYou]

Why wait for 4E when you can play Exalted and have your anime inspired fantasy right now?

Exalted has a lot of fans and seems popluar, especially on rpg.net. Have you given it a go?

In other words, the game you crave already exists. You may want 4E to be over the top anime but I expect you will be dissapointed.

Right idea, but wrong game:

http://www.white-wolf.com/besm/

 

[KingCrab]

Someone needs to stat Totoro so he can be included in the next MM.