D&D 4E 4e and anime

[WyzardWhately]

There are a number of animes out there that could influence 4E without bothering me a bit. The OVAs of Kenshin (Not the animated series), for example, would be perfectly alright.

 

[Zurai]

Generally speaking, when someone says "anime" here, they mean "shounen anime."

That should go a long way to explaining what people would mean by an anime setting.

Even then there are major differences. Rurouni Kenshin and Dragonball Z are both Shounen Jump mangas, but they're nothing at all alike. The entire first story arc of RK doesn't have any 'anime' moves at all (though it does have a spellcaster), and even the second arc (of three, and the anime ended at arc2 unless you count the fillers) only has stuff that's rarely even as strong as 5th level maneuvers in Bo9S. Hell, Kenshin's "ultimate technique" is basically Shadow Blade Technique, which is a 1st level maneuver.

Contrast that to DBZ, where planets are destroyed, wishes are granted (many, many, MANY times), etc.

 

[DungeonMaester]

"Anime" is the new "cinematic" which is basically just a keyword for "this game is too action packed and not thoughtful enough". "

You hit the nail on the head there. When people say they do not like anime it is because the the traits you list are the turn off button. I like my game to be like the princess bride, not Inuyasha.

The kicker is that Record of Lodoss war and the princess bride are the execptions to the rule. The Rule is Die hard and Inyasha are the rule though.

--Rusty

 

[Pazu]

"Anime" is the new "cinematic" which is basically just a keyword for "this game is too action packed and not thoughtful enough".

I mean geez, WHAT anime? Are we talking about the intense family dynamics of Fruits Basket? The low key realism of Master Keaton, or the over-the-top comedics of Oran Host Club? DO we have any more definition beyond "something I don't like?"

Personally, I want my D&D game to more closely resemble The Ping Pong Club.

 

[John Q. Mayhem]

Elric is a parody of Conan?

Moorcock has been specific that Elric was intended to be the polar opposite of Conan. Physically weak, magic-user, the ruler of a decadent and evil civilization who gave up his power. It's kinda interesting.

 

[mhensley]

Moorcock has been specific that Elric was intended to be the polar opposite of Conan. Physically weak, magic-user, the ruler of a decadent and evil civilization who gave up his power. It's kinda interesting.

Yep total opposites. Conan is a total badass and Elric is a whiny, emo bitch. Conan stories are fun to read and Elric ones are boring drivel. Of course, IMHO and YMMV.

 

[ThirdWizard]

Even then there are major differences. Rurouni Kenshin and Dragonball Z are both Shounen Jump mangas, but they're nothing at all alike. The entire first story arc of RK doesn't have any 'anime' moves at all (though it does have a spellcaster), and even the second arc (of three, and the anime ended at arc2 unless you count the fillers) only has stuff that's rarely even as strong as 5th level maneuvers in Bo9S. Hell, Kenshin's "ultimate technique" is basically Shadow Blade Technique, which is a 1st level maneuver.

Contrast that to DBZ, where planets are destroyed, wishes are granted (many, many, MANY times), etc.

That's mostly a power level difference, though. Kenshin is 5th level, Goku is 30th level, and Krillin (Kuririn if you prefer) is 1st level. (I kid, I kid ) I'm just saying that it narrows it down a lot. Shounen adventures at least would have certain tropes that you would at least be able to see commonality across, for the most part. There are still issues, but at least you aren't Honey & Clover one day and Azumanga Daioh the next!

 

[ruleslawyer]

Moorcock has been specific that Elric was intended to be the polar opposite of Conan. Physically weak, magic-user, the ruler of a decadent and evil civilization who gave up his power. It's kinda interesting.

Exactly. But polar opposite is pretty much precisely *not* parody, which is traditionally "deliberately poor imitation... travesty... [or] satirical interpretation."

 

[FireLance]

A little late to the party, but I just discovered Avatar: The Last Airbender/The Legend of Aang. I wouldn't mind at all if 4e looked like that.

 

[KrazyHades]

You mean classic fantasy authors like Tolkien, Howard, and Moorcock? ...

I believe you mean classic anime writers.