Any good examples of TTRPGs with high degree of "Asymmetry" I might have missed?

[aramis erak]

Fantasy Hero had two aspects where it differed. it had the first explicit "purchased mundane gear doesn't cost points" and it was the first introduction of the Independent limitation (a character may use the item without paying points, but only for so long as the item is around. Replacement is not assumed unlike items purchased with points). 1e also had a few different costs than the same era of Champions and introduced a few new powers which was annoying at the time.

I started running FH using the setting book for HSR4... and normal, non-magical gear was no-points/spend cash. Magical or above-local-tech gear was pay points for. (I have the HSR3 standalone, but never ran that. Likewise, Star Hero. In the HSR 3 era, I ran Danger International, Robot Warriors, and Champions.)

If you bought it with the (very tempting) Independent, or if you paid for it with cash: when lost, damaged, or destroyed, it was GONE, reduce your point total.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

I did use Independent more than once. Never got burned by it, though.

 

[Argyle King]

HERO - I only vaguely remember trying it. My question about the gear was due to the last experience I remember having with it. I was given the (possibly wrong) impression that looting enemies or picking up found items would cost character points if I wanted to keep the items. Though, that's taking the thread off-topic.


Asymmetry in TTRPGS. . .

RIFTS might qualify. It's been a long time since I've played it, but I remember the rules for the various classes often producing very different results.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

RIFTS definitely has radically asymmetrical power across classes & races*, but I haven't played it in soooooo long- I can't remember if the classes actually had differing mechanical systems like the OP was looking for.





* Talisantha's slogan was "No Elves!" RIFTS' might as well have been "No balance!"