Experiences with Basic Fantasy RPG

[HywayWolf]

I am not an experienced DM or Player so my comments may not be as useful as the ones already recieved, but BFRPG is my game of choice. I played mostly B/X back in the 80's and stopped playing long before 2E appeared, so you can imagine my shock when I returned to D&D in 2007. I didn't even recognize the game. I wanted to play, but the knowledge base required to play 3.5 seemed very daunting. Looking back at my game of choice, B/X, I liked what I saw, but the inconsistencies seemed more glaring in my elder years than they did when I was young and stupid. BFRPG was what I found to bridge what I thought was missing from "old school".

It plays great with lots of room for imaginative thinking on both the DM and players parts. It allows for more than the handful of character/classes B/X allowed and it made combat much easier.

 

[kitsune9]

I'm going to shock some of you...

When my 3.5 game ends later this year, I may NOT be going to 4e. The is building opposition (rather than the initial apathy) to it, and I'm not sure I'm willing to sacrifice my players (and friends) for my choice of game system.

While (heavily modified) 3.5 and/or Pathfinder remain options, of late my eye has wandered toward Basic Fantasy RPG (Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game). It reminds me of my days playing BECMI (Rules Cyclopedia) D&D with its simple mechanics and general tone, but also feels modern (or at least improved upon) in certain mechanical areas (no level limits, race/class split, upward AC) and has room to incorporate some of my old 2e/RC house rules (crits, non-weapon profs) as well as a plethora of expansion material (the Dungeoneer's Almanac and playtest classes seem full of crunchy goodness to pillage etc)

What I'm looking for is some road experience with the system. Is there any areas where the system lacks (I'm especially interested in the lack of high level spells for wizard/clerics and how that affects high-level play, as well as thief skill ranks seeming awfully low) and how easy is it to convert other D&D material to it (easy by appearance, but are there pit traps to be wary?)

Anyone who can comment on how well it plays (esp at higher levels) and converts (at any level) as well as anything else, feel free to add.

I looked at this game a while back. Way too low magic for me. I tend to run campaigns from 1st to 20th+ level with 9th level spells and all that.

 

[pdiddy]

BFRPG is a great game. I think you hit the nail on the head when you say it has the feel and playstyle of the old basic/expert games but it also includes what some would consider modern sensibilities.

There is also a great sword & sorcery supplement at:
http://www.retroroleplaying.com/files/BF-Swords-and-Sorcery-Supplement.pdf

 

[JeffB]

BFRPG is a great game. I think you hit the nail on the head when you say it has the feel and playstyle of the old basic/expert games but it also includes what some would consider modern sensibilities.

Yup. Thats pretty much it. It takes a few things from D20 that I prefer (e.g. Negative levels, race and class separation among others) and tacks them onto the MCM B/X rules. I have not run any BFRPG games (wasn't crunchy enuff for my old gaming group), but it seems to me that it would run just as well as the system it is primarily based on (and MCM B/X is my fave version of the TSR produced D&D game, so I'm a fan).

Make sure you pick up the supplemental rules materials off the BFRPG website as well- some great additions in there.

I'd also highly reccomend Spellcraft & Swordplay if you are looking for a retro D&D style game with more modern mechanics/sensibilities.

 

[Baron Opal]

I looked at this game a while back. Way too low magic for me. I tend to run campaigns from 1st to 20th+ level with 9th level spells and all that.

Check out Labarynth Lord. It goes all the way to elev.., er, twenty.

 

[Solomoriah]

So does BFRPG. What kitsune9 means is that the game doesn't have 7th, 8th, or 9th level spells (though 7th level spells are added in the Almanack).

The main reason those spells are missing is that nobody has come up with a really interesting list of spells for the 8th and 9th levels. The omission of the 7th level spells was for consistency with my "coverage target" game.

 

[Raven Crowking]

Chris,

You did a very fine job with the game.

RC

 

[Remathilis]

Ah, this thread is bittersweet for me now...

I bought the BFRPG book. I printed the Almanack, made character sheets, converted one of my favorite basic D&D module, and got ready to run a game. This Friday!

No one was interested. I actually had players willing to take a few weeks off game rather than "go backwards" from 3e.

So I boxed up my BFRPG stuff for now, and intend that ONE DAY I shall run my BFRPG game; probably not with those losers.

Anyone in the Metro Detroit area looking for a BFRPG game; I'll make arrangements.

 

[Solomoriah]

You did a very fine job with the game.

Thanks!

I visited your site... you have a few images that don't display. Just thought you might like to know.

Oh, and your RPG system looks interesting. A bit too "advanced" for me, but definitely interesting.

 

[Solomoriah]

No one was interested. I actually had players willing to take a few weeks off game rather than "go backwards" from 3e.

Well, that sucks. Long term players? Friends, even? Heck, I'd play about anything once if a friend asked (as long as it wasn't too freaky).

Anyone in the Metro Detroit area looking for a BFRPG game; I'll make arrangements.

Have you checked on Dragonsfoot yet? Post in the "Looking for Games/Gamers" forum. Given your location, I'd be surprised if there are really no old-school players in your area.

Too bad you're so far away... I never get to play, only GM.