JRPG style TTRPGs

[aramis erak]

Aw, that's a bummer. I didn't have time to actually look at them. Thanks for pointing that out.

When you do get it, please come back to post about it!

Will do. They feel like "at the table reference versions for your tablet/reader" not full rulebooks.

 

[Garrga]

Hi all,

Recently* I’ve been on a kick to explore and consider TTRPGs aimed at games like Japanese console RPGs (JRPGs) like Final Fantasy, Fire Emblem, Trails of Cold Steel, etc as well as adjacent genres such as isekai manga.

*for the last year at least.

This is quite a growing genre in TTRPGs recently. The big dog is probably Fabula Ultima, but there’s also Break!! RPG (still haven’t been able to get hold of a copy - I preordered the pdf but there’s some sort of holdup) and Cloudbreaker Alliance. There are also actual translations of Japanese TTRPGs such as Challenge Dungeon, KonoSuba (based on Arianrhod, one of the two biggest fantasy TTRPGs in Japan), and Sword World (the other one; there’s a fan translation of Sword World 2.5 out there).

Has anyone played these and what do you think of them?

We’ve played Fabula Ultima a bit and it works pretty well, though I find the lack of setting material in the main book a bit frustrating (I know, you’re supposed to make up your own). Cloudbreaker Alliance comes with its own quite eclectic and well-developed setting and is different but also interesting. It is kinda reminds me of how to install skytils and have all vibes of that game

It’s great to see more attention being given to JRPG-inspired TTRPGs! I’ve also been exploring some of these systems recently and find them fascinating. Fabula Ultima is definitely a solid choice if you're looking for something that feels like a blend of the core elements of JRPGs—epic battles, character-driven stories, and intricate world-building. I get what you mean about the lack of setting material in the core book; it’s a bit bare-bones in that regard, but it also leaves room for creative expansion. Cloudbreaker Alliance caught my attention too, and I agree with you that the eclectic setting is one of its strengths. It feels more like a fully realized world that you can jump into, which is refreshing compared to some other systems that leave a lot to the imagination. I’ve heard mixed things about Break!! RPG, but I’m curious to see how it plays out once you finally get a copy—sounds like it could be a lot of fun if it hits the right notes.

 

[Piperken]

Break!! went on sale with a light discount about a day or two ago, and has copies available.

 

[Starfox]

Break!! went on sale with a light discount about a day or two ago, and has copies available.

Where do I find this?

 

[jian]

It’s great to see more attention being given to JRPG-inspired TTRPGs! I’ve also been exploring some of these systems recently and find them fascinating. Fabula Ultima is definitely a solid choice if you're looking for something that feels like a blend of the core elements of JRPGs—epic battles, character-driven stories, and intricate world-building. I get what you mean about the lack of setting material in the core book; it’s a bit bare-bones in that regard, but it also leaves room for creative expansion. Cloudbreaker Alliance caught my attention too, and I agree with you that the eclectic setting is one of its strengths. It feels more like a fully realized world that you can jump into, which is refreshing compared to some other systems that leave a lot to the imagination. I’ve heard mixed things about Break!! RPG, but I’m curious to see how it plays out once you finally get a copy—sounds like it could be a lot of fun if it hits the right notes.

Just noticed in the quote from me there’s a weird addition about skytils? No idea what that’s about.

 

[RenleyRenfield]

I think this counts as a JRPG TTRPG?

I made a Final Fantasy 8 RPG (link) (just fan stuff)

It uses Cypher system as core rules...

We are still working on the Guardian Force part, and need a few more Spell Junctions...

 

[jian]

I think this counts as a JRPG TTRPG?

I made a Final Fantasy 8 RPG (link) (just fan stuff)

It uses Cypher system as core rules...

We are still working on the Guardian Force part, and need a few more Spell Junctions...

Looks pretty comprehensive already, well done. I don’t know enough about Cypher to understand the implications of the rules, sadly.

 

[dbm]

Where do I find this?

I also picked this up recently as it came back in print, available from here

 

[Anon Adderlan]

You can easily switch from roll under to roll over. Roll under with D&D-like stats becomes roll 1d20+whole stat vs TN22. If it's roll equal to or under, it becomes TN21. The math is identical.

If that's the only thing keeping you from playing Break, it seems like a worthwhile fix.

It's not an easy fix because the system already uses both roll under and over depending on the mode of play, for no discernable benefit.

There's a lot to like about this game, but the system though isn't one of them.

 

[jian]

I’ve now finished reading and summarising Cottages & Cerberus, which I didn’t particularly expect to be a JRPG style game, but it definitely is. As the name implies, it balances cosy cottagecore crafting with hunting monsters (and looting them for sweet parts to craft items from), and is as JRPG in an Atelier style as you could wish for. It actually does a remarkable job of having robust stats and systems for Cozy Mode (make items for your cottage and get Cozy Points that are basically XP so you level up) and Adventure Mode (hunt, fight, and loot monsters) which form your basic game loop. It’s just a very well made RPG.

The bestiary in particular is a delight - each monster comes with a mini adventure of what happens as you hunt and approach it, and has a variety of unique mechanics for hunting and combat. I’m not surprised the bestiary has been released as 5E and Pathfinder versions.