It really is crazy, there's a lot of good games out there, but finding the time to play them all especially with a group who also wants to play can be difficult. I'm a GM (about 66% of the time) I find myself always returning to the 5e system (not necessarily wotc) because it was the first ttrpg system I understood, it's easily hackable and the rules really don't matter too much What I don't like is that when I try to explore other ttrpgs, I find myself always going back to 5e 😭😭 I like Pathfinder 2e, but that system isn't good for my gaming group I really liked Dungeon World, and I find it to be a wealth of GM knowledge and its class philosophy. I like the class based damage, and armor as damage reduction I haven't really read Dragonbane, but maybe that should be my next move. I know how combat works in that game. It feels a little brutal that creatures auto hit, I mean yea in 5e around 10th level a lot of creatures get like +10 attack and ac doesn't matter at that point I know building a character is classless, if the character building is similar to pf2e or 5e I'll enjoy it for sure, because my group doesn't really want to play any other system it can be difficult to branch out Part of the problem was that 5e took some time to learn with its medium crunch and character creation can take an hour sometimes, they don't want to learn a new system, which is fair. We have a game and it works, but sometimes I want to play other systems
@KariFeRawri Dragonbane is NOT a “you will not die” type of game. If players are not wise, their characters will die. Getting monsters to use their actions to defend instead of attack is key to surviving them. “Normal” enemies roll skills just like the players do.
I’m an old AD&D kid and tried to pick up 5E about 4 years ago and was shocked at how little it appealed to me. I found ICRPG and loved it, still do. It has lots of really clever mechanics and is super flexible. I recently picked up Dragonbane, and I’m encouraged to see so many people saying how much they like it
Despite the reduction in placement, I was happy to hear your comments on BFRPG. And I get it, experimentation is fun... I did some, back in college... ... no, not like that ... dang ...
All but one of the games on the list are one’s I’d run again in a moment! Thanks for shepherding such a great project! And…what happened in college stays in college?
Great countdown. ICRPGs character RAW progression systems allow for maximum flexibility for players and GMs alike. Milestone and Mastery rewards work in tandem; the GM rewards appropriate Milestones (usually in consultation with the player) when they make narrative sense, so they are always timed right in the game for a satisfying fit, while Mastery rewards come with the luck of the dice-the more you “do stuff” in the game, the more you roll nat 20s, and the more nat 20s you get, the sooner your cool bonus abilities arrive! It’s amazing at the table.
How do you think Giving Mastery on both 20 and 1s would work? A small gold nugget in Dragon Bane is that you get one of the mentioned marks on a crit success, but also on a crit failure... Having players almost cheer for a crit fail (mine just love when the story develops from extreme rolls, so they would almost cheer anyway, but you know.)
Another Plus of Basic Fantasy 4th ed is the large amount of Modules that are ready to play. 'JN1 Chaotic Caves' is homage to 'Keep on the Borderlands'. AND its all free to download and try. A great B/X system. The community is very active.
Yeah! Numenera and the Cypher System! I have to agree, the ease on learning the system, coming up with things on the fly for the GM; it really does just work! And while there's alot of mechanics that can be added, its all optional! And even the Cypher Whitebooks added mechanics can be pluged into a Published Setting for Cypher... As you said, Its basic rules are simple... Everything else is optional! Great video!
I am a huge fan of the system. Adapted it in 3-4 different ways. I have a hard time really getting into he lore, but cyphers sell it. One time use magic items that go hard. Favourite part above all: 1)Players get weird ass cypher 2) players complain about how random and useless it is 3) *time* 4) players are in a pinch, suddenly remembers that removing friction from a object will totally -unplanned by me, because I forgot too- resolve this entire scenario and give them a big win. High fives all around. Never to be repeated, because the item is spent now. This is a BLAST
Dragonbane has been my favorite in the last few years as well! I appreciate that you emphasize fast at the table cause that’s very important to me too. Have you gotten to look at Savage Pathfinder? I was considering it for my new group as they’re wanted something a bit more “heroic“ without being too crunchy. Another game, not really heroic though, that looks great is Tales of Argosa. Seems to hit a really nice mid crunch level and allows the players to do some cool extra stuff. Anyway, enjoyed the video!
Savage Pathfinder is on my radar, since I’d like to explore the lore but the Pathfinder system isn’t really my cup of tea. I backed Tales of Argosa, and reviewed Low Fantasy Gaming, I can’t wait to get it!
Very exciting! I have played 2 non-D&D on your list. Shadowdark (GM) and Dragonbane (PC). Shadowdark has become our substitute system for when the group fails to get everyone together. But I'm about to embark on an extended adventure with Dragonbane alongside some of my regular players. And I may run an adventure myself. I mean, you get to play a Mallard! C'mon! Suggestions: If you like Dragonbane then you are already familiar with the system, might I suggest Vaesen. Also by Free League. I also quite enjoy Shadow of the Demon Lord. A nice mix of tactical, old school and modern mechanics with a cool magic system and combat mechanics.
Yes to Pendragon content! I've always had a soft spot for the Basic Roleplay powered rules sets, specifically Stormbringer (Moorcock Elric fantasy), Elfquest (Wendy and Richard Pini's excellent comics), and Pendragon. Surprisingly, never got into Runequest or Call of Cthulhu. Last Origins, I picked up Chaosium's Rivers of London based BRP game. In any case, def. give us some Pendragon stuff!
I think it's really great to see review lists of games that you've actually run! There are lots of channels that review games based on a book flip through and you can't always judge weather you'll actually enjoy games at the table without trying them.
I have those some of those reviews as well. I try to play everything, there just isn’t time. For “favorite games,” though running them is something of a requirement, I feel.
Savage Words. Gumshoe, and Fate Core or Fate Accelerated are my top picks. The first is gonzo fun. The second clarifies how investigative games should be run and still be fun. And the third is the only game on both our list that represents a revolution in game theory and design.
I WILL run Savage Worlds in this coming year for SOMETHING. It looks like a blast. I’ve been told that Fate Accelerated is what I should start with if I get into the game. Do you find that to be the case?
Savage Worlds has so many great settings but my recommendation is still Deadlands- lots to dig into! And yes, Fate Accelerated is the best way to learn the Fate system. It’s basically Fate Core with the skill system removed and it’s not missed.
I've heard of Shadow Dark; that is it. I've played White Wolf, Cyberpunk 2020, Star Wars. Skip 4th Edition, AD&D-5th. Oh, and a buddy of mine made his own TTRPG called Shadow Hunter RPG; he runs that for us.
For a game not listed but suggested. I have been having a blast with "Outgunned" (2 Little Mice, same makers of Household), with the "Action Flicks Vol. 1" (Movies, Harry Potter, Aliens, Star Wars etc.) and "World of Killers" (John Wick) expansions. It is a great d6 (roll and keep) dice pool based system to run action movies from, the ability to create monsters/NPC are as simple as Cypher. If players roll "6 of a kind" they tell the GM what happens in the "Spotlight".
Yah. I have the PDF and someone on my discord wants to run it for us! The game looks AWESOME! I interviewed the folks from Two Little Mice a few months back.
I am currently using EZD6 as my primary ttrpg. I find it, and the optional rules pdf, has brought a game that has simple rules and lasting desire to keep playing. Session based, non-leveled advancement as your character learns new skills and abilities. Including Power Dice and Edges to characters and their path.
Excited for Pendragon. I'm a huge Basic Roleplaying fan, which I'm sure I've mentioned before. That definitely set me up to like Dragonbane. Glad to finally have the box set for that. Now...players? Maybe one day. Still hoping to pick up Numenera one of these days. But it's a little lower on my list right now. I enjoyed playing it and would love to get back to it. I'm less into a lot of the other stuff that's been coming out for the Cypher system, but not everything has to be for me. I'm sure it's for someone, and that's great. I need to play Index Card RPG sometime. It didn't click with me while reading it, but I suspect it'll make more sense at the table. I've only managed to run a one shot of Call of Cthulhu and of Dungeon Crawl Classics this year, sadly. I was trying to get a regular DCC game going, but couldn't get enough people who were interested and could actually show up, on the same day, at the same time, for more than a week in a row. I played a little Alien and Tales from the Loop last year, and those were great. Still enjoying playing in an ongoing Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Ed) game, which is one I've ended up liking much more than I expected. I like that it's a system that lets you dial up or down the crunch. Want to get into the weeds with designing your robots, starships, and space sectors? Great. It's all there for you to noodle on. Don't want to do any of that? Here's a bunch of pre-done stuff and a very simple game mechanic. Get to storytelling. My only real complaint so far is that I don't love the design of the character sheet I was first using. But there are lots of others out there and the new one I'm using works much better for me.
Traveller is a game I would enjoy trying out. Bummed you couldn’t get a DCC game going, through. And I am interested to what what I think of Pendragon! Thanks for watching!
I love the latest Pendragon rules. The Starter set is incredible -- and I love how they expanded out the rules for female knights. Haven't played it yet - but would love to try it out.
I've played 6 games on your list. Dragonbane is at the top of my list. I play it solo and it is fast. Card-based activation is perfect for solitary play.
@@DMTalesTTRPG It's gonzo! I've lost two copies of my clone so far. with only one other copy left, I have to be careful not to anger the Central System! LOL
I just discovered Dragonbane. I’m running the starter adventure in a few weeks. We’re coming from 5e and PF2e so it’s going to be a huge change in power dynamics for sure.
@@DMTalesTTRPG I'm running the free starter encounter Riddermound as a test for my players. Assuming they enjoying it (or at least tolerate it at first), I'll run the included adventure or Path to Glory. I like to run one published adventure with a system before venturing out on homebrew as a good learning tool for everyone.
What a wonderful list! ❤Six of your ten favorite games are also high on my list. One can see that you like games that are fast on the table. I am currently playing EZD6 with friends, and it is indeed very fast, flexible, and exciting. I can really recommend the "EZD6 Quests" book. It provides three times six adventures that can be played separately or as campaigns. Reading an adventure maximally takes about twenty minutes, and you are ready to go as a Rabble Rouser. Another system I am just discovering that could be to your liking is "Crown & Skull", also by Runehammer. It has quite a different approach with characters only having skills and equipment. Damage is called "Attrition", and makes both your skills and your equipment unusable. Characters are easily customisable with an easy point buy system, so are magic spells.
Thanks! I need to pick up the other two EZD6 book! And Crown and Skull is on my “to pick up” lists. Rinehammer’s store is opening up soon and I’ll get it there.
1e AD&D is where the DM plans 5 rooms that no matter what the players choose. They always wind up picking all of them and attempt escaping being murdered in. The players will naturally be cautious, and implement stalling. Meanwhile, the DM may not need to dream up 5 new ones every session. Time and money is what players need, and never have enough.
I just recently discovered Warlock Traitors Edition as well as Warpstar. I haven't had the chance to play them yet, but I like the rules that I have read for them.
Got those not long ago, myself. Warlock definitely has a lot of Warhammer Fantasy and Advanced Fighting Fantasy inspirations. Albeit in a more minimalist format. Which is great because WFRP and AFF are some favorites. The rules are a bit loosey-goosey in places, but they're straightforward enough to be simple at house-ruling or creating your own additions.
Interesting games on here! I just started playing TTRPGs a little over 2 months ago. So far Ker Nethalas is the only game I've played, and I love it. Great solo dark fantasy dungeon crawler. I just picked up the box set of Forbidden Lands and I love how dark and dangerous it is! Just created my characters for solo play yesterday and very excited to jump in! Symbaroum also looks right up my alley! Not sure how difficult it would be to run solo or what books I would need beyond the core ruleset, tho.
Cool! Have you just done solo play so far? What got you to jump in? Symbaroum is cool, just mark pages when you see rules you think you’ll need! As for Forbidden Lands, the book of beasts adds some stuff you might want, I don’t have it, though….yet.
@@DMTalesTTRPG Yes, only solo play so far. I didn't know solo play existed, haha. Once I learned about that, and that some RPGs were tailor made or adapted to solo play, I knew I had to jump into TTRPGs. I do have the Book of Beasts too, for the solo rules. Matt Kay also has an extended solo play supplement on DriveThru that adds two new professions, specifically for solo play. I'm playing the Explorer profession with my main PC!
Mazes, Mausritter, ICRPG, Burning Wheel, Knave, Cairn, Genesys, D&D5e and PF2E with intentions of running ShadowDark, Dragonbane, and EZD6 as soon as I get my hands on them.
I really love mazes. ESPECIALLY as an introductory game for folk who aren't familiar with the trappings of roleplaying games. You can just ask them about 2 questions and figure out what they want to play and the character sheet does the rest. Mausritter is basically a more stripped down Into the Odd. I think it's great for kids and has a lot of character. Very simple and easy to run.
A few older games I rarely see on yt. Interlock/Fuzion by R Talsorian Games. Makers of Cyberpunk 2020 and Mekton and recently The Witcher. Great easy system. Silicore/Silhouette system by Dream Pod 9. Heavy Gear and Jovian Chronicles. Hero System, Hero Games. Champions, Fantasy, and Space. Sword of Cepheus. This last is a modified osr of Traveller for a Fantasy setting.
Cool to see Dragonbane at the Top of the list. It would be at the Top of mine as well if it wasn’t for Alien RPG, also from Free League. That game has really blown my mind.
@@DMTalesTTRPGYes you definitely do! The best use of the Y0 engine so far. It’s like it was made with this game in mind. And start with the Starter Set.
Great video!! I like many of the games you listed. Oddly enough, have never played Numenera -- your description of it -- was great! Going to put it on my list of games to try. You are definitely in the "lighter" games camp than I am. So, my list of favorite fantasy TTRPGs is a little different. On a scale of 1-10 I would rate D&D 5e as a "6" in complexity and -- to compare I would put Castles & Crusades as a "4". Fantasy AGE would come in as a "4", and Basic Fantasy maybe a "3" on my scale. My favorite fantasy TTRPGs are #1: Castles & Crusades, #2 Pathfinder 2e, #3 The Dark Eye 5e, #4: Fantasy AGE 2e, and #5: Tied between Advanced Labyrinth Lord and Basic Fantasy.
Cool! I’ve not heard of The Dark Eye. I r3viewed Fantasy AGE 2e but have yet to bring it to the table. I’mm looking forward right the new edition of Advanced Labyrinth Lord!
@@DMTalesTTRPG The Dark Eye might not be your cup of tea, due to its complexity. It's a skill-based RPG probably mainly influenced by GURPS and Shadowrun. It's a complicated game, but the detail in character customization puts even Pathfinder to shame (the advantage of a skill based system) and the setting is absolutely gorgeous. Rate it like an 8 in complexity, where I put Pathfinder 2e at around a 7 and D&D 5e at a "6" and Castles & Crusades at a 4 and Fantasy AGE at a 3.5. Yeah, number #1 TTRPG in Germany (or the German version of it is #1 in Germany -- which is called Das Schwarze Auge). I'll have to check out your Fantasy AGE 2e review. A fantastic game that for some reason doesn't get as many accolades as it deserves.
I did! They take place in Hobgoblin Falls, a tiny town with a massive shopping district, multiple bakeries, several restaurants, and a pub where the locals go.
I backed the kickstarter for Dragonbane because of nostalgia (i played the old version about 25 years ago) and when i read the preview i thought it would be a baby game for babies. But after trying it, I loved it. Incredibly easy to homebrew abilities and kin as well.
@DMTalesTTRPG I saw the only one action that is also the reaction, and though it would be too simple and boring. And the monsters that roll a die to determine what to do felt like it tried to simulate a video game or something. But I was wrong. It gives things depth, and I love it
I'm happy to see Dragonbane at the top of the list! It's not my cup of tea, but I still want it to do really well. Out of the games you listed, Symbaroum is my favorite.
@@DMTalesTTRPGI think that effort is being spent on _Ruins of Symbaroum_ which leverages the core 5E system instead (much like _Trudvang_ , _Svilland_ , and others).
@@DMTalesTTRPG I've heard a rumour that they're considering releasing a new edition of Symbaroum using the Dragonbane rules. That could be really amazing!
@@sraddhapadharmacari5898 it could be. But Symbaroum’s got some unique things I’d had to see lost, too. But…oh I will definitely pick it up if it’s true. Heck, I’d pick it up even if it was just a second edition with some cleaned up organization!
I LOVE ICRPG, but Master Edition being a mashup of products needs MORE EDITING. Once you realize this, it reads a bit easier, and explains a lot of inconsistencies. But once you add a few more addons, it all becomes a pile of stuff. Make or get a DM screen(or cards), and enjoy the happy mess.
I'm the same with D&D 5E. The whole system does a lot of things that don't go together with my style of storytelling. Thank you for those short glimpses! I'm always curious about new RPGs!
@@DMTalesTTRPG I really like the Storyteller system, the World of Darkness uses, especially the newest Edition. I'm running a campaign with human "hunters", kinda like Supernatural in the WoD which is a lot of fun. I like Mongoose Traveller 2nd Edition a lot, KULT (now based on Powered by the Apocalypse, but adapted to the setting and using d10s), I like Blades in the Dark, which I saw on your shelf already. I also ran Symbaroum, which I also liked a lot, and I'm still waiting for a group to play The One Ring with me. The system's got so much heart in it somehow and is tailor fit for a Tolkien setting. Really want to try it. Also a very beautiful book. I like systems that either have rather realistic mechanics that are _not_ trying for a simulation, or very simple ones allowing me to resolve actions mostly via storytelling and a few simple rolls, like Blades does.
@@DMTalesTTRPG scum and villainy I don't know. Blades I highly recommend. I'm pretty sure you already heard a few pitches, but what I personally love most about it, is how it blends all actions and scenes that can be undertaken together. A combat scene is a description of what someone tries to do, and an action roll determines how well it works while resistance rolls can mitigate bad outcomes, causing stress though. How much harm an enemy can do, is loosely defined by how capable they are. It all stays in the narrative without going into a classic turn system.
Yah, Scum and Villainy is the same system. Just in space. I saw the concepts but couldn’t figure out how to put them together. A number of folks have told me to read Blades first, so that’s what I’m going to do!
5e shines in the number of prewritten adventures. On of the problems I have with some ttrpgs is there are no prewritten adventures, like blades in the dark. As a DM a prewritten adventure can give a tutorial for the players and solidify the system in our minds.
I’ve run BFRPG for my group for a few years but we haven’t played for a few years after. Looks like my group is excited to start playing again but want to try something slightly different but still fantasy. That’s why I’m currently torn on using one of the following: Shadowdark, Numenera and Dragonbane. Want something that’s easy to learn and get used to. I’m actually leaning heavily on Dragonbane.
I’ve been gaming since the mid-80s, so let’s just say a LOT. But from your list, ICRPG, Symbaroum EZD6 and Basic Fantasy. I’m looking forward to running my newly arrived Knave.
@@DMTalesTTRPG It is! I am not anti-5e. It is the best in the world at what it does. namely, appealing to the broadest possible market. I have found, however, that most non-casual gamers outgrow it. It simply does not provide the game experience my players and I seek. I run plenty of "D&D" in the form of OSE, Shadows of the Demon Lord, Pathfinder, etc. Like yourself, I find much deeper and lasting satisfaction from a variety of indie TTRPGs. I must say I always have, except for 3/3.5, which held us for a good seven years. My current faves include several from your list. DCC RPG et al., Dragonbane, Forbidden Lands, Symbaroum, Savage Worlds, Shadows of the Demon Lord, Mutant Chronicles, and even Mutant: Year Zero. pre-current list is longer and is almost entirely D&D free except for 3/3.5. :) Thank you for your time, effort, and generosity. You run a fine channel.
Right on! I love this! When you started talking to Dragonbane, I was like "effin A, Cotton, EFFIN A!" And anything that causes a Dodgeball reference is A OK with me. I think your list was well thought out and excellent. I tend to favor similar mechanics by the sound of it. And I too am an absolute sucker for D20 roll-under systems. Advancement in DB is so organic and lets characters just grow and be what their adventures make them. In my opinion, that is SO MUCH better than Dungeons and Demigods. Also, I saw someone mentioned Savage Pathfinder. Absolute banger of a game. I love the lore of Pathfinder. Golarion is fascinating and really cool. That said, I do not dig Pathfinder as a system. Way too much crunch for me. Maybe not for others but definitely so for me. I don't need to tell you about Savage Worlds, but when you ice that cake with Golarion, it's rad, and also Books, Bricks, and Boards plays Savage Pathfinder, but set it in Forgotten Realms. It's WILD! Hey before I forget, similar to Basic Fantasy, there's a game called Olde Swords Reign. It did something similar to what Shadowdark did before Shadowdark was a thing. It's built on the chassis of 5e but way streamlined and easily plug-and-play with other systems.
Really fun list! I watch all your reviews but having a succinct list like this is a good way to explore them all quickly. I was quite surprised that Basic Fantasy RPG was so low on your list but you explained it well. I think you know that my favorite game to run right now is Old School Essentials. I'm a fan because it's very customizable, runs fast at the table (using your criteria!) and also I love that I can use it to run all the old TSR modules I have from the 1980s, many of which I've had for 40+ years but never ran or played. Another favorite game of mine right now is Savage Worlds. It runs quickly and has some really unique mechanics that make it feel very different from D&D. I love that it so adaptable to a variety of settings, but I'm not convinced yet that it does fantasy all that well.
Dragonbane no1, that is interesting! I just bought dragonbane quick start set and got hooked by the rules. It was simple, well organized and I had many rules that I didn't see in D&D. It felt refreshing and also easy to understand in a d20 game. I bought the box set and the beastiary because the system looks really good and original, the art is gorgeous. The solo rules got me intrigue since I play solo to learn the mechanics and explore the game systems. The solo rules are really well done compared to other solo rules. The game also has a campaign, and original tables to generate adventures. Really well done.
Yah, Like I showed in the video. I got a box set of it as a review copy, but since then I’ve purchased another box set for a friend, the bestiary for Foundry, and the stand alone core rulebook. The game is just a ton of fun.
I have played a PBtA game, a friend ran Dungeonworld for my Monday group and I did enjoy it. I’ve also got a review of Brindlewood Bay on my channel and I thought it was interesting (and I need to re-read Last Airbender to get that review done). Monster of the Week is very much on my radar. My struggle with PBtA books is that they are written in a way that you need to understand underlying assumptions to grasp the concept. Now, this is true with any TTRPG book (or any rulebook, to be honest). I think it’s more pronounced with PBtA is because it’s so different from what I’m used to I need to let my brain be rewired a bit. As soon as I played Dungeon World I went, “Ohhh…” and that encouraged me to try out some more PBtA games. I just haven’t had the chance yet. Though Land of Eem is a similar concept and I LOVED reading that book!
@@DMTalesTTRPGso my number 1 is not the same... I have ICRPG and i did have FBL but tapped put on it. I also have FATE on my top 5. But I think Dragonbane is 2/3 and so is Numenera... But number 1 by a lot is: Blades in the Dark.
@@DMTalesTTRPGtook me 2,5 half reads a a shirt campaign to grog it. It says it's narrative and then goes hard on crunch, but in reality it's narrative. 1 XP for Desperate Rolls feels like GM intrusions. Things are about to get bad, but the player is rewarded I use the Group Roll in every system now, even dragon bane Resisting is ALL about player agency, and Flash Backs makes every roleplayer mastermind. I will gladly run a game online.
@@DMTalesTTRPG It took me 2,5 reads and a short campaign to really grog it. It says it's narrative, then goes hard on crunch - but it really is narrative. The Resist mechanic is absolutely amazing for player agency, and the flash back makes every roleplayer a mastermind. The 1 XP for desperate situations feels like GM intrusion. Things are about to get bad, but the players is rewarded. And I use the Group Roll mechanic for every other game I play - Even Dragonbane and Coriolis. I will run a online intro game, anytime!
Oh yah, I backed it. I’ve got reviews of both Low Fantasy Gaming and Lowlife 2090 on my channel, and I interviewed Stephen a couple of months back, check it out! ua-cam.com/users/liveaoDbU0SlFzo?feature=share
WB:FMAG! It’s been my go-to for a while and super easily mutable across so much! Non-D&D has long been RISUS, and now lately the FF-Inspired but not as heavy as AFF, Spellzard! Great lil and super easy system!
C&C rocks!! The one thing that wasn't mentioned about C&D is that since C&C first came out in 2004. Thye have never changed the edition. They are just about to do a 10th printing of the C&C Player's Manual and you can play with any printing of the game.
Yup. I do appreciate that. I ]’m also glad they hired an editor for the upcoming printing! I’ve already seen improvements in the preview PDFs for the PHB.
Edit: Not sure if shadowbanned or UA-cam is buggy but my replies aren't going out so I just wanted to add here that DC20 looks like a great game and that I want it to do well. I also am not claiming that the creator or his friends are being unethical. Original reply: From what I gather, DC20 is aimed at D&D 5E players which... Made it to the bottom of this list. Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems to be the wrong system here. Oh, and having one creator who isn't spamming us with disguised paid promotions for DC20 is refreshing right now.
@@MCRP-Games maybe you're wrong about the system and in general making assumptions about whose doing paid and who's not. Vibe from your comment is you're a hype hater.
I’ve not seen any hidden paid promotion for DC20. I’ve seen sponsorship promotions, though. I can’t really knock someone for taking a sponsorship, either. It would be nice if I could get one. But you aren’t wrong that the system is designed, first for folks who enjoy 5e and Pathfinder. That’s the play style it’s going for and a lot of folks seem to think it’s perfected the formula. Which is great and I am psyched it’s funding has done so well, just not typically my cup of tea.
I’ve pointed out that I’ve not seen any “hidden” paid ads for DC20. A couple of sponsored videos, but nothing hidden. A lot of folks don’t realize a lot of these folks are friends, so if their friend is doing something they find cool, they’ll talk about it. And I’m thankful for this because it’s how I found both EZD6 and Shadowdark. But can we please not start leveling invective at folks in comments. Calling someone a “hyper hater” doesn’t help us talk about this cool hobby any better, it just leads to flame wars. There are enough flame wars out there, I’d like to minimize them there.
Enjoyed this, great countdown. You seem to prefer the more traditional game ruleset and a strong preference for fantasy settings, apart from the mention of using ICRPG for a sci-fi game. Do you prefer the fantasy genre in other media too?
I’m mor3 of a fantasy person, yes. Though I do enjoy post apocalyptic science-fantasy and super heroes as well. I’m looking forward to useing Cypher System to branch out some.
@@DMTalesTTRPGAwesome! I’m slowly working my way through your back catalogue and loved the “The Origin” review for the Cypher system. I have it in my pile to run next. I’d love to hear how it goes for you if you get it to the table.
Thanks for this video ! As you love both games, and it seems you use Dragonbane in another setting (if I understood right), would you recommand Forbidden Lands or DragonBane to play in the Hyborian Age ? (2d20conan is a bit complexe to my taste...) Thanks
I don’t think I mentioned where I run Dragonbane or…did I? I can’t remember. Right now we are running in the Misty Vale, though. Anyway, for Hyborian Age…I think Forbidden Lands might be a better fit. It’s more “unknown” and is a ton more gritty.
@@DMTalesTTRPG sorry, my english i guess ! Ok thanks for the advice. From what iv seen i LOVE many mechanics of FL, but i also LOVE the art, the tactical combat and "animal races" from DragonBane... Ill see ! :-) DBane arrives in french this winter and FL is already translated...
@eliatardy5964 no worries at all, I couldn’t remember what I said! And I agree. Dragonbane is SO much fun, but Forbidden Lands is also fun, but just matches a Conan-like feel more.
I haven’t run either so they weren’t eligible. OSE is great though, it’s LITERALLY where I started playing since my first game was Moldvay Basic! I need to re-read Hyperborea for a review.
I would love for you to try out Legend of the Five Rings 1st/2nd edition if you haven't already. The setting is amazing and I love the system. 4th edition is arguably the best edition but very expensive, 1st/2nd is affordable and available on ebay. 5th edition by ffg is a different animal, but I'd like to hear your take on that as well.
@DMTalesTTRPG I like how ridged it is. Everything stat (ring) is important. 4 or the 5 rings have sub stats, so you have to diversify somewhat to minmax, so it's very thematic to the setting. From a setting side, I am of the opinion that Rokugan and its lore are among the greatest in all of ttrpg history. There are awesome stories in the clan books and novels. If you read just the stories in Core book and the Clan books I can't see how you couldn't be hooked.
People ''love'' 5e, because they haven't tried other systems. Once you try a couple different systems, there is no shot you go back to 5e. I started off with 5e during covid and fell in love with ttrpgs. I spend huuundreds on 5e books (along with the dndbeyond versions) and accessories. Until I started reading other systems and I couldn't get back to 5e. That system died for me.
I don’t believe that’s accurate in general, even though it’s the journey you were on. I’ve got plenty of friends who play a LOT of systems, and enjoy them, but will still default to 5e. I’ve got other friends who have tried other systems and just went back to 5e because that’s where they were happy. Now, I also have other friends who bounced off 5e, and I don’t particularly enjoy the play style. Folks look for different things from the hobby.
Love symbaroum but the organization and layout is frustratingly poor, not as bad as the old palladium books but, oof. And ICRPG is my go to for new players and the game I probably steal the most out of. I'd be super curious what your take on Crown and Skull is. I admit the aesthetic of dragonbane (its probably just the duck if im honest;) has held me off but folks keep raving about the system in all the ways that matter to me....Solid video mate.
Thanks! It’s funny, because the Mallards are selling point for me! I do think that Symbaroum could REALLY use a revision. And try out the quickstart guide for Dragonbane soon, because the box set is on sale for $25 dollars (plus shipping) right now!
Note: DC20 is crunchier than D&D 5e -- it goes in the other direction adding in PF 2e elements. What you get in DC20 is more flexible combat (more options) at the expense of simplicity.
If you like skill based TTRPGs -- another game, you might like is "The Dark Eye" or Das Schwarze Auge (DAS) in German. #1 TTRPG in Germany. The setting is absolutely gorgeous. The Dark Eye IMO was definitely influenced by GURPS and BRP.
@@BanjoSick Right on! Yeah -- a German friend introduced me to The Dark Eye 4th Ed -- and just fell in love with the game when they converted TDE 5e over to English. Love the way German's do TTRPGs. If I lived in Germany I'd be playing it all the time!
Umm, not really. It’s fantasy, but not really D&D. It’s roll under, skil-based, there are no levels, magic is roll to cast, monsters auto-hit, initiative is individual but fast, and reactions are handled in a way that requires more strategy. Playing it feels nothing like playing D&D.
@@TheGladGolem it certainly is fast and FUN. Dragonbane is my favorite system right now, overall. Forbidden Lands was also a blast, but Dragonbane is so streamlined and fun. EZD6 I can sit down and play with new players IMMEDIATELY, and that’s so fun.
I mean this is basically, “You’re having fun wrong.” A better way to encourage someone to try a different genre is, “Hey, have you ever considered running [specific product name].”
@@DMTalesTTRPG Sorry there DM Tales, That is not how I meant it at all but I see that in plain ole text it came out that way. In the last couple years I have played and ran, The One Ring, Tales From the Loop, Shadowrun 5th edition, Lowlife 2090(I noticed that on your shelfie) Liminal, Traveller, FFG Star Wars, 2d20 Conan, John Carter on Mars, Star Trek Adventures, Pendragon, Feng Shui, Paladin, Cohors Cthulhu, Bladerunner, Alien, D&D 5th edition. My top five are, 5- Conan 2d20, 4- Bladerunner, 3-Pendragon, Cohors Cthulhu and #1- The One Ring..
Roll under sucks. Glad it is relegated to the trashbin of history. The world isn't 90% possible for people with "18's" on their stat sheet. Plus it is just dumb to have 20 mean something great one roll and something bad the next. Flush them all, IMO. I do treasure BFRPG, ICRPG, and EZd6.
It's insane how popular D&D is despite the fact that it's not even remotely close to being the best TTRPG on the market.
Momentum is a real thing.
It really is crazy, there's a lot of good games out there, but finding the time to play them all especially with a group who also wants to play can be difficult.
I'm a GM (about 66% of the time)
I find myself always returning to the 5e system (not necessarily wotc) because it was the first ttrpg system I understood, it's easily hackable and the rules really don't matter too much
What I don't like is that when I try to explore other ttrpgs, I find myself always going back to 5e 😭😭
I like Pathfinder 2e, but that system isn't good for my gaming group
I really liked Dungeon World, and I find it to be a wealth of GM knowledge and its class philosophy. I like the class based damage, and armor as damage reduction
I haven't really read Dragonbane, but maybe that should be my next move. I know how combat works in that game. It feels a little brutal that creatures auto hit, I mean yea in 5e around 10th level a lot of creatures get like +10 attack and ac doesn't matter at that point
I know building a character is classless, if the character building is similar to pf2e or 5e I'll enjoy it for sure, because my group doesn't really want to play any other system it can be difficult to branch out
Part of the problem was that 5e took some time to learn with its medium crunch and character creation can take an hour sometimes, they don't want to learn a new system, which is fair. We have a game and it works, but sometimes I want to play other systems
@KariFeRawri Dragonbane is NOT a “you will not die” type of game. If players are not wise, their characters will die. Getting monsters to use their actions to defend instead of attack is key to surviving them. “Normal” enemies roll skills just like the players do.
I’m an old AD&D kid and tried to pick up 5E about 4 years ago and was shocked at how little it appealed to me. I found ICRPG and loved it, still do. It has lots of really clever mechanics and is super flexible. I recently picked up Dragonbane, and I’m encouraged to see so many people saying how much they like it
Both are a ton of fun.
Despite the reduction in placement, I was happy to hear your comments on BFRPG. And I get it, experimentation is fun... I did some, back in college...
... no, not like that ... dang ...
All but one of the games on the list are one’s I’d run again in a moment! Thanks for shepherding such a great project!
And…what happened in college stays in college?
😅 It's an incredible game, product line and project! Thank you!
@@paavohirn3728 Well, thank YOU for the kind words!
@@DMTalesTTRPG You know it!
Very glad to know you, Chris.
I love to see ShadowDark RPG as the highest D20 D&D type game in the list. I love it! ❤
It’s a very good game! BFRPG is another Favorite but the tweaks shadowdark makes to the formula make it a ton of fun.
Great countdown. ICRPGs character RAW progression systems allow for maximum flexibility for players and GMs alike. Milestone and Mastery rewards work in tandem; the GM rewards appropriate Milestones (usually in consultation with the player) when they make narrative sense, so they are always timed right in the game for a satisfying fit, while Mastery rewards come with the luck of the dice-the more you “do stuff” in the game, the more you roll nat 20s, and the more nat 20s you get, the sooner your cool bonus abilities arrive! It’s amazing at the table.
Yah, ICRPG is set up well… when I read it I was a tad confused.
LOVE the system, though. I still need to sign up for a Runejammer session…
How do you think Giving Mastery on both 20 and 1s would work?
A small gold nugget in Dragon Bane is that you get one of the mentioned marks on a crit success, but also on a crit failure... Having players almost cheer for a crit fail (mine just love when the story develops from extreme rolls, so they would almost cheer anyway, but you know.)
Another Plus of Basic Fantasy 4th ed is the large amount of Modules that are ready to play. 'JN1 Chaotic Caves' is homage to 'Keep on the Borderlands'. AND its all free to download and try. A great B/X system. The community is very active.
Yah, the project is immense and has a great community.
Yes, I don't think anyone can beat Basic Fantasy as the value leader in TTRPGs -- and it also easily one of the better OSR TTRPGs as well.
@@quantus5875 yah, it’s a very nice game.
Yeah!
Numenera and the Cypher System!
I have to agree, the ease on learning the system, coming up with things on the fly for the GM; it really does just work!
And while there's alot of mechanics that can be added, its all optional! And even the Cypher Whitebooks added mechanics can be pluged into a Published Setting for Cypher...
As you said, Its basic rules are simple...
Everything else is optional!
Great video!
Thank you!
Finally someone who understands the power of Numenera.
It’s so much fun!
Yes -- the description of Numenera in this video was really good. Convinced me to go take a look at it.
I hope you find my description matches your experience.
I am a huge fan of the system. Adapted it in 3-4 different ways. I have a hard time really getting into he lore, but cyphers sell it. One time use magic items that go hard.
Favourite part above all:
1)Players get weird ass cypher
2) players complain about how random and useless it is
3) *time*
4) players are in a pinch, suddenly remembers that removing friction from a object will totally -unplanned by me, because I forgot too- resolve this entire scenario and give them a big win. High fives all around. Never to be repeated, because the item is spent now.
This is a BLAST
@@greystorm9974 it is, indeed. My players love it, and I love running it.
That's a fantastic countdown! So many awesome games and I'm inspired by your enthusiasm!
Thank you!! I’m so glad you’re along for the ride!
@@DMTalesTTRPGWouldn't miss it!
@paavohirn3728 thanks!!
Dragonbane has been my favorite in the last few years as well! I appreciate that you emphasize fast at the table cause that’s very important to me too.
Have you gotten to look at Savage Pathfinder? I was considering it for my new group as they’re wanted something a bit more “heroic“ without being too crunchy. Another game, not really heroic though, that looks great is Tales of Argosa. Seems to hit a really nice mid crunch level and allows the players to do some cool extra stuff.
Anyway, enjoyed the video!
Savage Pathfinder is on my radar, since I’d like to explore the lore but the Pathfinder system isn’t really my cup of tea.
I backed Tales of Argosa, and reviewed Low Fantasy Gaming, I can’t wait to get it!
Dragonbane, EZd6 and ICRPG!!! What about DCC????? Thought that would be up there as well. Great video.
I haven’t run DCC. I’ve read it, but have neither run nor reviewed it, so it can’t make the list. Thanks for watching, though, hope you stick around!
@@DMTalesTTRPG oh, I am sticking around :) Keep up the great content.
@BryanSpellman thanks!
Mork Borg, Pirate Borg, and Ragna Borg are alot of fun for one-shots.
We will be assimilated!
Yes, I know it’s not that Borg…but…
Very exciting! I have played 2 non-D&D on your list. Shadowdark (GM) and Dragonbane (PC). Shadowdark has become our substitute system for when the group fails to get everyone together. But I'm about to embark on an extended adventure with Dragonbane alongside some of my regular players. And I may run an adventure myself. I mean, you get to play a Mallard! C'mon!
Suggestions: If you like Dragonbane then you are already familiar with the system, might I suggest Vaesen. Also by Free League.
I also quite enjoy Shadow of the Demon Lord. A nice mix of tactical, old school and modern mechanics with a cool magic system and combat mechanics.
Vaesen is on my radar. Shadow of the Demon Lord isn’t one that’s piqued my interest so far.
Thanks for watching!!!
Yes to Pendragon content! I've always had a soft spot for the Basic Roleplay powered rules sets, specifically Stormbringer (Moorcock Elric fantasy), Elfquest (Wendy and Richard Pini's excellent comics), and Pendragon. Surprisingly, never got into Runequest or Call of Cthulhu. Last Origins, I picked up Chaosium's Rivers of London based BRP game. In any case, def. give us some Pendragon stuff!
You will have it! Thanks for watching.
Dragonbane is sooo good. Currently our #1 game, too.
It’s very fun.
I think it's really great to see review lists of games that you've actually run! There are lots of channels that review games based on a book flip through and you can't always judge weather you'll actually enjoy games at the table without trying them.
I have those some of those reviews as well. I try to play everything, there just isn’t time. For “favorite games,” though running them is something of a requirement, I feel.
Savage Words. Gumshoe, and Fate Core or Fate Accelerated are my top picks. The first is gonzo fun. The second clarifies how investigative games should be run and still be fun. And the third is the only game on both our list that represents a revolution in game theory and design.
I WILL run Savage Worlds in this coming year for SOMETHING. It looks like a blast. I’ve been told that Fate Accelerated is what I should start with if I get into the game. Do you find that to be the case?
Savage Worlds has so many great settings but my recommendation is still Deadlands- lots to dig into!
And yes, Fate Accelerated is the best way to learn the Fate system. It’s basically Fate Core with the skill system removed and it’s not missed.
Cool, thanks!
I would never reduce SW to gonzo fun. Played it in so many different settings and styles. It always delivered.
@@Chiungalla79 that’s how they’ve experienced the game, and it was presented as a compliment.
I've heard of Shadow Dark; that is it. I've played White Wolf, Cyberpunk 2020, Star Wars. Skip 4th Edition, AD&D-5th. Oh, and a buddy of mine made his own TTRPG called Shadow Hunter RPG; he runs that for us.
Well I hope you found some fun games to check out, then!
Nice countdown. Interesting to see quick coverage of each system. Lots that you've ran, haven't hit that many different systems I've GM'd
Thanks! One day OpenLegend will be run at my table!
For a game not listed but suggested. I have been having a blast with "Outgunned" (2 Little Mice, same makers of Household), with the "Action Flicks Vol. 1" (Movies, Harry Potter, Aliens, Star Wars etc.) and "World of Killers" (John Wick) expansions. It is a great d6 (roll and keep) dice pool based system to run action movies from, the ability to create monsters/NPC are as simple as Cypher. If players roll "6 of a kind" they tell the GM what happens in the "Spotlight".
Yah. I have the PDF and someone on my discord wants to run it for us! The game looks AWESOME!
I interviewed the folks from Two Little Mice a few months back.
I am currently using EZD6 as my primary ttrpg. I find it, and the optional rules pdf, has brought a game that has simple rules and lasting desire to keep playing.
Session based, non-leveled advancement as your character learns new skills and abilities. Including Power Dice and Edges to characters and their path.
It’s one of my favorites, for sure!
The One Ring second edition is an excellent game to say the least.
yah, one day I will have to check it out.
Excited for Pendragon.
I'm a huge Basic Roleplaying fan, which I'm sure I've mentioned before. That definitely set me up to like Dragonbane. Glad to finally have the box set for that. Now...players? Maybe one day.
Still hoping to pick up Numenera one of these days. But it's a little lower on my list right now. I enjoyed playing it and would love to get back to it. I'm less into a lot of the other stuff that's been coming out for the Cypher system, but not everything has to be for me. I'm sure it's for someone, and that's great.
I need to play Index Card RPG sometime. It didn't click with me while reading it, but I suspect it'll make more sense at the table.
I've only managed to run a one shot of Call of Cthulhu and of Dungeon Crawl Classics this year, sadly. I was trying to get a regular DCC game going, but couldn't get enough people who were interested and could actually show up, on the same day, at the same time, for more than a week in a row. I played a little Alien and Tales from the Loop last year, and those were great.
Still enjoying playing in an ongoing Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Ed) game, which is one I've ended up liking much more than I expected. I like that it's a system that lets you dial up or down the crunch. Want to get into the weeds with designing your robots, starships, and space sectors? Great. It's all there for you to noodle on. Don't want to do any of that? Here's a bunch of pre-done stuff and a very simple game mechanic. Get to storytelling. My only real complaint so far is that I don't love the design of the character sheet I was first using. But there are lots of others out there and the new one I'm using works much better for me.
Traveller is a game I would enjoy trying out. Bummed you couldn’t get a DCC game going, through. And I am interested to what what I think of Pendragon!
Thanks for watching!
I love the latest Pendragon rules. The Starter set is incredible -- and I love how they expanded out the rules for female knights. Haven't played it yet - but would love to try it out.
I’m looking forward to diving in.
I've played 6 games on your list. Dragonbane is at the top of my list. I play it solo and it is fast. Card-based activation is perfect for solitary play.
Very fast! What other games do you play?
@@DMTalesTTRPG Fantasy AGE by Green Ronin it replaced D&D 5e in 2019. Paranoia's latest edition and Vaesen are the recent ones.
@marccaron6008 I want to play Paranoia!! I have reviewed Fantasy AGE 2E but haven’t played it yet.
@@DMTalesTTRPG It's gonzo! I've lost two copies of my clone so far. with only one other copy left, I have to be careful not to anger the Central System! LOL
@@marccaron6008 amazing.
I just discovered Dragonbane. I’m running the starter adventure in a few weeks. We’re coming from 5e and PF2e so it’s going to be a huge change in power dynamics for sure.
Oh yes, it’s a much different style of game. I hope you all have fun! Which adventure are you running?
@@DMTalesTTRPG I'm running the free starter encounter Riddermound as a test for my players. Assuming they enjoying it (or at least tolerate it at first), I'll run the included adventure or Path to Glory. I like to run one published adventure with a system before venturing out on homebrew as a good learning tool for everyone.
Riddermound is a lot of fun and way creepy. Sorry I didn’t see this comment earlier!
What a wonderful list! ❤Six of your ten favorite games are also high on my list.
One can see that you like games that are fast on the table. I am currently playing EZD6 with friends, and it is indeed very fast, flexible, and exciting. I can really recommend the "EZD6 Quests" book. It provides three times six adventures that can be played separately or as campaigns. Reading an adventure maximally takes about twenty minutes, and you are ready to go as a Rabble Rouser.
Another system I am just discovering that could be to your liking is "Crown & Skull", also by Runehammer. It has quite a different approach with characters only having skills and equipment. Damage is called "Attrition", and makes both your skills and your equipment unusable. Characters are easily customisable with an easy point buy system, so are magic spells.
Thanks! I need to pick up the other two EZD6 book!
And Crown and Skull is on my “to pick up” lists. Rinehammer’s store is opening up soon and I’ll get it there.
Another game that is fast at the table IMO is Fantasy AGE.
@@quantus5875 yah, I need to try that at some point. I do have a review of it up.
1e AD&D is where the DM plans 5 rooms that no matter what the players choose. They always wind up picking all of them and attempt escaping being murdered in. The players will naturally be cautious, and implement stalling. Meanwhile, the DM may not need to dream up 5 new ones every session. Time and money is what players need, and never have enough.
Sure. I love a good dungeon crawl.
Amazing to see two games I adore at the top of your list! MCG and Free League consistently make incredible games.
They are two of my favorites!
I just recently discovered Warlock Traitors Edition as well as Warpstar. I haven't had the chance to play them yet, but I like the rules that I have read for them.
Are they both scifi?
@@DMTalesTTRPG Warpstar is Scifi, but Warlock Traitors Edition is Fantasy.
@@danielmorgan5949 cool Thanks!
Got those not long ago, myself. Warlock definitely has a lot of Warhammer Fantasy and Advanced Fighting Fantasy inspirations. Albeit in a more minimalist format. Which is great because WFRP and AFF are some favorites.
The rules are a bit loosey-goosey in places, but they're straightforward enough to be simple at house-ruling or creating your own additions.
Huh, that may need to go on my list.
Interesting games on here! I just started playing TTRPGs a little over 2 months ago. So far Ker Nethalas is the only game I've played, and I love it. Great solo dark fantasy dungeon crawler. I just picked up the box set of Forbidden Lands and I love how dark and dangerous it is! Just created my characters for solo play yesterday and very excited to jump in! Symbaroum also looks right up my alley! Not sure how difficult it would be to run solo or what books I would need beyond the core ruleset, tho.
Cool! Have you just done solo play so far? What got you to jump in?
Symbaroum is cool, just mark pages when you see rules you think you’ll need!
As for Forbidden Lands, the book of beasts adds some stuff you might want, I don’t have it, though….yet.
@@DMTalesTTRPG Yes, only solo play so far. I didn't know solo play existed, haha. Once I learned about that, and that some RPGs were tailor made or adapted to solo play, I knew I had to jump into TTRPGs. I do have the Book of Beasts too, for the solo rules. Matt Kay also has an extended solo play supplement on DriveThru that adds two new professions, specifically for solo play. I'm playing the Explorer profession with my main PC!
Nice
I really enjoyed your list. There's some great games in there. A few I haven't checked out yet but am now definitely going to.
Hey thanks for watching!!!
What games to you play? I’m always interested!
Mazes, Mausritter, ICRPG, Burning Wheel, Knave, Cairn, Genesys, D&D5e and PF2E with intentions of running ShadowDark, Dragonbane, and EZD6 as soon as I get my hands on them.
Just got Knave 2e, how’s mazes and mausritter?
I really love mazes. ESPECIALLY as an introductory game for folk who aren't familiar with the trappings of roleplaying games. You can just ask them about 2 questions and figure out what they want to play and the character sheet does the rest.
Mausritter is basically a more stripped down Into the Odd. I think it's great for kids and has a lot of character. Very simple and easy to run.
A few older games I rarely see on yt.
Interlock/Fuzion by R Talsorian Games. Makers of Cyberpunk 2020 and Mekton and recently The Witcher. Great easy system.
Silicore/Silhouette system by Dream Pod 9. Heavy Gear and Jovian Chronicles.
Hero System, Hero Games. Champions, Fantasy, and Space.
Sword of Cepheus. This last is a modified osr of Traveller for a Fantasy setting.
Thanks for sharing!!
Cool to see Dragonbane at the Top of the list. It would be at the Top of mine as well if it wasn’t for Alien RPG, also from Free League. That game has really blown my mind.
I REALLY need to check out Alien RPG!
@@DMTalesTTRPGYes you definitely do! The best use of the Y0 engine so far. It’s like it was made with this game in mind. And start with the Starter Set.
Ok. Thanks!!
Great video!! I like many of the games you listed. Oddly enough, have never played Numenera -- your description of it -- was great! Going to put it on my list of games to try.
You are definitely in the "lighter" games camp than I am. So, my list of favorite fantasy TTRPGs is a little different. On a scale of 1-10 I would rate D&D 5e as a "6" in complexity and -- to compare I would put Castles & Crusades as a "4". Fantasy AGE would come in as a "4", and Basic Fantasy maybe a "3" on my scale.
My favorite fantasy TTRPGs are #1: Castles & Crusades, #2 Pathfinder 2e, #3 The Dark Eye 5e, #4: Fantasy AGE 2e, and #5: Tied between Advanced Labyrinth Lord and Basic Fantasy.
Cool! I’ve not heard of The Dark Eye. I r3viewed Fantasy AGE 2e but have yet to bring it to the table. I’mm looking forward right the new edition of Advanced Labyrinth Lord!
@@DMTalesTTRPG The Dark Eye might not be your cup of tea, due to its complexity. It's a skill-based RPG probably mainly influenced by GURPS and Shadowrun. It's a complicated game, but the detail in character customization puts even Pathfinder to shame (the advantage of a skill based system) and the setting is absolutely gorgeous. Rate it like an 8 in complexity, where I put Pathfinder 2e at around a 7 and D&D 5e at a "6" and Castles & Crusades at a 4 and Fantasy AGE at a 3.5. Yeah, number #1 TTRPG in Germany (or the German version of it is #1 in Germany -- which is called Das Schwarze Auge).
I'll have to check out your Fantasy AGE 2e review. A fantastic game that for some reason doesn't get as many accolades as it deserves.
@quantus5875 yah, I like skills based games, but any more too much complexity feels like a chore.
I am putting together an EZD6 game for my grandkids (10 and 11). They have already made their characters.
Nice!
I want to know more about the "trilogy of adventures" for EZD6? What are they? Did you create them yourself?
I did! They take place in Hobgoblin Falls, a tiny town with a massive shopping district, multiple bakeries, several restaurants, and a pub where the locals go.
I backed the kickstarter for Dragonbane because of nostalgia (i played the old version about 25 years ago) and when i read the preview i thought it would be a baby game for babies.
But after trying it, I loved it. Incredibly easy to homebrew abilities and kin as well.
Why a “baby game for babies?”
@DMTalesTTRPG I saw the only one action that is also the reaction, and though it would be too simple and boring. And the monsters that roll a die to determine what to do felt like it tried to simulate a video game or something.
But I was wrong. It gives things depth, and I love it
@Wittmarch cool
I'm happy to see Dragonbane at the top of the list! It's not my cup of tea, but I still want it to do really well. Out of the games you listed, Symbaroum is my favorite.
I did enjoy Symbaroum. I do wish they’d revise the book so it can gain wider appeal. And thanks for the kind words!
@@DMTalesTTRPGI think that effort is being spent on _Ruins of Symbaroum_ which leverages the core 5E system instead (much like _Trudvang_ , _Svilland_ , and others).
@paulbigbee yah. I hold out hope, though.
@@DMTalesTTRPG I've heard a rumour that they're considering releasing a new edition of Symbaroum using the Dragonbane rules. That could be really amazing!
@@sraddhapadharmacari5898 it could be. But Symbaroum’s got some unique things I’d had to see lost, too. But…oh I will definitely pick it up if it’s true. Heck, I’d pick it up even if it was just a second edition with some cleaned up organization!
I LOVE ICRPG, but Master Edition being a mashup of products needs MORE EDITING. Once you realize this, it reads a bit easier, and explains a lot of inconsistencies. But once you add a few more addons, it all becomes a pile of stuff. Make or get a DM screen(or cards), and enjoy the happy mess.
I have heard that is the case.
I'm the same with D&D 5E. The whole system does a lot of things that don't go together with my style of storytelling. Thank you for those short glimpses! I'm always curious about new RPGs!
Thanks for watching! What games do you enjoy running?
@@DMTalesTTRPG I really like the Storyteller system, the World of Darkness uses, especially the newest Edition. I'm running a campaign with human "hunters", kinda like Supernatural in the WoD which is a lot of fun.
I like Mongoose Traveller 2nd Edition a lot, KULT (now based on Powered by the Apocalypse, but adapted to the setting and using d10s), I like Blades in the Dark, which I saw on your shelf already. I also ran Symbaroum, which I also liked a lot, and I'm still waiting for a group to play The One Ring with me. The system's got so much heart in it somehow and is tailor fit for a Tolkien setting. Really want to try it. Also a very beautiful book.
I like systems that either have rather realistic mechanics that are _not_ trying for a simulation, or very simple ones allowing me to resolve actions mostly via storytelling and a few simple rolls, like Blades does.
@valorin5762 cool! I need to read Blades. I tried to read Scum and Villainy but the organization just got me lost.
@@DMTalesTTRPG scum and villainy I don't know. Blades I highly recommend. I'm pretty sure you already heard a few pitches, but what I personally love most about it, is how it blends all actions and scenes that can be undertaken together. A combat scene is a description of what someone tries to do, and an action roll determines how well it works while resistance rolls can mitigate bad outcomes, causing stress though. How much harm an enemy can do, is loosely defined by how capable they are.
It all stays in the narrative without going into a classic turn system.
Yah, Scum and Villainy is the same system. Just in space. I saw the concepts but couldn’t figure out how to put them together. A number of folks have told me to read Blades first, so that’s what I’m going to do!
5e shines in the number of prewritten adventures. On of the problems I have with some ttrpgs is there are no prewritten adventures, like blades in the dark. As a DM a prewritten adventure can give a tutorial for the players and solidify the system in our minds.
Ok. That’s the least important thing for me but I can see why folks would be drawn to it. The hobby space is wide.
I’ve run BFRPG for my group for a few years but we haven’t played for a few years after. Looks like my group is excited to start playing again but want to try something slightly different but still fantasy. That’s why I’m currently torn on using one of the following: Shadowdark, Numenera and Dragonbane. Want something that’s easy to learn and get used to. I’m actually leaning heavily on Dragonbane.
All three are great. Symbaroum would feel even more different
Nice list. I'm currently running a Shadowdark campaign and playing in a Dragonbane campaign. So yeah, I agree with your take.
Cool! What other games have you played?
I’ve been gaming since the mid-80s, so let’s just say a LOT. But from your list, ICRPG, Symbaroum EZD6 and Basic Fantasy. I’m looking forward to running my newly arrived Knave.
My copy of Knave is in transit!
@@DMTalesTTRPGTalk about a dead simple, fast system, Knave is the poster boy for it. So much game in such a small volume.
@edwardromero3580 I’m looking forward to it!
I'm not sure if you are aware (I only found out recently) but EZD6 has some cool advancement ideas in EZD6: Brain Candy.
Yup!!
BUY A TEE-SHIRT!!!! They are great! 5e... made the list XD I am glad to see DragonBane in here. My kids loved the startbox!
Thanks for the ad, sir! And the best thing about the box set is that it’s not a starter kit. It’s the whole game with CONTENT AND MORE CONTENT!
You had me at "5e just is not for me."
It’s a fine game, though.
@@DMTalesTTRPG It is! I am not anti-5e. It is the best in the world at what it does. namely, appealing to the broadest possible market. I have found, however, that most non-casual gamers outgrow it. It simply does not provide the game experience my players and I seek.
I run plenty of "D&D" in the form of OSE, Shadows of the Demon Lord, Pathfinder, etc. Like yourself, I find much deeper and lasting satisfaction from a variety of indie TTRPGs. I must say I always have, except for 3/3.5, which held us for a good seven years.
My current faves include several from your list. DCC RPG et al., Dragonbane, Forbidden Lands, Symbaroum, Savage Worlds, Shadows of the Demon Lord, Mutant Chronicles, and even Mutant: Year Zero. pre-current list is longer and is almost entirely D&D free except for 3/3.5. :)
Thank you for your time, effort, and generosity. You run a fine channel.
Thank you.
Right on! I love this!
When you started talking to Dragonbane, I was like "effin A, Cotton, EFFIN A!" And anything that causes a Dodgeball reference is A OK with me. I think your list was well thought out and excellent. I tend to favor similar mechanics by the sound of it. And I too am an absolute sucker for D20 roll-under systems. Advancement in DB is so organic and lets characters just grow and be what their adventures make them. In my opinion, that is SO MUCH better than Dungeons and Demigods.
Also, I saw someone mentioned Savage Pathfinder. Absolute banger of a game. I love the lore of Pathfinder. Golarion is fascinating and really cool. That said, I do not dig Pathfinder as a system. Way too much crunch for me. Maybe not for others but definitely so for me. I don't need to tell you about Savage Worlds, but when you ice that cake with Golarion, it's rad, and also Books, Bricks, and Boards plays Savage Pathfinder, but set it in Forgotten Realms. It's WILD!
Hey before I forget, similar to Basic Fantasy, there's a game called Olde Swords Reign. It did something similar to what Shadowdark did before Shadowdark was a thing. It's built on the chassis of 5e but way streamlined and easily plug-and-play with other systems.
THANKS! Olde Swords Reign is on my radar! Check out my review of Adventurous, too. Cool game.
@@DMTalesTTRPG heck yeah! I'll definitely check it out!
@@simontemplar3359 cool!
I have run Dragonbane, and it's fun.
Yes it is!
Thanks Wes. Nice look at a TON of different fantasy systems. Is that also your favorite genre to run?
I think science-fantasy might be my favorite version of it, but yah fantasy is really my jam. But I’d love to run some super heroes in cypher!
@@DMTalesTTRPG I'm free most evenings except Thursdays!
We shall try something!
Really fun list! I watch all your reviews but having a succinct list like this is a good way to explore them all quickly.
I was quite surprised that Basic Fantasy RPG was so low on your list but you explained it well.
I think you know that my favorite game to run right now is Old School Essentials. I'm a fan because it's very customizable, runs fast at the table (using your criteria!) and also I love that I can use it to run all the old TSR modules I have from the 1980s, many of which I've had for 40+ years but never ran or played.
Another favorite game of mine right now is Savage Worlds. It runs quickly and has some really unique mechanics that make it feel very different from D&D. I love that it so adaptable to a variety of settings, but I'm not convinced yet that it does fantasy all that well.
When I run Savage Worlds, it’ll be ranked rather high.
Thanks for watching!
Dragonbane no1, that is interesting! I just bought dragonbane quick start set and got hooked by the rules. It was simple, well organized and I had many rules that I didn't see in D&D. It felt refreshing and also easy to understand in a d20 game. I bought the box set and the beastiary because the system looks really good and original, the art is gorgeous. The solo rules got me intrigue since I play solo to learn the mechanics and explore the game systems. The solo rules are really well done compared to other solo rules. The game also has a campaign, and original tables to generate adventures. Really well done.
Yah, Like I showed in the video. I got a box set of it as a review copy, but since then I’ve purchased another box set for a friend, the bestiary for Foundry, and the stand alone core rulebook. The game is just a ton of fun.
You should really try Monster of the Week, you should try a PBTA game and this is the most accessible and probably the most played.
I have played a PBtA game, a friend ran Dungeonworld for my Monday group and I did enjoy it. I’ve also got a review of Brindlewood Bay on my channel and I thought it was interesting (and I need to re-read Last Airbender to get that review done). Monster of the Week is very much on my radar.
My struggle with PBtA books is that they are written in a way that you need to understand underlying assumptions to grasp the concept. Now, this is true with any TTRPG book (or any rulebook, to be honest). I think it’s more pronounced with PBtA is because it’s so different from what I’m used to I need to let my brain be rewired a bit.
As soon as I played Dungeon World I went, “Ohhh…” and that encouraged me to try out some more PBtA games. I just haven’t had the chance yet. Though Land of Eem is a similar concept and I LOVED reading that book!
It's my number 1 too. Good video.
Thanks!!
Might be personal preference, but our lists are eerily similar. Dang. Great video
Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed it! What’s on your list that I don’t have?
@@DMTalesTTRPGso my number 1 is not the same...
I have ICRPG and i did have FBL but tapped put on it. I also have FATE on my top 5.
But I think Dragonbane is 2/3 and so is Numenera... But number 1 by a lot is:
Blades in the Dark.
@greystorm9974 ah, I have it on my shelf and it’s scratching to be read.
@@DMTalesTTRPGtook me 2,5 half reads a a shirt campaign to grog it. It says it's narrative and then goes hard on crunch, but in reality it's narrative.
1 XP for Desperate Rolls feels like GM intrusions. Things are about to get bad, but the player is rewarded
I use the Group Roll in every system now, even dragon bane
Resisting is ALL about player agency, and Flash Backs makes every roleplayer mastermind.
I will gladly run a game online.
@@DMTalesTTRPG It took me 2,5 reads and a short campaign to really grog it.
It says it's narrative, then goes hard on crunch - but it really is narrative.
The Resist mechanic is absolutely amazing for player agency, and the flash back makes every roleplayer a mastermind.
The 1 XP for desperate situations feels like GM intrusion. Things are about to get bad, but the players is rewarded.
And I use the Group Roll mechanic for every other game I play - Even Dragonbane and Coriolis.
I will run a online intro game, anytime!
You really have to check Tales of Argosa . It’s like Dragonbane but with more options for PC + having the best things from DCC.
Oh yah, I backed it. I’ve got reviews of both Low Fantasy Gaming and Lowlife 2090 on my channel, and I interviewed Stephen a couple of months back, check it out!
ua-cam.com/users/liveaoDbU0SlFzo?feature=share
@@DMTalesTTRPG Great! those system should get more traction! I will look at your reviews.
Thanks. The luck mechanic for saves is something I LOVE about the system.
My preference is Pathfinder 1e. I really like Legends of the Five Rings roll and keep system, 3e and 4e under AEG were fine by me.
I have not looked into Legends of the Five Rings at all, thanks!
@@DMTalesTTRPG most recent edition is done by Fantasy Flight Games. I like the older editions done when AEG owned it.
@@sketchasaurrex4087 ok, thanks.
WB:FMAG! It’s been my go-to for a while and super easily mutable across so much!
Non-D&D has long been RISUS, and now lately the FF-Inspired but not as heavy as AFF, Spellzard!
Great lil and super easy system!
I don’t know the last three games, thanks!
D&D at the last spot! Deserved 😂 So many other (and BETTER) games out there.
It’s subjective. I have friends who play all sorts of RPGs and LOVE 5e.
2:49 agree on optimize building. I don’t like it.
Yah, I have friends who have a blast with it but it’s not for me.
I’d like to play Shadowdark, my brothers have enjoyed what they’ve played. I look forward to playing more C$C too, you describe well very pithily.
Thanks! Shadowdark is a ton of fun.
C&C rocks!! The one thing that wasn't mentioned about C&D is that since C&C first came out in 2004. Thye have never changed the edition. They are just about to do a 10th printing of the C&C Player's Manual and you can play with any printing of the game.
Yup. I do appreciate that. I ]’m also glad they hired an editor for the upcoming printing! I’ve already seen improvements in the preview PDFs for the PHB.
Need DC20 in this mix to make it a complete list.
These are the games I’ve actually run. DC20 may be something I play at some point, but it’s a style that is not my typical cup of tea.
Edit:
Not sure if shadowbanned or UA-cam is buggy but my replies aren't going out so I just wanted to add here that DC20 looks like a great game and that I want it to do well. I also am not claiming that the creator or his friends are being unethical.
Original reply:
From what I gather, DC20 is aimed at D&D 5E players which... Made it to the bottom of this list. Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems to be the wrong system here.
Oh, and having one creator who isn't spamming us with disguised paid promotions for DC20 is refreshing right now.
@@MCRP-Games maybe you're wrong about the system and in general making assumptions about whose doing paid and who's not. Vibe from your comment is you're a hype hater.
I’ve not seen any hidden paid promotion for DC20. I’ve seen sponsorship promotions, though. I can’t really knock someone for taking a sponsorship, either. It would be nice if I could get one.
But you aren’t wrong that the system is designed, first for folks who enjoy 5e and Pathfinder. That’s the play style it’s going for and a lot of folks seem to think it’s perfected the formula. Which is great and I am psyched it’s funding has done so well, just not typically my cup of tea.
I’ve pointed out that I’ve not seen any “hidden” paid ads for DC20. A couple of sponsored videos, but nothing hidden. A lot of folks don’t realize a lot of these folks are friends, so if their friend is doing something they find cool, they’ll talk about it. And I’m thankful for this because it’s how I found both EZD6 and Shadowdark.
But can we please not start leveling invective at folks in comments. Calling someone a “hyper hater” doesn’t help us talk about this cool hobby any better, it just leads to flame wars. There are enough flame wars out there, I’d like to minimize them there.
Would love to have you check out Alloyed RPG!
Can you send me details at my dmtales website?
@ - will do!
@Alloyed-RPG thanks!
Very cool list. Have you ever looked up Five Torches Deep?
It is on my radar! And thanks!!
@@DMTalesTTRPG YW!
Enjoyed this, great countdown. You seem to prefer the more traditional game ruleset and a strong preference for fantasy settings, apart from the mention of using ICRPG for a sci-fi game. Do you prefer the fantasy genre in other media too?
I’m mor3 of a fantasy person, yes. Though I do enjoy post apocalyptic science-fantasy and super heroes as well. I’m looking forward to useing Cypher System to branch out some.
@@DMTalesTTRPGAwesome! I’m slowly working my way through your back catalogue and loved the “The Origin” review for the Cypher system. I have it in my pile to run next. I’d love to hear how it goes for you if you get it to the table.
@@PuppaSmirk thanks! I’m actually hoping to run “A Night at the Opera” as a charity live stream at some point in the near future!
DragonBane & Symbarum are among my all time favourites.
Both are a lot of fun!
Thanks for this video !
As you love both games, and it seems you use Dragonbane in another setting (if I understood right), would you recommand Forbidden Lands or DragonBane to play in the Hyborian Age ? (2d20conan is a bit complexe to my taste...)
Thanks
I don’t think I mentioned where I run Dragonbane or…did I? I can’t remember. Right now we are running in the Misty Vale, though.
Anyway, for Hyborian Age…I think Forbidden Lands might be a better fit. It’s more “unknown” and is a ton more gritty.
@@DMTalesTTRPG sorry, my english i guess ! Ok thanks for the advice.
From what iv seen i LOVE many mechanics of FL, but i also LOVE the art, the tactical combat and "animal races" from DragonBane...
Ill see ! :-) DBane arrives in french this winter and FL is already translated...
@eliatardy5964 no worries at all, I couldn’t remember what I said!
And I agree. Dragonbane is SO much fun, but Forbidden Lands is also fun, but just matches a Conan-like feel more.
How about OSE or Hyperborea? I really enjoyed the reviews!
I haven’t run either so they weren’t eligible. OSE is great though, it’s LITERALLY where I started playing since my first game was Moldvay Basic!
I need to re-read Hyperborea for a review.
I would love for you to try out Legend of the Five Rings 1st/2nd edition if you haven't already.
The setting is amazing and I love the system.
4th edition is arguably the best edition but very expensive, 1st/2nd is affordable and available on ebay.
5th edition by ffg is a different animal, but I'd like to hear your take on that as well.
Thanks for the lead! Who publishes this?
@@DMTalesTTRPG AEG originally, now it's FFG
@@NefariousTribe thanks!!
@@NefariousTribe what do you like about the system?
@DMTalesTTRPG I like how ridged it is. Everything stat (ring) is important. 4 or the 5 rings have sub stats, so you have to diversify somewhat to minmax, so it's very thematic to the setting.
From a setting side, I am of the opinion that Rokugan and its lore are among the greatest in all of ttrpg history.
There are awesome stories in the clan books and novels.
If you read just the stories in Core book and the Clan books I can't see how you couldn't be hooked.
People ''love'' 5e, because they haven't tried other systems. Once you try a couple different systems, there is no shot you go back to 5e.
I started off with 5e during covid and fell in love with ttrpgs. I spend huuundreds on 5e books (along with the dndbeyond versions) and accessories. Until I started reading other systems and I couldn't get back to 5e. That system died for me.
I don’t believe that’s accurate in general, even though it’s the journey you were on. I’ve got plenty of friends who play a LOT of systems, and enjoy them, but will still default to 5e. I’ve got other friends who have tried other systems and just went back to 5e because that’s where they were happy.
Now, I also have other friends who bounced off 5e, and I don’t particularly enjoy the play style. Folks look for different things from the hobby.
Love symbaroum but the organization and layout is frustratingly poor, not as bad as the old palladium books but, oof. And ICRPG is my go to for new players and the game I probably steal the most out of. I'd be super curious what your take on Crown and Skull is. I admit the aesthetic of dragonbane (its probably just the duck if im honest;) has held me off but folks keep raving about the system in all the ways that matter to me....Solid video mate.
Thanks! It’s funny, because the Mallards are selling point for me! I do think that Symbaroum could REALLY use a revision.
And try out the quickstart guide for Dragonbane soon, because the box set is on sale for $25 dollars (plus shipping) right now!
Pity that gallant knight game's tiny d6 line of rpgs didnt make the cut.
Well this was only games I’ve run. I do need to pick that up, though.
I recently picked up EZD6, hopefully I shouldn't have gone for Dragonbane instead.
I will NEVER say someone made a mistake by purchasing EZd6!
I was hoping # 1 would be heroquest .
One day, sir. One day.
Have you ever tried Pendragon?
Literally got the book this week!
So, does that mean you have yet to run blades in the dark or DCC?! Couldn't help noticing, those are two of my favorites.
I have not
I still need to read Blades.
What book is that on your shelf to the left of dark places and demigorgons?
That is Grimwood City for EzD6
Fun video. Thanks.
Thank you very much.
Nice list! Have you checked out DC20? If not you should.
I’m…on the fence with DC20. High Fantasy Games aren’t my favorite.
Note: DC20 is crunchier than D&D 5e -- it goes in the other direction adding in PF 2e elements. What you get in DC20 is more flexible combat (more options) at the expense of simplicity.
Yah, it’s not a style of game I typically go for.
Rolemaster, Basic RolePlaying and GURPS. Nothing comes even close to the trifecta.
Very nice.
If you like skill based TTRPGs -- another game, you might like is "The Dark Eye" or Das Schwarze Auge (DAS) in German. #1 TTRPG in Germany. The setting is absolutely gorgeous. The Dark Eye IMO was definitely influenced by GURPS and BRP.
@@quantus5875 so what is the setting like?
@@quantus5875 I am german and therefor aware of DSA (Dark Eye)... and yes it is a simulationist game in the vein of the ones I mentioned.
@@BanjoSick Right on! Yeah -- a German friend introduced me to The Dark Eye 4th Ed -- and just fell in love with the game when they converted TDE 5e over to English. Love the way German's do TTRPGs. If I lived in Germany I'd be playing it all the time!
So you’re going off D&D but number one game is similar to D&D? That’s interesting. Going to look up EZd6 though.
Umm, not really. It’s fantasy, but not really D&D. It’s roll under, skil-based, there are no levels, magic is roll to cast, monsters auto-hit, initiative is individual but fast, and reactions are handled in a way that requires more strategy. Playing it feels nothing like playing D&D.
EZD6 is the most elegant TTRPG system I have ever encountered.
@@TheGladGolem it certainly is fast and FUN. Dragonbane is my favorite system right now, overall. Forbidden Lands was also a blast, but Dragonbane is so streamlined and fun. EZD6 I can sit down and play with new players IMMEDIATELY, and that’s so fun.
You need to run Ironbound.. so that it can make it on the list in 2025
I do indeed.
very cool
Thanks!
You must be retired to have time to play all those games
I wish! A lot are one shots just so I can test out the game.
Lots of fantasy on your list. How about something modern or even science fiction.?
It’s a list of the ten products I own, have read, and/or used. How about you share a product you like?
I mean this is basically, “You’re having fun wrong.”
A better way to encourage someone to try a different genre is, “Hey, have you ever considered running [specific product name].”
@@DMTalesTTRPG Sorry there DM Tales, That is not how I meant it at all but I see that in plain ole text it came out that way. In the last couple years I have played and ran, The One Ring, Tales From the Loop, Shadowrun 5th edition, Lowlife 2090(I noticed that on your shelfie) Liminal, Traveller, FFG Star Wars, 2d20 Conan, John Carter on Mars, Star Trek Adventures, Pendragon, Feng Shui, Paladin, Cohors Cthulhu, Bladerunner, Alien, D&D 5th edition. My top five are, 5- Conan 2d20, 4- Bladerunner, 3-Pendragon, Cohors Cthulhu and #1- The One Ring..
@saulmorales4863 nice! Thanks!!!
@@saulmorales4863 that’s very nice list!
bro just hates dnd
eye roll.
Roll under sucks. Glad it is relegated to the trashbin of history. The world isn't 90% possible for people with "18's" on their stat sheet. Plus it is just dumb to have 20 mean something great one roll and something bad the next. Flush them all, IMO.
I do treasure BFRPG, ICRPG, and EZd6.
Sure, have a nice day.
I cannot recommend Knave 2e enough. BRP is amazing. SWADE is great!
I’ll be getting Knave 2e this week! Thanks!