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09:21, 29th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Simple.

Posted by Fireball30
Fireball30
member, 65 posts
i knit so
i dont kill people
Wed 13 Sep 2017
at 04:56
  • msg #1

Simple

What is the simple most basic game is there.

I'd like run agame maybe
horus
member, 253 posts
Wayfarer of the
Western Wastes
Wed 13 Sep 2017
at 04:59
  • msg #2

Simple

In reply to Fireball30 (msg # 1):

TWERPS comes to mind, as does the game Tactical Waifu (one page of instructions - succinct if not dead simple).

QAGS might also be a good candidate.
tmagann
member, 494 posts
Wed 13 Sep 2017
at 05:17
  • msg #3

Simple

Risus
Nintaku
member, 554 posts
Wed 13 Sep 2017
at 05:49
  • msg #4

Simple

I would say that games like Risus and Wushu are more advanced RPGs, even if the exact mechanics are simple enough. They offer very little advice on how to run a game, and are really just a set of advice on how to get characters moving quickly, but for more skilled gamers.

I suggest something from the Apocalypse World family, preferably a properly published game rather than just a system hack. Not only are each of the bits super simple (character creation is a series of fairly narrow choices, running the game is explained as a conversation with several options listed as discrete choices, including suggesting when to use them, world building is done as a group, etc), but both playing and running tends to be explained very clearly, with simplicity and new players in mind.
nauthiz
member, 536 posts
Wed 13 Sep 2017
at 05:51
  • msg #5

Simple

Depends on what you consider a "game".

You could do it from an entirely freeform basis but incorporate a coin flip or other randomizer for any conflict resolution that might be needed.

Otherwise I usually consider Roll for Shoes to be about the simplest I know of.
LonePaladin
member, 639 posts
Creator of HeroForge
Wed 13 Sep 2017
at 14:17
  • msg #6

Simple

There's one just called "Role" which is pretty simple. It was designed to use a dedicated iPhone app, but they also made a pen-and-paper version:

http://www.roleapp.com/downloa..._Gameplay_Primer.pdf
horus
member, 254 posts
Wayfarer of the
Western Wastes
Wed 13 Sep 2017
at 17:42
  • msg #7

Simple

Yeah, on reflection the question may be a bit broad and vague.  A lot depends on what the querent meant by "simple".

A really basic FRPG is Astounding Swordsmen and Sorcerors of Hyperborea.  Another (which also has the virtue of being free) is The Black Hack.

@Fireball30:  Would you clarify what you are actually intending to do?  We might be able to give you some answers that are better focused that way.
Fireball30
member, 66 posts
i knit so
i dont kill people
Wed 13 Sep 2017
at 18:44
  • msg #8

Simple

In reply to horus (msg # 7):

Simple it's very vague. I don't really know what I want exactly.

I can't find a game to play or that will let me play

So Ill put together my own.

Something simple easy.

The suggestions have been good. But really only just a step above free form. The thing is I have not even play a structured game
Nintaku
member, 555 posts
Wed 13 Sep 2017
at 19:09
  • msg #9

Simple

Then like I said, you may want to start with something like Dungeon World. While the mechanics are very simple, the point of the suggestion is that it's very structured and teaches you how to run a game while teaching the players how to play a game. It has GM Moves that you make during times the game tells you to make them, but they're really the things every GM does already. It's just that the options are laid out clearly so you don't flounder. Very straightforward, and seems to be what you're after.
liblarva
member, 529 posts
Wed 13 Sep 2017
at 19:12
  • msg #10

Simple

Cthulhu Dark. It's one page, maybe two.

Lasers and Feelings. Two pages.

Risus. It's maybe three pages.

World of Dungeons. About three pages.

And there's always Simple Six. Don't know if something works, roll a d6. 1-No, and. 2-No. 3-No, but. 4-Yes, but. 5-Yes. 6-Yes, and. That's it. The "ands" add something more to the result, the "buts" take something away.
This message was last edited by the user at 02:32, Thu 14 Sept 2017.
GreyGriffin
member, 153 posts
Portal Expat
Game System Polyglot
Wed 13 Sep 2017
at 20:55
  • msg #11

Simple

I actually think if you're looking for a little more bite in your "simple" game, 5th edition D&D is a very clean system, especially at early levels.

If you're looking for a simple system, a lot of the Greatest Hits of minimalist games have been named.

Once you roam past minimalist games, you start getting into Narrative games.  A lot of narrative games, despite having simple mechanics, are tricky to play, since they rely on a good understanding of narrative roles, and storytelling and roleplaying techniques.  FATE is probably the most popular narrative game, but a lot of the indie darlings (that aren't minimalist) fall into this category.

If you want a game with some bite but not as dense or complex as, say, D&D, you can lighten up on the rules with games like WoD, Savage Worlds, and Dungeon World.
icosahedron152
member, 788 posts
Sat 30 Sep 2017
at 14:35
  • msg #12

Simple

1PG by Deep 7 Games. Rules are written on one PaGe as the title suggests. You also get some genre background, GMing advice and a game scenario for the grand sum of four dollars. Choose your genre.
bmilstid
member, 2 posts
Sat 30 Sep 2017
at 15:35
  • msg #13

Simple

In reply to Fireball30 (msg # 1):

So I really enjoy Maze Rats. It's simple and great for a first time GM. ( Or any GM who likes to improv.
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