RPG-like rules for a tabletop FPS?

mcbobbo · February 28, 2014, 10:02:49 AM

My oldest has taken to arena/battleground-based PvP lately in a big way. He wants his dad to be involved a lot at this age, so I was thinking for some variety doing a capture the flag style setup for an RPG-ish scenario.

So a quick requirements list might be...

Two 'balanced' teams with 'uniqueness' that won't break the genre.

Quick rules adjudication, but not necessarily character creation since they can respawn. But the combats themselves should be fast and deadly.

Specific rules about line of sight, movement, and terrain. To make the map layout matter.

Any other ideas?

Future Villain Band · February 28, 2014, 10:35:18 AM

Although it's not exactly what you described, the RUNE RPG by Atlas Games was supposed to be a "competitive RPG", and it was based on an FPS. But it's more of a classic GM v. P situation, rather than two teams.

Also, you might be able to do something with "Squad Level" Deathwatch. I don't know, though.

Greentongue · February 28, 2014, 02:27:49 PM

"Showdown" is the free skirmish level game related to Savage Worlds.
Should do all you ask and even can morph into full blown Savage Worlds if/when you want.
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mcbobbo · March 01, 2014, 02:27:47 PM

I snapped up Castles and Crusades on the word that it has facing, and it's not too far off...

mcbobbo · March 01, 2014, 02:30:36 PM

Quote from: Greentongue;733670"Showdown" is the free skirmish level game related to Savage Worlds.
Should do all you ask and even can morph into full blown Savage Worlds if/when you want.
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This uses the same core as Savage Worlds, so would suffer from the same lack of player control over the outcomes. Too random, too arbitrary, etc.

I need something more tactical, where odds are not the biggest factor, but strategy is.

Greentongue · March 01, 2014, 03:28:40 PM

Quote from: mcbobbo;733837This uses the same core as Savage Worlds, so would suffer from the same lack of player control over the outcomes. Too random, too arbitrary, etc.

I need something more tactical, where odds are not the biggest factor, but strategy is.

I assume that you have only played a cursory game of Savage Worlds.
If odds were the biggest factor and the outcome too arbitrary, then your use of the SW rules were fleeting at best.

While it may not be what you are looking for, it is certainly not how you described it. Player tactics and bennies all but eliminate random outcomes in normal games, using all the available options.

Savage Tactics and Combat Survival Guide give examples.
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David Johansen · March 01, 2014, 11:29:57 PM

Have you considered FRAG?

http://www.sjgames.com/frag/

Or perhaps Mantic's Dead Zone?

http://www.manticgames.com/games/deadzone.html

mcbobbo · March 03, 2014, 09:34:59 AM

Thanks for the SW recommendation. GT. I have played it extensively, and we happen to disagree. It is a fine system for narrative gaming, but not at all what I am looking for here. Let's just focus on the wounds/soaking and leave it at that. I'd like health points.

David, FRAG looks just about perfect, play style wise, but kind of steals my 'homebrew' thunder.

Still I may yet pick it up when I get frustrated.

I may check out the other one if it appears at the local shop, but it looks like one of those 'collect one piece at a time' games. I'm hoping for something closer to an RPG where you can roll up characters and try them out. Nothing necessarily bound to the plastic representing it.

Greentongue · March 03, 2014, 02:36:18 PM

Quote from: mcbobbo;734239Thanks for the SW recommendation. GT. I have played it extensively, and we happen to disagree.

Thanks for considering and the civility.

QuoteDavid, FRAG looks just about perfect, play style wise,

Yeah, FRAG looks like fun!
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Omega · March 08, 2014, 08:00:07 AM

Been a while, but there is a PNP game called Guncrawl which had a fair amount of flexibility in what it could be adapted to.

Hard to find. but the Doom board game was pretty good overall.

Spinachcat · March 11, 2014, 03:09:18 PM

I agree with the Doom boardgame. It's got great cooperative play and its nasty when set on advanced play.

I also highly recommend the new Gamma World built on 4e. It's tactical like 4e, but the rules are stripped down and more deadly. If you use Level +2 for Encounter budget, you can have a fair fight between sides. Unlike D&D 4e, the assumption in GW is that PCs die more since chargen is faster.

If you and your son like figs & painting, I would suggest 40k and Warmachine. 40k has their squad level fight rules so you only need one dozen minis per side, not dozens.

If you like prepainted minis, then hunt down either AT-43 or Mage Knight. Both have fast play tactical rules.