I got Transformers the RPG from Renegade Games Studio for Christmas.

I've only been able to flip thru my book to see what the game is like.  I have watched a few video reviews of the game, and it seems like the game is popular, but I'm not sure myself.

The basis of the rules are that you roll a 1D20, and then a skill dice to go with it.  1D2, 1D4, 1D6, ect, up to 1D12.  That seems fine to me, and simple.

What I don't like is that the game also uses Advantage and Disadvantage for the 1D20.  The reason this bugs me is that the skill dice can go up and down, called Upshift and Downshift.

That means there are two ways to affect a dice roll, and that can lead to misunderstandings as you figure out how to make the dice roll harder or easier.  Just pick one or the other.

Skadoosh.

https://www.therpgsite.com/pen-paper-roleplaying-games-rpgs-discussion/transformers-rpg-is-in-my-hands/

At this point I have not actually run the game, but I do agree that the dice mechanic looks very clunky.

It's still the version with the pronoun character sheet and the animal handling skill, right?

I'm sorry I know it's in the other thread I just can't get over the animal handling skill.

We recently had a thread about the GI Joe RPG that's part of the same line.  I'll share the same thought here.  I have no particular experience with Essence20 but I do have an issue with Renegade Game Studios.

I have and reviewed the Altered Carbon RPG book and I was immensely disappointment.  The system they have is broken.  For them, a seasoned games development company, to release such a bad system is a deep cut.  I will be very leery buying anything from them ever again.  If anyone just has to play Altered Carbon, it's easy to convert to Savage Worlds as that's what their system is based on.

It wouldn't surprise me in the least if Essence20 has some wonky bits that end up being universally house ruled into oblivion.

Quote from: Venka on January 10, 2024, 10:15:36 PM
It's still the version with the pronoun character sheet and the animal handling skill, right?

I'm sorry I know it's in the other thread I just can't get over the animal handling skill.

The funniest take I saw was that Animal Handling was for dealing with the Humans





But yes, it's a clunky, limiting, overly generic 5e knock-off that doesn't emulate the setting well at all.

I'll probably use Tiny D6 Mecha Vs Monsters 2E. 

I don't see anything in the game rules for Essence-20 that excites me.  Hell, army tank type characters called a Rain Maker.  WTF?  Rain Maker isn't a tank.  That sounds like an author trying to avoid military terms.

I'll use the game for lore only. 

I own this game. And all of the supplements currently that have been put out.

The game itself is heavily based on IDW's Transformers comics. Both for the good and the bad. This means you shouldn't expect G1 animated to be taking the front seat. Because that isn't the experience that this game delivers.

If you do not like IDW's Transformers books, you will loathe this game. Straight up.

It treats the Autobots as a privileged upper class, for the most part. And the various professions and archetypes are built around that. Which I found to be a massive disappointment.

Quote from: Grognard GM on January 11, 2024, 08:48:48 AM
The funniest take I saw was that Animal Handling was for dealing with the Humans

That's fantastic. That almost makes me want to run the game just so I can use that. almost.

I haven't got the Transformers RPG. But I picked up the Power Rangers one that apparently uses the same rules. It was so dreadful that I started work on my own Tokusatsu inspired RPG out of spite. I'd say if you want good TF rules try out D6 Mecha vs Kaiju or even pilfer the transformation rules from Savage World Robotech. Also Mekton has transforming mecha if you don't mind crunch.

Cartoon Action Hour has rules for vehicles, multi-forms, and Gestalt robots.

Quote from: Grognard GM on February 16, 2024, 01:03:15 PM
Cartoon Action Hour has rules for vehicles, multi-forms, and Gestalt robots.

Interesting.  I'll check it out.