I've always marveled at Microlite 20, a one-page minimalist reduction of the 3.x rules designed by Robin V. Stacey (aka Greywulf) in 2006. It was way too minimal, but subsequent variations-- there must be hundreds—filled things out a bit. Still, it never seemed to completely sway me. Until now.

Microlite 2020 (henceforth ML) is a variation created by Randall S Stukey in 2020. None of the 3 versions has a table of contents, so I may be a bit off about the differences, but here goes:

Core (4 pages): The bare bones of the system.
Complete (16 pages): As above, plus rules options
Old School Edition (34 pages): As above, but with more monsters, spells for both BX and 1E, and an appendix on early edition conventions.

Regardless of the version, ML isn't a retroclone but a reduction. Is it too much of reduction, or just right? Let's take a look.

--- The System ---

Ability Scores: The classic 6 are replaced with Strength, Dexterity, and Mind. 3 to 18 scale. 4d6 drop lowest.

Races: ML calls them Ancestries, but that's the only thing remotely resembling Wokeness I can find in the document. There are only 4: Dwarf, Elf, Halfling, and Human. You get to choose one racial background at rank 3 (see below for an explanation on backgrounds) or one racial ability.

Classes: Only 4. Fighter, Rogue, Cleric, Mage. Each class has a different combat bonus, gets a +2 to one ability score, and 3 special abilities. For example, the Rogue gets +2 DEX, Sneak Attack, Riposte, and Connections. All classes have a D6 hit die. We'll see why later.

Skills: ML calls them Backgrounds, and says they aren't skills in the traditional sense. Backgrounds are ranked 1 to 5, and you get 8 points to assign. The players create their own backgrounds-- stuff like acrobat, alchemist, animal trainer, architect, aristocratic noble, assassin, chef, etc. Checks are D20 + ability + background + level.

Health: ML uses something like VP and WP from the old *Craft games, but VP is called Hit Points. HP is D6 + STR bonus per level; WP is Strength score. You recover all HP after a night's rest, and recover WP equal to STR bonus.

Magic: Here's where ML really shines. Mages/Clerics can cast any arcane/divine spell equal to their level /2. Vancian magic is replaced by spells costing HP, depending on their level: 1 + (spell level x 2). This is why the mages have the same D6 as the fighters—they're going to burn those HP for spells.

Initiative: Make a DC 12 check, success means you go before the monsters, failure means you go after. I've seen this somewhere else besides ML, and always liked it.

Attacking and Defense: Works as expected, with ascending AC, but there's a one-action action economy instead of the usual two action economy.

Weapons and Armor: Very simplified. Weapons are d4, d6, and d8 depending if the weapon is light, medium, or heavy. Armor is +2, +4, or +6 for leather, chain, plate. I'd definitely use the optional rules that expand on these lists.

Options and Appendices: Rules variations, equipment, monsters, spells, etc.


--- My thoughts ---

The good

I've always thought that what 3.x needed was less, not more—basically the opposite direction from Pathfinder edition. Over the years I've looked at several 3.x variations: Spycraft, True 20, M&M 1E, 2E, and 3E, Trailblazer, FantasyCraft... they each had great ideas, but still seemed too heavy.

Certain features of ML really stand out for me. I love the 3 special abilities for each class feature, and creating your own skills focuses on what's important to the player. I like how 3E handles some of the core elements (ascending AC, even ability score mods, unified XP, skills, 3 saves, etc.) better than the BX.

I like that the races don't have the expected special abilities (darkvision, I don't miss you) or the "1 in 6 chance to find a secret door" garbage.

The questionable

ML subtracts the things that makes 3.5 painful (prcs, 3pp, endless feats, optimizing builds, etc.) But does it go too far? I wouldn't want to run this more than a few nights without a book of monsters, spells, and treasure at hand. Speaking of treasure-- I couldn't find anything.

I've always loved VP and WP, and using it here to power spells is excellent. I might create a house rule so the mages don't repeatedly cast the same spell over and over.

The rules on saving throws are too vague —it simply says "saving throws are handled as skill checks." Does that mean that all characters should take FOR, REF, and WIL as backgrounds? That knocks out 3 of 8 points, which doesn't seem right. Maybe I missed something.

Again, maybe I just didn't see it, but the features for Ancestries seems to vague. Is the Dwarf's Stonework a background or a special ability? What about the Elf's Magecraft? If those are special abilities, what do they do?

Not sure about the one-action economy. I fear it would encourage characters to not move around, but I prefer things to be much more kinetic.

Final

I'm excited to take this and build some things on top of it.  First, I'd add Charisma as a fourth stat. Next, a Bard class, since it's a very popular choice with players. But that's about it—no dragonborn, no monks, no 5E sorcerers randomly summoning unicorns.

As I mentioned earlier, I'd have to take another look at Saves and spamming spells. The options presented after the core rules are intriguing. I'd definitely add bleeding, critical hits, and heroic effort.

In the final analysis, ML excites me for taking something old and presenting it in a new and exciting light. I get the same feel from ML as I do from the Traveller LBBs. that weird feeling where ideas just start popping in my head. Which I don't get from 5E. I usually hate the expression "less is more" but I think it's appropriate here.

Check it out here: https://retroroleplaying.com/downloads/microlite2020-games/

One pagers are thought experiments and funny curiosities, nothing more.
This......thing is no exception to the rule.

I too have been fascinated with this system for years, and a while back bought the "Microlite Complete" package that is some 200+ pages of the versions the OP cites plus a couple dozen variants or supplements to suit different genres or play styles. There is much to like in the Microlite system, if you are a fan of the basic class/d20 paradigm and also want a very rules-light game. It is also worth reading for every gamer just to see what the bare essence of a game could be, and to then reconceptualize various parts of your own preferred system. There is almost no "flavor" in Microlite, so it is not for everyone (as discussions on this forum about the role of rules in creating flavor will attest), but an interesting intellectual exercise nonetheless.

Microlite20 is unplayable IMHO, but that was not the goal. The goal was to provide a functional foundation to build upon. To that extent it is successful. There are a lot of playable versions now in existence plus an amazing variety of different genres using ML20. I think Microlite 2020 is even better and does approach the level of a playable and complete set of rules that stands on its own.

Thanks! I love reviews like this that lay out differences, etc. without getting too bogged down.

I did have one issue with the below...

Quote from: Aglondir on April 15, 2023, 12:52:17 AM
Health: ML uses something like VP and WP from the old *Craft games, but VP is called Hit Points. HP is D6 + STR bonus per level; WP is Strength score. You recover all HP after a night's rest, and recover WP equal to STR bonus.

I have no idea what VP and WP are. I looked them up, but there wasn't a quick description of how they worked. Basically, two damage tracks? VP are Vitality Points, hit points that have no repercussions? WP are Wound Points, hit points that have repercussions (like in Traveller)? Without electronic assistance, doesn't sound like something I'd enjoy tracking.

For our home brew, we went with "if the last damage is subduing damage (from a melee weapon or specialized ranged weapon), it is unconsciousness, not death".

Quote from: Tod13 on April 15, 2023, 10:57:06 AM
Thanks! I love reviews like this that lay out differences, etc. without getting too bogged down.

I did have one issue with the below...

Quote from: Aglondir on April 15, 2023, 12:52:17 AM
Health: ML uses something like VP and WP from the old *Craft games, but VP is called Hit Points. HP is D6 + STR bonus per level; WP is Strength score. You recover all HP after a night's rest, and recover WP equal to STR bonus.

I have no idea what VP and WP are. I looked them up, but there wasn't a quick description of how they worked. Basically, two damage tracks? VP are Vitality Points, hit points that have no repercussions? WP are Wound Points, hit points that have repercussions (like in Traveller)? Without electronic assistance, doesn't sound like something I'd enjoy tracking.

For our home brew, we went with "if the last damage is subduing damage (from a melee weapon or specialized ranged weapon), it is unconsciousness, not death".

Glad you liked the review. VP/WP first appeared in Star Wars D20 (Revised) and later in Spycraft and Fantasycraft. Also, in D20 Unearthed Arcana:

https://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/adventuring/vitalityAndWoundPoints.htm

ML 2020 is using a simpler version; I can explain it if you're interested.

Quote from: Aglondir on April 15, 2023, 11:15:50 AM

Quote from: Tod13 on April 15, 2023, 10:57:06 AM
Thanks! I love reviews like this that lay out differences, etc. without getting too bogged down.

I did have one issue with the below...

Quote from: Aglondir on April 15, 2023, 12:52:17 AM
Health: ML uses something like VP and WP from the old *Craft games, but VP is called Hit Points. HP is D6 + STR bonus per level; WP is Strength score. You recover all HP after a night's rest, and recover WP equal to STR bonus.

If my description above is "close enough", I'm good. I can always download the document and read if I really want. Thanks!
I have no idea what VP and WP are. I looked them up, but there wasn't a quick description of how they worked. Basically, two damage tracks? VP are Vitality Points, hit points that have no repercussions? WP are Wound Points, hit points that have repercussions (like in Traveller)? Without electronic assistance, doesn't sound like something I'd enjoy tracking.

For our home brew, we went with "if the last damage is subduing damage (from a melee weapon or specialized ranged weapon), it is unconsciousness, not death".

Glad you liked the review. VP/WP first appeared in Star Wars D20 (Revised) and later in Spycraft and Fantasycraft. Also, in D20 Unearthed Arcana:

https://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/adventuring/vitalityAndWoundPoints.htm

ML 2020 is using a simpler version; I can explain it if you're interested.

Weird. Only the quote came through.

Thanks. I think I got the concept, at least, not too wrong. Just wanted to share that aspect of the review.

If you're looking for a more fleshed out game based on this you could try the large editions:

https://ruleslightrpgs.com/forum/?w3=dmlld2ZvcnVtLnBocD9mPTEy

It is a bit too minimalist for my tastes, but I really enjoy Microlite. I think they are great games.

I love how it deals with skills and "feats", for example (IIRC).

I might keep the six abilities (for tradition; I admit some are more valuable than others) and I prefer 1 HP per spell level if using this rule in my games (I call it "blood magic" and it involves some additional nuance). But aside from these small changes, I really like the rationale behind the books.

Quote from: GamerforHire on April 15, 2023, 07:56:52 AM
I too have been fascinated with this system for years, and a while back bought the "Microlite Complete" package that is some 200+ pages of the versions the OP cites plus a couple dozen variants or supplements to suit different genres or play styles. There is much to like in the Microlite system, if you are a fan of the basic class/d20 paradigm and also want a very rules-light game. It is also worth reading for every gamer just to see what the bare essence of a game could be, and to then reconceptualize various parts of your own preferred system. There is almost no "flavor" in Microlite, so it is not for everyone (as discussions on this forum about the role of rules in creating flavor will attest), but an interesting intellectual exercise nonetheless.

Public service announcement: You can get the 200+ page collection for free at DT-RPG. But all of those games (and there's some interesting ideas) use Microlite 20. One of my favorites is SpyLite, which is an espionage version.

Microlite 2020 is a newer revision to the game. Among other things, the skills changed (ML 20 had 4 defined skills instead of the freeform system in ML 2020) and the HP system changed a bit.

Quote from: Eric Diaz on April 15, 2023, 02:28:34 PM
It is a bit too minimalist for my tastes, but I really enjoy Microlite. I think they are great games.

I love how it deals with skills and "feats", for example (IIRC).

I might keep the six abilities (for tradition; I admit some are more valuable than others) and I prefer 1 HP per spell level if using this rule in my games (I call it "blood magic" and it involves some additional nuance). But aside from these small changes, I really like the rationale behind the books.

It's a bit too minimalist for me as well as is. But what excited me about it is that I don't need to do any subtraction. All of the drek is gone, and what remains is a great core system, waiting for me to add my own stuff to it. I recall when True 20 came out. I was pleased with the amount of 3.5 drek they deleted, but I wished they had gone even further. Then 4E hit, and that wasn't en evolution of 3E, but something really different. Then 5E arrived, and while it was liter than 3E, it presented new problems.

I suppose I'm more excited about the energy behind Microlite than the actual product. Of course, this is nothing new to the OSR fans-- we all know the "DIY energy" behind the products. It's nice to see that for the 3rd era as well.

Independent creators, making cool stuff? Awesome! Masses of consumers buying WOTC's latest mediocre thing? Not for me. 

Quote from: Aglondir on April 15, 2023, 05:55:49 PM

Quote from: Eric Diaz on April 15, 2023, 02:28:34 PM
It is a bit too minimalist for my tastes, but I really enjoy Microlite. I think they are great games.

I love how it deals with skills and "feats", for example (IIRC).

I might keep the six abilities (for tradition; I admit some are more valuable than others) and I prefer 1 HP per spell level if using this rule in my games (I call it "blood magic" and it involves some additional nuance). But aside from these small changes, I really like the rationale behind the books.

It's a bit too minimalist for me as well as is. But what excited me about it is that I don't need to do any subtraction. All of the drek is gone, and what remains is a great core system, waiting for me to add my own stuff to it. I recall when True 20 came out. I was pleased with the amount of 3.5 drek they deleted, but I wished they had gone even further. Then 4E hit, and that wasn't en evolution of 3E, but something really different. Then 5E arrived, and while it was liter than 3E, it presented new problems.

I suppose I'm more excited about the energy behind Microlite than the actual product. Of course, this is nothing new to the OSR fans-- we all know the "DIY energy" behind the products. It's nice to see that for the 3rd era as well.

Independent creators, making cool stuff? Awesome! Masses of consumers buying WOTC's latest mediocre thing? Not for me.

Yeah, agreed. This part is great!

I like the Microlite stuff.  For free, one gets more material and effort put into it than a lot of OSR stuff on the market these days.

In particular the Microlite 74 and 78 projects get my interest for tackling the older editions and have some good advice mechanics within.

I recommend checking it out if one has not, as costs nothing to do so.

Quote from: squirewaldo on April 15, 2023, 10:31:11 AM
Microlite20 is unplayable IMHO, but that was not the goal. The goal was to provide a functional foundation to build upon. To that extent it is successful. There are a lot of playable versions now in existence plus an amazing variety of different genres using ML20. I think Microlite 2020 is even better and does approach the level of a playable and complete set of rules that stands on its own.

I think an interesting way to use it would be to play with it as is (it's as playable as OD&D was at first) and organically build on it as people at the table request things: classes, going on kinds of adventures, etc.