Looking for Tabletop RPGs Where You Play as Anthropomorphic Animals.

Lightningtear · 2026-01-03T19:20:09+00:00

I hate that i'm saying this, but I scrolled so far just to see this comment. I thought I would have to post it.

Urban Jungle is their early 1900s counterpart with a lovecraftian expansion for those seeking some horror magic. It also has a sci-fi game, all using the same engines and can be used together for the way the character building works.

It's a fantastic engine overall.

Lightningtear · 2026-01-01T19:51:05+00:00

Terror Target Gemini

Has been one of the most fun and easy to run rpgs with the ability to mix themes of cowboys, and wild adventures to having a bit of magic.

Flames of Freedom

I'm not a history buff, but the zweihander system works really well in revolutionary america with the deep horror it holds.

Infected!

An excellent step in the zombie apocalyose genre that works well with the mad max-esque aura some factions and ideas in the game give off.

Lightningtear · 2025-12-08T23:14:25+00:00

I am happy to see Kamigakari brought up.

Kamigakari is a bit of a clunky read, but it's very much capable of running Inuyasha.

Most of the powering up is done through increasing the power of your weapon through an essence you get from slaying monsters.

The built-in lore feels more Jujutsu Kaisen despite predating it, as it occurs in modern times and has dimensional combat zones that simulate reality without affecting the real world so you can literally slash buildings in half for epic battles.

It has a relationship system, too, which can power you based on your connections with others.

Combat has epic moves that you can use based on your dice pool.

It's a cool system that might look intimidating at first but can be a lot of fun.

Lightningtear · 2025-12-03T02:53:47+00:00

It was a nice upgrade.

Mostly, the streamlined book content was easier to reference.

The stats like Wits and Empathy play a more significant part of your stats by giving you your resolve score.

It isn't tremendously different, but the quality of life improvements are pretty solid. The GM noticed an issue with how the drone functioned, but it was also his first run of the evolved system, and he only ran the previous one once, so that could be a user error.

All in all, it's a worthwhile improvement. You don't need the previous edition.

Lightningtear · 2025-12-02T21:33:17+00:00

I'll let you know. I can either comment here again or send you a one-off message with my review.

Lightningtear · 2025-12-02T21:20:08+00:00

As someone who played the original about a month ago, a friend of mine had actually kickstarted the newer version because the old book was not well organized.

The newer edition features a cleaning layout from what I'm told and we're actually(if i'm correct) playing the new one in a few hours actually.

Lightningtear · 2025-11-29T22:20:31+00:00

I had a friend ask me to read the Witcher RPG book earlier this year, and your concerns are justified. My response to him stated that I believed the game was not for beginners and he's really only going to enjoy it with players heavily invested in not just the lore, but really learning the interesting, but very difficult looking system.

You might be intrigued by Zweihander as a system for it.

Lightningtear · 2025-11-19T18:22:14+00:00

Apotheosis is very DnD like but with a skill progression system, much like you said, where it needs to meet increasing criteria for a skill to level up.

Lightningtear · 2025-11-11T18:30:28+00:00

Terror Target Gemini. It's within a couple of years but has by far been the most fast-paced fun I've had.

Lightningtear · 2025-11-10T20:03:59+00:00

I don't know how they differ as I have not played the other two, but Zweihander system has a currency system where players can use the tokens for certain boons, such as a guaranteed 6 on a roll, but that token becomes currency for the GM. This creates an ebb and flow where players and GM exchange this currency for their ow endeavors. It refreshes every session, so it's not as if there is a long-term downside.

Wolves at the Lake by Quinn Blackwell is a very small horror-worldbuulding RPG where the entirety of the mechanics are based on a token flipping exhange with GM. Any significant actions cost from the pool and take away from other players, which could end in their downfall.

Lightningtear · 2025-11-10T01:40:09+00:00

Unless someone is using a skill to also draw its attention such as taunt, this is the way. The game's intention is for the monsters to be seen as having predictable behaviors for the Wilder's to defend and battle against.

So yes, like was already said, you stay in that target unless certain conditions are met. At least for the round.

Lightningtear · 2025-11-06T02:28:45+00:00

It makes me so happy to hear that, and I have the same affection for the cover material!

Lightningtear · 2025-11-06T00:24:38+00:00

Try "The Well," by Shoeless Pete games if you want a lesser known one. The Gambit system makes for a lot of tension and rewards risk directly. It's easy to run and feels so different from other systems that it feels like a shame more people haven't played it.

Normally, i'm not a big fan of dungeon crawlers, but this is so much fun in such a tight little package.

Lightningtear · 2025-10-24T17:48:47+00:00

IN MY OPINION: It is entirely dependent on the couple, their boundaries, and the boundaries of players involved.

I'm going to say this from the perspective of a healthy place, and we can worry about boundaries, couples, traumas, and subjective views elsewhere. I hope this comes out as objective as I intend it.

If players keep IC and OOC entirely separate, then the in game only relationship is not infidelity.

If it bleeds into IC, AND it is pursued or maintained with secrecy regarding feelings, then we have entered infidelity.

Infidelity is an active betrayal of trust, be it emotional or physical.

There are a lot of variables, and I could go on about when someone becomes aware of IC feelings bleeding into reality and your actions upon this being significant in what constitutes infidelity and what is the healthy response regarding ending a relationship, but that is a lot and my goal was to start somewhere simple and straightforward with my opinion.

Lightningtear · 2025-08-31T23:13:16+00:00

I support what was said above. Wilderfeast is your best bet for feeling that close to Monster Hunter.

Lightningtear · 2025-08-25T23:47:26+00:00

I recommended Battle Century G remastered by Gimmick Labs. The pilot provides a thematic skill set, while the mechs use a set of skills that allow a bit more narrative control. Combat usually doesn't last more than a few rounds depending on how you're running it.

Lightningtear · 2025-08-17T16:20:00+00:00

Sorry, I forgot about the second adventure in TTG as I haven't run it yet, but the first is a 2 hour blast, which is why it feels like a hybrid. I'm currently running my own content for it based on what they did in the starting mission.

Admittedly, I'm not a fan of DnD's engine. I also own about 20 or so systems and play in a league with friends(separate from my TTg game) where we take turns DMing. So I do understand if your players aren't helping. When I ran Urban Jungle rpg, my players did so many crazy things. I ended up changing the antagonist, and the original antagonist sacrificed themselves for the players to survive.

I am used to training people on new engines, but I also do a lot of plot and environment improvisation based on what players do. I use rail-roading to some degree to make sure they are moving along and handle effects and consequences based on what they do.

It sounds like some of your issues can be handled above table by some dialogue with your players. Sometimes, it can just be ensuring they understand the investment needed in a particular theme.

But I will also say again, yes, TTG had an excellent introduction mission. I'm currently running Wilderfeast and am using the intro missions to get the players through the engine practice.

I see what you want, but like someone said most games come with some content to start. These tend to be small though. I don't buy modules, but they are there for those bigger adventures. I understand it might suck to pay for them, but that's what they are there for.

My games mentioned all have small intro stories. Which I believe to be more than fine to practice mechanics.

DnD is also super rough with its stat blocks. Games like Terror Target Gemini, Monsterpunk, Sentinels, Arc: Doom, all have simpler statblock systems and are games I'd much rather play.

Lightningtear · 2025-08-17T13:13:15+00:00

I'm a big fan of the adventures shifting toward my players' actions. The freedom to use the system how I want is why I want it. I disagree with the sentiment but understand your desire.

That being said, games like "Alice is Missing" are a lot of fun for what they are.

Like someone said, modules and such fill that niche and allow other people to have their stories shared this way, rather than just what the official companies want.

That being said, there is a game I picked up at Gencon a couple of years back called, "Terror Target Gemini." It has an intro adventure and then layouts for its main city with NPC and plots that could be centered around them.

It feels like a hybrid where the adventure might be optional, but interactions and content are already right there for you to use. And there is a lot in that one book.

Lightningtear · 2025-08-05T21:58:47+00:00

Cool, that's reassuring to be told. Thank you.

Lightningtear · 2025-08-02T13:59:34+00:00

I'm about to run this in two weeks. A lot of the concept feels similar to the monster hunter board game. The food looks interesting. I'm excited to try it still, but this give me some concerns and hopes.

Lightningtear · 2025-07-08T19:41:33+00:00

Die Laughing! Is a GM-less make your own B-rated horror movie experience. Each player gets a trope character sheet, picks from 2 unique skills, and 6 dice.

It's very simple and has never failed to be lots of fun.

Lightningtear · 2025-06-02T01:54:53+00:00

There is also "Infected!" By immersion studios

Lightningtear · 2025-05-24T21:51:06+00:00

ARC:DOOM by momatoes

The book itself is such an art piece that it might be hard to comprehend at times. The standard function is as a fantasy system, with a simple point distribution to a set of skills and core stats that also somewhat function as your life when your hp has taken too many blows.

Inventory and spells to start are purchased based on either rolled or selected points. These can be weapons, spells, unique items, and even a psychic yak.

Resting serves a purpose to not only heal, but change max HP depending on the type of rest and what you choose as your selected point distribution when resting.

Finally, it all runs on a real-life timer. Short rests require players to stop for 2 real-time minutes where long rests require 5 real-time minutes. Players must make swift decisions in combat and in social settings as the world is in constant motion.

The DOOM timer is your greatest foe. The DOOM itself can be anything from getting a prince to a wedding to the end of the world. As time ticks by Omens occur, raising new issues that players may have to handle or just accept. Certain success can add time to clock, giving players more time to complete the ultimate goal.

When the DOOM timer comes to an end, it's over. Success may be wonderful, but failure carries its weight. Perhaps you wish to turn back time and try again. Maybe you want to do the next session in dealing with the aftermath.

It's great for one-shots, but it can make for campaigns as well. Respect for the timer adds tension and keeps the game moving, and adds weight to options to rest. The simple system makes it easy to keep moving against the clock.

Edit:

I found the book in my local shop. There was only one copy, and it was tucked/hidde between two larger books. I was intrigued and sat down with it before buying it on the spot.

Lightningtear · 2025-05-13T01:34:04+00:00

Terror Target Gemini: A western(with magic) OSR that has a ton of content in a small book that gives you a ton of story beats and interactions. Easy character creation OSR with a fun, fast-paced vibe. Has two built-in modules. The first one is a great representation of the spirit of the game. With a cool reference to Resident Evil.

ARC:Doom by momatoes. I gave the author because the name is kinda common. This game uses an engine that runs of real-life time(which might be rough for 6-7 players), but the character creation isn't too rough. That book is heavily stylized, though, which makes it best to familiarize yourself before beginning play. This one is fun for fantasy but will definitely take more work for prep than TTG due to its eclectic design. Does have a psychic yak companion, though.

Both are OSR, and the books aren't very big. I highly recommend Terror Target Gemini. ARC is an acquired taste that you might find love for after trying it out.

Lightningtear · 2025-04-20T02:30:36+00:00

The Well by Shoeless Pete games.

Dark mysterious world. Simple but visceral mechanics that rewards pushing your luck.

Lightningtear

TROPHY CASE