Disclaimer:
- I did playtest this game for the Creator in two different sessions. I know the Creator of this game and consider them a friend in the hobby.
- I initially offered to review it since there seemed to be a lack of coverage for the game and I was familiar with the amount of work that went into the game. He not only agreed and insisted I do as critical review of his game as possible and he knows about how anal-retentive I am when analyzing games. He wanted me to “tear it apart.”
- I do NOT enjoy most (not all) D20 variants and 5e D&D, on which this system is based. This review can potentially be colored by not just a pre-existing friendship, but also my general dislike for how dungeon fantasy (D&D style fantasy) games tend to play out.
All that aside, I did purchase the PDF copy (for which this review is regarding) with my own money and offered to do the review of my own accord. These thoughts are my own and are an attempt to be as objective and honest about the product I can be given the circumstances of the review.
Full review
Brief description
Saturday Morning Tabletop RPG is a game that relies on the D20 success to make its own game while not having the reasons a lot of fans of D20 would buy it; especially compatibility with other systems. The game does address some of the inherent swing of the D20 and uses a lot of tried and true ways of other games to encourage the game to feel like a classic children action cartoons. Its filled with character options (full review has a more extensive list). It attempts to give players a treasure trove of tools and the promise of not dying; to encourage Game Masters to go all out with the creatures and challenges thrown against the players without worry of making them feel disempowered. It is a solid remix of a lot of Dungeons and Dragons-like games, but nothing wholly innovative. It does what it says it does: gives a lot of options to make D&D feel as cartoony and as empowering as possible.
Summary
Current Price: $20 (PDF)
Reviewer's Appraisal: $20-30 (PDF) & $60 (Physical Book)
Pros:
- Based on 5th edition Dungeons and Dragons for those who like the system
- What setting that is there is interesting with plothooks built into some mechanics (especially backgrounds and bonds)
- A truly comprehensive set of character options
- A game that will make players feel empowered and powerful
- Combat is powerful, anime-like, and keeps people in the action
- The game provides a way of creating stakes in a game where players don’t die by default (through stealing xp)
- There is more customization than almost anyone could ever want
- It is exactly as on the tin: A Cartoony/Anime D&D game
Cons:
- It delves into large numbers of damage, miscellaneous bonuses, and hit points; which is a negative for those who want more simple games.
- It is its own system with very little compatible with other D20 products
- It has optional rules for deadly and grittier encounters but other parts of the system would works against that
- It doesn’t fully commit to being a system integrated into a setting or fully into being a generic system. Using it as a generic system for another setting will be a bit of work.
- The childish language used in book may be aesthetically off-putting for some.
- It embraces power gaming and encourages the arms race between DMs and players (which may put off certain groups).
Recommended for:
- Groups who want 5th edition D&D but a truly different game built of it
- GMs looking for systems that provide empowerment and action
- Lovers of customization and D20 mechanics
*Lovers of High Fantasy, Super Heroes, and traditional rpgs
Warning for:
- People who have issues with combat-based D20 games
- Groups looking for deadlier games
- People who hate bigger numbers and miscellaneous bonuses
Rating Note: 4/5 Stars for me represents a game that attempts sommething at least moderately different from the current market, succeeds at doing it with its design, and is a functional product I could reccomend purchase knowing it has minimal errors or quality of life issues.
|