Exploring Role-Playing Character Games Beyond Dungeons and Dragons

While Dungeons and Dragons (DD) remains a beloved classic among role-playing gamers, there are numerous other games that can offer a fresh and engaging experience. From modern supernatural adventures to comedic capers, each game brings its unique flavor to the world of role-playing. Here, we explore several RPGs that cater to different themes and playstyles, providing a richer experience and promoting valuable discussions.

Monster of the Week: Modern Supernatural Adventures

Theme: Modern Supernatural

Gameplay: Monster of the Week is set in the world of shows like Supernatural, where players take on the roles of hunters dealing with various supernatural creatures. The game emphasizes episodic adventures, making it easy to pick up and play. Each session can be a standalone story or part of a larger campaign.

Facilitation: The game encourages character development and teamwork, fostering rich discussions among players. It’s ideal for groups looking to explore the world of supernatural phenomena and work together to defeat monsters.

Fiasco: A Dark Comedy Heist with a Twist

Theme: Dark Comedy Heist Gone Wrong

Gameplay: Fiasco is a story-driven game where players create a narrative about characters with noble intentions that end up thwarting plans and creating hilarious chaos. Unlike DD, Fiasco is less structured, which encourages creativity and humor.

Facilitation: Easy to learn and play in a single session, Fiasco is perfect for therapeutic settings where light-hearted storytelling and creative thinking are encouraged. It’s an excellent way to introduce role-playing to new players.

Tales from the Loop: 80s Sci-Fi Nostalgia

Theme: 80s Nostalgia Sci-Fi and Adventure

Gameplay: Tales from the Loop is set in a retro-futuristic world, where players are kids unraveling mysteries and embarking on adventures. The game focuses on character relationships and emotional storytelling, making it a great choice for discussions about friendship and growth.

Facilitation: Ideal for groups interested in exploring themes of childhood nostalgia and adventure. The immersive setting and character-focused gameplay promote deep conversations among players.

The Black Hack: Streamlined Classic Fantasy

Theme: Classic Fantasy with a Streamlined Ruleset

Gameplay: The Black Hack offers a simplified version of traditional fantasy RPGs, allowing for quick gameplay and storytelling. It’s suitable for settings like a Harry Potter-like world, making it easy to adapt to various themes.

Facilitation: This game focuses on fostering quick and engaging stories, encouraging deeper discussions about character motivations and plot developments. It’s great for blending classic tropes with modern storytelling techniques.

The Honey Heist: Bear Caper with a Twist

Theme: Comedic Capers Involving Honey-Seeking Bears

Gameplay: Players in The Honey Heist assume the roles of bears with human traits, embarking on an amusing heist for honey. The game is easy to learn and encourages light-hearted interactions and fun discussions.

Facilitation: The light-hearted and engaging gameplay of The Honey Heist is perfect for fostering camaraderie among players and creating a fun, uplifting atmosphere. It’s an excellent choice for groups looking to inject humor and playfulness into their sessions.

Kids on Bikes: Small-Town Supernatural Adventures

Theme: Small-Town Adventures with a Supernatural Twist

Gameplay: Kids on Bikes is set in a small town where players create characters and navigate various supernatural adventures. The game is inspired by classic coming-of-age stories, making it an excellent choice for groups looking to explore themes of friendship and personal growth.

Facilitation: Emphasizing collaboration and storytelling, Kids on Bikes promotes deep discussions among players, encouraging them to engage with the world around their characters.

Harry Potter RPGs: Fan-made Systems in Hogwarts

Theme: Directly Set in the Harry Potter Universe

Gameplay: Various fan-made systems exist that allow players to create their own characters as students at Hogwarts or in the Wizarding World. These systems tend to have rich lore and immersive gameplay, providing a unique experience for fans of the universe.

Facilitation: Harry Potter RPGs directly tie into themes of friendship, bravery, and personal growth, making them ideal for groups looking to explore the magical world and its complexities.

Tips for Remote Play

While traditional RPGs are often played in person, the growth of online communities has made remote play a viable option. Here are a few tips to ensure a successful remote experience:

Online Platforms: Use platforms like Roll20 or Foundry for character sheets and notes, or even simple tools like Google Docs. Session Structure: Keep sessions structured with clear objectives to facilitate discussion while allowing for flexibility in storytelling. Focus on Themes: Choose games that emphasize themes relevant to the therapeutic goals of the group, promoting meaningful and engaging discussions.

Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the world of role-playing, these alternative RPGs offer a range of experiences that can enhance your sessions and provide a fresh and engaging experience. From modern supernatural adventures to comedic capers, each game brings its unique flavor to the table, making the world of role-playing more diverse and exciting than ever.