Unexpected Games from Our Role Playing Games Collection
Did you know that our Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation and Fantasy has the world’s largest collection of tabletop role-playing games (RPGs) in a library setting? Our collection boasts more than 1500 items, including guides for Dungeons & Dragons, Call of Cthulhu, Pathfinder and other popular RPGs. Yet, alongside these popular games, we also have some more unusual and unexpected RPGs. These games might not be as well known, but they still have the potential to capture the imagination and lead to hours of fun.
Sailor Moon Role-Playing Game
The Sailor Moon Role-Playing Game and Resource Book was published in 1998, while the dubbed anime was still airing on television. The game allows players to take on the role of heroes such as Tuxedo Mask, Sailor Moon herself and the other Sailor Scouts. Players can also play as iconic villains like Queen Beryl, or create their own original characters. Game designer Mark C. Mackinnon sought to replicate the anime’s plot points and character abilities in RPG form. Players can use Moon Tiara Attack to defeat enemies and play out adventures similar to those depicted in the Sailor Moon anime. If you have memories of informally role playing Sailor Moon on the playground, this might be the perfect game for you.
Toon: The Cartoon Role Playing Game
Another animation inspired RPG, Toon: The Cartoon Role Playing Game is a tribute to the wacky antics of Warner Bros. characters like Bugs Bunny and Wile E. Coyote. Inspired is the key word here, as the game’s creators were careful to avoid copyright violations making this game a loving parody rather than a direct adaptation. The game’s creators encourage experienced RPG players to forget everything they’ve learned from carefully planning Dungeons & Dragons campaigns. Toon should be played with an “act before you think” spirit, since as the creators remind us, “[w]hen was the last time you saw a cartoon character do something logical?”
Teenagers from Outer Space
In Teenagers from Outer Space, aliens have invaded Earth and their first stop is a typical American high school. Players can navigate the game as characters ranging from a regular human cheerleader to a winged fire-breathing alien. Adventures can involve classroom hijinks, fighting off evil henchmen, flying saucer rides and other extraterrestrial exploits. The game’s creator offers inspiration in the format of TV Guide summaries with plots featuring galactic fairy godmothers and Interstellar rocks stars.
Plan a Visit to the Merril Collection
Interested in seeing these RPG books for yourself? Need resources for your next campaign? These items and other RPG resources are available for in-library use at the Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation and Fantasy. The collection is located on the third floor of Lillian H. Smith Branch, and is open from 10 am – 6 pm Mondays through Fridays and from 9 am – 5 pm on Saturdays.
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