Summary
Tabletop RPGs allow players to step into worlds of wonder, magic, mystery, horror, or even a combination of a few. While most of these games will be set in the creator’s own world, furnished with unique world-building and lore, there are those that love an already existing IP so much that they just have to convert it into a tabletop system.
Several movies and games have already made the transition, such asAlienandDragon Age, but there are countless more games out there that would make for an excellent tabletop system thanks to the care that has gone into crafting these fantastic worlds.
The world ofPersonais a strange one, as a world of monsters, known as shadows, seems to go unnoticed by everyone other than the fated persona-users, who can call upon this power to battle them using sheer force and the might of the elements. There is a new chosen group in every game, and this next group could just be the GM’s players.
With each character outside the main protagonist usually focusing on one element, this could be how the classes inPersonaare divided, and they could also gain access to a few other skills to apply buffs or debuffs, deal physical damage, orheal the partyso that everyone is on even-footing. With it being grounded in the real world, the DM would have an easier time world-building, as most of the work is already done for them.
TheRed Dead Redemptionfranchise is short on entries. However, it’s not short on fans, thanks to the level of excellence it has consistently delivered. Being hailed as the best open-world western games of all time, it introduced players to characters such as John Marston and Arthur Morgan and the age in whichoutlaws were becoming a thing of the pastrather than at the height of their infamy.
This setting would introduce some interesting challenges in the world of tabletop gaming, though GMs could always change the setting to make it more palatable for their particular tabletop. Though there are a few existing western tabletop games, it still remains a relatively uncompetitive market, as even those that do exist have gone relatively unnoticed by tabletop gamers. But a big name such asRed Dead Redemptionwould be bound to draw up some interest, as who wouldn’t want to make their own outlaw andgo on a bunch of heists?
One of the most successful and popular third-person shooter games,Gears of Warwas rich in characters and monsters, as players played through Marcus and co.’s struggles against dangerous enemy forces, some of whichalmost verged into horror territory. But there were also emotional story beats that fans know well and likely have to wipe away tears whenever they remember.
The tense and exciting gameplay was also a major draw, but this would not stopGears of Warfrom making an excellent tabletop game, especially if the designer could implement a fun and exciting combat system. Given the team-oriented gameplay ofGoW,it is a perfect system for a bunch of friends who are looking for something a little different, having tried all the main tabletop systems.
Of course, theGod of Wargames follow the story of Kratos and his fight against the gods because of how they wronged him, causing the death of his wife and child, but there is nothing wrong with borrowing the concept offighting the godsas they are depicted here, but with a new slew of fateful and plucky heroes who see them for what they really are.
It could be that they have lost something because of the gods, too, or perhaps one has gone wrong and started slaughtering countless lives. There are many ways to kick-start aGod of Wargame and many ways that it could relate to the player characters' backstories. In most tabletop games, deities are distant figures that may occasionally lend some very meager help to a holy character, but most of the time, direct confrontation or even conversation is not possible. This is why aGod of Wartabletop RPG could be a fresh breath of air, as instead of goblins, dragons or werewolves, players would face those who should be immortal and unstoppable. What could be more exciting than that?
The entire world has collapsed after a devastating nuclear war, killing many and driving those who survived into underground settlements,the world above ravaged by mutated monsters. This is the dismal world people now live in, and those who venture outside are thought to never return.
But, of course, that is exactly what the party would be doing in aMetrotabletop RPG. Though there is already a board game based on this series, there is no official RPG system yet, but it would surely be a fun one if it followed players setting out across the nuclear wasteland, scavenging for supplies and battling mutated creatures on their mission. With an emphasis on survival, this could be a uniquely challenging system, with DMs needing to keep close tabs on players' unspoiled food, clean water, and exposure to radiation.
The world ofClair Obscurlives under the cruel regime of the Paintress. Each year, she awakens from her slumber and paints a number, and everyone of that age dies. The number lessens each year, which means that it won’t be long before there is no one that can stop her. Many have tried and failed, but there are those who still hold onto hope that this expedition will be the last.
The premise is certainly unique, which makes for an interesting game, and it could certainly make for a fascinating table-top premise, tasking players with embarking on one of these fated expeditions to potentially save all of humanity or die trying. Many tabletop campaigns tend to have such high stakes so as to give players the sense that they are part of an epic adventure and have the chance to become renowned heroes, which is exactly what aClair Obscurtabletop RPG could do. Alternatively, the adventure could serve asa cautionary talefor the expedition that follows.
Capcom’s flagshiphorror franchise has survived decades, weathering the good and the bad with little signs of stopping. The world ofResident Evilis where viruses create monsters and a few heroes step up to the challenge to put an end to the BoWs.
But surely there are other heroes fighting the good fight, which could be where the players come in, possibly pitting them up against nightmarish creatures in a place not yet explored in the series. Alternatively, GMs could even go down a different route and show how ordinary, everyday people might attempt to survive and escape a deadly outbreak, using whatever they can get their hands on to aid them. This would definitely be a new spin onResident Evil.
