Tabletop Arcade

Tabletop Arcade (TA) is my next big project I plan to fully move onto after finishing my conversion of d20 Modern rules into D&D 5e. The core idea is an RPG system that incorporates themes from lighthearted "saturday morning cartoon" stories and mechanics from classic JRPGs like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest.

My main design philosophy is as follows:
  • A simple turn-based battle system that strongly encourages teamwork and without worrying much about distance and positioning.
  • Modular character building using skill trees, customizable actions.
  • A relatively hard line between combat and adventuring.
  • Resources that make creating your own content easy.
  • I want it to feel at least a little "gamey" - not a pure roleplaying system like FATE, closer to a dice-rolling game like D&D, Pathfinder, etc.
More than anything I want this project to be a toolbox, rather than a set game. I want it to be easy to morph, replace, and add to the content that's there however you like.

I also plan to produce a "lite" version of the rules that can be played entirely with d6's, so if you're like I was when I was 12 years old and looking for something you can play with your friends without needing to order in special dice you can still access the game. The lite version's mechanics will be more inspired by the unique take on combat and resources in Cosmic Star Heroine than more traditional RPGs.

Note: Earlier on in production this project was called "Saturday Morning Adventure", and this is the name used in dev diaries #1 to #12 and in the Character Creation draft chapter. See this post for details: Project Renaming.

Development Diaries

#1: Positioning in Combat

#2: Combat Turn Order

#4: Design Symmetry in RPGs

#5: Skills and the Ability Check

#6: Magic

#7: Action Economy

#8: To Save or Not to Save?

#9: Attribute Bonuses

#10: Character Progression

#11: Attack and Damage Rolls

#12: Hit Points and Death

#13: Ending "Banes"

#14: Resting

#15: Advantage and Disadvantage

#16: Retreating

Draft Chapters

Character Creation

Abilities

Skills

Feats

Combat & Abilities v2

Equipment

Action Effects

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