Golden Sky Stories - First Impressions
Amid the maelstrom of Exalted and Tenra Bansho, the pre-release version of Golden Sky Stories finally arrived in my in-box over the weekend. Actually, Starline have been remarkably efficient in getting the PDF out following the KS, but it is still a long time in coming before then.
For those following along, Golden Sky Stories is a heart warming RPG along the lines of Kiki's Delivery Service or My Neighbour Tortoro. Much of the game was spoiled in advance by the hefty demo and actual play (the cultural perspective on the use of actual plays in Japan is interesting in and of itself) found here:
http://starlinepublishing.com/golden-sky-stories-tabletop-day-2013-demo/
http://starlinepublishing.com/golden-sky-stories-replay-the-broken-window/
The game in its entirety is absolutely beautiful, and not just as a physical product. It simply oozes good nature and a warm fuzzy sense of love for the subject matter. Though I don't think there is anything in it that would be considered to be truly innovative on its own mechanically, the game just begs to be played from how clearly it conveys the stories it will tell, and the world they will be told in, to its overall friendly approach to the reader. I know that this game will not appeal to everyone, but I think it will be broader than it may seem as I think there are plenty of people who will really enjoy a game that explicitly rejects violence as a means of solving problems and yet still provides compelling drama.
I find that stands out from a number of RPGs that tread in similar waters such as Faery Tale, Cat and even, in part, Changeling the Dreaming (Morgue's Magic Bus scenario would be perfect fit for GSS. Just sayin'), which all leave the reader somewhat scratching their head with "So, what now?". Not so, with GSS, as that question is easily answered by "Run it!" :) Sam and the girls are keen for a game this weekend and not just because the 6 iconic PCs are all girls :)
For those following along, Golden Sky Stories is a heart warming RPG along the lines of Kiki's Delivery Service or My Neighbour Tortoro. Much of the game was spoiled in advance by the hefty demo and actual play (the cultural perspective on the use of actual plays in Japan is interesting in and of itself) found here:
http://starlinepublishing.com/golden-sky-stories-tabletop-day-2013-demo/
http://starlinepublishing.com/golden-sky-stories-replay-the-broken-window/
The game in its entirety is absolutely beautiful, and not just as a physical product. It simply oozes good nature and a warm fuzzy sense of love for the subject matter. Though I don't think there is anything in it that would be considered to be truly innovative on its own mechanically, the game just begs to be played from how clearly it conveys the stories it will tell, and the world they will be told in, to its overall friendly approach to the reader. I know that this game will not appeal to everyone, but I think it will be broader than it may seem as I think there are plenty of people who will really enjoy a game that explicitly rejects violence as a means of solving problems and yet still provides compelling drama.
I find that stands out from a number of RPGs that tread in similar waters such as Faery Tale, Cat and even, in part, Changeling the Dreaming (Morgue's Magic Bus scenario would be perfect fit for GSS. Just sayin'), which all leave the reader somewhat scratching their head with "So, what now?". Not so, with GSS, as that question is easily answered by "Run it!" :) Sam and the girls are keen for a game this weekend and not just because the 6 iconic PCs are all girls :)