Anime LARP Analysis

[mediaprophet]

Preface: Remember as you read this that I don't mean to criticize this form of LARP. There are some severe logistical limitations on the medium, and I think that the people who put these games on do a fantastic job despite them. However, I will conclude this analysis with some recommendations for how they could do better, within the constraints

Comments

[shinotenshi02]

I've really enjoyed reading this, Jon. Not only as a GM at Otakon, and for what you've proposed as Anime LARP vs. non-anime LARp, but also b/c you helped me figure out part of why I was...satisfied this weekend, if not wholly fulfilled with my LARP experience.

I didn't get many of my 'squee' moments with characters, in spotlight. I had a few very quiet ones, which was very nice--and I had my 'squee' I finally drew my sword! moment at the end, but even then...you make sense.

I do wish to ask what you mean by a 'bang!' moment, as I'm sure I'm familiar with it, but not that I'm recognizing it.

[mediaprophet]

A "Bang!" is LARP-speak for an intense or dramatic point in a plot

[mediaprophet]

"...satisfied this weekend"

I think I know what you mean: Were you satisfied because you were entertained by the Squee! moments that you saw happening to other favorite characters of yours, even if the character you played wasn't the one getting the fan service?

[shinotenshi02]

*nod* That's kind of it exactly. I would've LOVED to have more squee moments myself, for my char, especially since I had a hook--anyone could've tried to kidnap Suzume-chan and drawn me out that way... BUT, I did enjoy the LARP over all, and yes--I very much enjoyed squee moments of others. (Kakashi's player kept knocking me OUT of character b/c my inner fangirl thought he was AWESOME.) I'm.....satisfied with how I played my char though, and how I did--even if I'd have liked to do more. I wasn't wholly fulfilled as a player, as I kind of like some spotlight (I don't need it all, but I like some) and my own squee-moments, but I also know that I did a damn good job with my char in a difficult situation, and I'm fulfilled on a level because of that. Just not as fulfilled as I could've been.

[blank0]

You chose to play your character in a challenging way (the pacifist swordsman), and your "Squee" moments would have come from failing that challenge (being forced to fight). It sounds like you became a victim of your own success, though Jason and I noticed what you were doing and we were damn impressed with it.

Setting yourself up for a fall is one of those advanced storytelling techniques Jon mentioned that don't always fly in a game full of inexperienced players. It's one of my personal favorites though, so I'm sad that it didn't work out for you.

[shinotenshi02]

Oh agreed, and thank you. *blush* I'm glad I impressed people, as I did try hard. I even found baby-sitters to help, if needed, and I was definitely ready to 'protect'. One of the quieter moments of that, was since I'd bonded with Haku all weekend, when Kakashi showed up and Haku went pale. At first Kenshin was like 'huh?" but the more Haku got upset, Kenshin kept Suzume close, and stepped protectively closer to Haku. (I was fully prepared for Kenshin to face Kakashi if needed, but thankfully we all ended up working toghether. AND convinced Haku that no, he hadn't failed Zabuza.)

I had many quiet 'squee!' moments, which made it worth it...just I usually like spotlights.