Bully Pulpit Games Fiasco Role Playing Game

The short of what this game is is this: Fiasco is a cooperative storytelling game that's based around powerful ambition and poor impulse control. It is an improv acting game more than a role playing game (although there are tabletop role playing elements in it) wherein you play a character created on the fly with goals and needs, whose relationships will make or break them. This game is wonderful. Even people who traditionally do not play tabletop role playing games can get into Fiasco, simply because it's so unlike any other tabletop game that I've encountered. All play is done through in character discussion and character interaction. There are no dice rolled to decide things in the game, it's based on what you think your character would do and what is being presented to your character. While this seems like it might be a broken system to many people who are used to standard tabletop role playing games, it is not at all. You put yourself into the mindset of another person. If they say something that seems like it would jive with your character, then go with it. If not, then try not to. The key is to remain in character and keep focusing on your goals. This would be the perfect game to introduce people into tabletop role playing, and is also a great game for small gatherings and get-togethers. By the end, it's always interesting to see just how horrible life turned out for your characters - unless they happened to make it big and got away with whatever was going on. But typically, that won't happen. I have introduced a lot of people to this game; a friend of mine who did improvisational acting in a theatre situation actually said that it was so much like improv that it was easy for him to slip into his role without even worrying about how the game is played. There are few rules, other than how dice are handled (they function like points) and your only real rule is to ensure that your character gets what he or she wants. One way or another.

I'm surprised at the different people I can get into this game. This game is perfect for testing-the-waters newbies to a tabletop gaming (But I'd barely say it qualifies as such) or people who couldn't care less about such. It's pretty intuitive to play: If someone's ever seen a movie before, it's quick to pick up. It can be awkward for people to play who don't like "acting" so-to-speak. If they don't like charades and such, this might not be for them. I play it with some tabletop friends as a casual kind of night, but also understandably enough it's a huge hit for my college's Improv Club.

This game is simple, but super fun and enjoyable. The level of fun really depends on the group you're playing with. With the right people, it's a real blast. We added some custom rules to add an element of luck to the story, but in general, it's a good game. This is great for people who don't want to memorize rules and create characters for complicated games, like D&D or WoD. There's no need for a GM or planning or setup, and you don't need any special dice, just a big old box of standard dice (D-6).

This game is super fun and is responsible for some amazingly goofy play sessions between by friends and I. This is a great game, but if you’re willing to spend a bit more, I would highly recommend the boxed version. The expansions it comes with are more interesting, and it makes the game much simpler to play. With this book version, you need to gather a bunch of your own supplies in order to play, whereas the boxed version gives you everything you need and is easier to start playing.

The book itself is pretty slim, explains all the rules quickly in a punchy, tongue-in-cheek sort of way. Art design is lovely, but the spine seems it may be prone to bending. As for the game itself, it's a blast. I highly recommend it as a "spare" game for when you're waiting on your group or unable to continue your primary game for any reason. Also great as a main event. Though be warned, it will require a degree of creativity and a spirit of general silliness...and a crapton of d6s.

I absolutely love this game. I've played it at least once a week since I got it and try to do so with every last one of my friends. It's versatile enough that I can play with 20 year olds and have a filthy game full of sex and violence, and I can play a game with my parents and ten year old sister that still has a compelling story line and interesting character interactions. I will admit, it wasn't quite as fun with a ten year old at the table, but inclusion is everything and she was very grateful to be included. The best part about this game is that it is so versatile. I hadn't even read the rules right the first time I played and it was still a huge blast. It completely made the night. I also bought the fiasco companion which was a huge help for me as far as confidence in the game. I was better able to guide the game and encourage the players, especially if it was their first time at the table. Also, definitely make some copies before you start your game. Everyone will be much more comfortable. Copy the locations, relationships, needs, tilt table and outcome table. Maybe just one for ever two people. It's an AWESOME game, and I have totally recommended it to all of my friends.

There are no playing cards, or game items other than a GM's manual.

An absolute blast! Just make sure you have the right group of friends who will be into it. If no one's into it, it defeats the purpose. Also, don't expect a typical role playing game in the veins of like DnD, but instead it really lets you use your imagination. It's essentially a screenplay simulator. Fiasco provides you with context to choose from and a set amount of bad or good outcomes. The rest, is up to you. Highly recommended!