Which is better?
Basic Fantasy Roleplaying Game (BFRPG) and Old School Essentials (OSE) are both retro-style tabletop role-playing games that draw inspiration from the original Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) game and other classic RPGs of the 1970s and 1980s. Both BFRPG and OSE offer a nostalgicically simple and straightforward gaming experience that harkens back to the roots of the hobby. But which one is better?
It really depends on what you are looking for in a role-playing game. Here are a few factors to consider when deciding between BFRPG and OSE:
- Compatibility with D&D: If you are a fan of D&D and want a game that is compatible with its rules and style of play, BFRPG may be the better choice. It is designed to be a “clone” of the original D&D game, and it uses many of the same mechanics and terms. OSE, on the other hand, is based on the “Old School Renaissance” (OSR) movement, which aims to capture the spirit of classic RPGs rather than replicate their mechanics exactly. This means that OSE is somewhat different from D&D, even though it is inspired by it.
- Rules complexity: BFRPG and OSE both offer relatively simple and lightweight rules, but they differ in how they approach complexity. BFRPG has a fairly comprehensive set of rules that cover a wide range of situations and character options. OSE, on the other hand, has a smaller and more streamlined set of rules that focus on the core elements of gameplay. This means that OSE is somewhat easier to learn and faster to play, but it may not offer as much depth or flexibility as BFRPG.
- Setting and atmosphere: BFRPG and OSE have different default settings and atmospheres. BFRPG is set in a generic fantasy world called the “Basic Fantasy Realm,” which is inspired by classic fantasy literature and D&D. OSE, on the other hand, is set in a more “realistic” medieval fantasy world called the “Essential Realms.” This means that BFRPG may feel more “familiar” to D&D players, while OSE may offer a somewhat different and more grounded gaming experience.
- Community and support: Both BFRPG and OSE have active and supportive communities of players and game masters. BFRPG has a large and well-established community, with a wide range of resources and support available online. OSE is a newer game, but it has a growing and dedicated community of fans.
- PRICE: Here is a big one… BFRPG is essentially FREE. That’s right free, or at least very inexpensive IF you want hard copies of the books and adventures. Heck, they even state in ON the back of their books. But if you do decide to pay, most books can be bought for around $5.00. ( get them here )
Old School Essentials is definitely NOT free. Their PDFs are around $15 on Drivethru ( get them here ) and their hardback print tomes are around $40.00. However, these printed hardback books from OSE are really good quality.
Don’t buy this book!
Basic Fantasy Back Cover
In conclusion, it is difficult to say definitively whether BFRPG or OSE is “better,” as both games have their own strengths and appeal to different types of players. If you are a fan of D&D and want a game that is compatible with its rules and style of play, BFRPG may be the better choice. If you prefer a simpler and more streamlined gaming experience, or if you are interested in the Old School Renaissance movement, OSE may be the way to go. Ultimately, the best game for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs.
BUT LET US HEAR FROM YOU! What are your thoughts, which one is your favorite and why … and Happy Rolling! 