Review: rpgKids v.1.5

Kids are natural storytellers and role players as those two tools help them understand the world. However, introducing young children to roleplaying games is often difficult, because many of the game systems used by adults are a bit too complicated for them. Thankfully, Enrique Bertran, from NewbieDM.com, created a system for kids 4 -7 called rgpKids.

The rules of the game are very simple and people who've played D&D will understand most of them right away. Players choose from four types of heroes: sword fighters, healers, archers and wizards. Each hero type has distinct advantages and disadvantages. Fighters and healers need to get into the thick of things while archers and wizards get to hit their targets from afar. Attacks are done using an opposed roll, lowering the amount of information one needs to remember, important when playing with little kids. However, the game does introduce simple tactics in that a group of allies can give both monsters and heroes an advantage when they attack.

The game also provides a simple skill lists exists to help with the exploratory phase of the game, if that is something the group is interested in. Children that age can have a hard time sitting still for long periods of time, so the amount of exploration depends on the players. All heroes are given 3 skills, one of them is always search. The two other skills given to each hero are tied to what makes him or her different from the other heroes. For instance, the archer gets animal friendship and tracking while the sword fighter gets strength and intimidate.

In addition to the rule set, the game provides an adventure, The Lair of the Frog Wizard, complete with maps and tokens. The setup is simple and provides ample opportunity for parents and kids to let their imaginations run wild. An evil wizard is turning some of the townspeople into frogs and to prove it, the sheriff shows the heroes his deputy, Rufus. I can totally imagine the giggles of little children who hear their parents say "Ribbbbitttt!" as the sheriff introduces the poor deputy. In addition, the heroes can befriend a group of wolves who will teach them a howl which can aid them in their quest. It reminds me a lot of the types of stories my parents used to share when I was a child.

Overall, I think it's a great game for young children. It provides just enough of a framework to give it some structure and order, while allowing the imagination to run free. To be honest, I'm half tempted to play it as an adult, for those times when we just want to play a game. If you want to see the author play some of the game with his child, see the video below.