Combining genres in tabletop RPGs is a great way to break from the mold and try new things out. Standard genres for RPGs include fantasy, sci-fi, and horror, but what about all the in-between types? Here is a guide on how to combine genres to make a more intriguing game.
The Superhero Horror Game
This genre combines the elements of horror with superhero stories. It often involves the superhero battling against supernatural or horror-themed villains.
Superhero horror games tap into the fears and anxieties of society while also providing a sense of hope through the superhuman abilities of the hero. The merging of these two seemingly incompatible genres opens up new possibilities for storytelling and character development. These stories allow for the exploration of psychological horror and societal commentary, as well as the traditional superhero themes of heroism and sacrifice. As the superhero genre continues to evolve, superhero horror has become a prominent and exciting subgenre that continues to captivate players.
The Science Fiction Western Game
This genre combines the futuristic elements of science fiction with the setting and themes of the Old West.”
Science Fiction Western, as a genre, offers the players a unique blend of futuristic elements with the ruggedness and exploration of the Wild West. Combining the two enables the emergence of complex storylines and deep, multidimensional characters. It allows the exploration of themes ranging from the impact of technology on society to the morality of frontier justice. The juxtaposition of these seemingly paradoxical elements excites the imagination and provides endless opportunities for creativity and originality in storytelling.
The Crime Thriller Game
This genre combines the elements of crime and suspense with a high-stakes plot. It often involves a protagonist trying to solve a mystery or catch a criminal.
Crime Thriller – This genre combines the elements of crime and suspense with a fast-paced story that keeps players on the edge of their seats. The combination of these two genres leads to an immersive experience that places players in the shoes of a detective or criminal trying to outsmart the other. The stakes are high, and the tension is palpable as clues are collected, crimes are committed, and the mystery deepens. By incorporating this genre into a roleplaying game, players can experience the thrill of solving a complex case while exploring the psychological and emotional tolls that come with the job.
What you need to make it all happen
Palladium has already addressed these genres with their various properties. Combining them and making tweaks and modifications can easily transform a Rifts Game into a totally different experience for players.
The Superhero Horror combines Heroes Unlimited, Skrayper, and Conversion Books 1 and 2. Other characters in Rifts that can be considered Superheroes are Cyber Knights, Crazies, Juicers, Grey Seers with their unique Mystic abilities, Mystic Knights, and even Techno-Wizards.
For supernatural monsters and demonic threats, GMs can draw influences from the Minion War series. Other resources are Mystic China, Rifts China 1 and 2, and Rifts Japan. Also, Rifts Russia has stats for supernatural monsters that can be used. Rifts Africa has the African Medicine Man and the Rain Maker that can add a twist to the game.
A Horror subgenre would be adapting elements from Dead Reign and even, Rifts Madhaven, which has additional Entities and Ghosts.
A final honorable mention would be the Chaos Earth book, Creatures of Chaos which has pages of monsters and dimensional monsters to lean on.
The Sci-Fi Western combines New West with Spirit West, and Lone Star, and includes aspects of Azno and even Mexico. For additional flair and color, GMs can borrow resources from the Siege on Tolkeen sourcebooks, which provide various and unique monsters, technology, and even rogue groups.
The Crime Thriller takes elements from Heroes Unlimited’s Super Sleuth and Ninjas and Superspies Free Agents. GMs and Players can heavily lean on these elements to inspire crime thriller-styled games within Chi-Town, which has several Adventure Sourcebooks detailing specific places.
A fourth combination to try (An honorable mention)
Historical Fantasy – This genre combines historical settings with fantastical elements. It often involves a fictionalized version of a real historical event or person.
This genre can add an exciting twist to roleplaying games by placing fictionalized versions of historical events or people into fantastical elements. A great example of this can be exploring the runoff of Pre-Collapse era events that have carried over into the modern-day game period. By adding elements such as magic and mythical creatures, the game becomes its own unique and immersive experience.
By combining elements from the Chaos Earth books, and the A.R.C.H.I.E. 3 stats found in Rifts Sourcebook 1, and drawing elements from Mutants in Orbit, GMs can construct an expansive game arc.
Additional resources would be, Mindwerks, Triax and NGR 1 and 2, Underseas’ Sea Titans with Nemo 2 and the New Navy, and Rifts Atlantis. South America 1 and 2 also have key information that will add more context to your campaign.
The creative process of combining genres
Super hero and horror
Combining the superhero and horror genres in roleplaying games can create an exciting and unique storytelling experience. Here are some ways to creatively merge these two genres:
- Monsters vs. Superheroes: The classic approach to combining horror and superheroes is to pit them against each other. You could introduce a new monster or villain that is beyond the scope of traditional superheroes, requiring them to use their skills and powers in new ways. Alternatively, you could have an established superhero character face off against a classic horror villain like a werewolf or vampire. Palladium has several titles that include random roll tables to help GMs generate unique monsters.
- Psychological Horror: Horror isn’t just about monsters and gore; it can also delve into the psychological realm. You could create a story where a superhero’s powers or abilities are causing them to experience hallucinations or nightmares, making them question their sanity. This could lead to a fascinating exploration of the hero’s psyche and vulnerabilities. The Crazy Hero and Crazies have key resources to help flush out mental illnesses and other disorders.
- Superhero Horror Stories: You could create a new superhero whose powers are rooted in horror or the supernatural. For example, a hero who draws their strength from the undead or a character who can summon demons to do their bidding. This approach would allow for some creative and frightening power sets. Minion Wars has the resources to make it all come together.
Overall, there are many ways to creatively combine the superhero and horror genres in a Rifts roleplaying game. By using the elements of horror to add new layers of complexity and tension to the game, you can create a unique and exciting gaming experience.
Western and sci-fi
Combining the genres of science fiction and western can lead to some truly unique and exciting game concepts. Here are some ideas on how to creatively combine the two:
- Combining the genres of science fiction and western can lead to some truly unique and exciting game concepts. And perhaps one of the most intriguing game concepts to merge the two genres is the Time Traveling Cowboy. In this game, you play as a cowboy from the old west, who has been transported to the future. Armed with your trusty six-shooter and a futuristic plasma rifle, you must navigate this strange new world and uncover the secrets of the time-traveling technology that brought you there.
- Survival of the fittest: In the dystopian future of Rifts, humans have to compete against augmented and D-Bee gunslingers and gunfighters. Everyone is struggling to make a name for themselves in a world overrun by poverty and corruption.
- Between two worlds: In a distant future where humanity is struggling to survive, there are those fighting to preserve their way of life and others who openly embrace the new wonders of the modern world. Players have to learn how to navigate the hazards that not only threaten their lives but their way of life.
These are just a few examples of how science fiction and western genres can be combined in a game. The possibilities are endless, and with a little creativity, you can come up with your own unique game concept that blends the best of both worlds.
Thriller and post-apocalyptic
Combining crime thriller elements with a post-apocalyptic setting of Rifts Earth can be a unique and exciting challenge for GMs and players. Here are a few ideas on how to creatively blend these elements:
- Establish the New World Order: Within the top-down command structure of the Coalition within Chi-Town, society is fractured between different groups with different loyalties making it vulnerable for a new order to take over. This order may be a hidden cabal within the government, a powerful board of members who run multiple corporations, or a street-level gang with spies, enforcers, and assassins hidden in plain sight.
- Play up the Sci-Fi Tech: The world of Rifts has a mix of old and new technology, and this can play a significant role in the game. The players may discover the use of even more advanced gadgets, vehicles, and weapons that are proving to be a threat to the current world order. For example, alien-tech surveillance systems are being used to monitor normal human and D-Bee activities, while camouflaged powerful robots abduct and subdue potential threats against this secret alien order.
- Add a Mystery Element: The players may want to investigate crimes committed by the ruling elite or a powerful corporation. Their crimes may be connected to a larger conspiracy or uncovering the truth behind a mysterious artifact or event that is mind-controlling agents of a deep state to commit these crimes for some unknown reason. The mystery element can add an extra layer of intrigue and suspense to the game.
Overall, combining crime thriller elements with a post-apocalyptic science-fiction world can be a lot of fun and provide endless opportunities for creativity and imagination. GMs and players should not be afraid to experiment with different ideas and concepts to create a unique and engaging game.
Read about using tropes in tabletop RPGs to further improve your storytelling.
The Megaverse is a sandbox of open-world ideas and endless possibilities
Overall, creating a unique game experience that combines multiple genres for roleplayers requires a lot of planning and effort. However, by following these steps and putting in the time and effort required, you can create a game experience that is truly memorable and engaging.
- Identify the genres you want to combine: Determine the genres that you want to incorporate into the game experience. Find the books in your game library that will help you shape the game you want to create. Itemize the most likely Character Classes, Monsters, and other threats you think will work best for your game and find unique and creative ways to introduce them to your players.
- Develop interesting characters: Create a cast of characters that will support and oppose your players. Make them useful in some way to the players by either supporting them with equipment, skills, or information or resisting them by serving the main threat or evil of your game, by acting as a foil to distract the players from the real threat, or simply as local color with the sole purpose of agitating the players and locals in your story.
- Offer a compelling story: Create a story that ties all the elements together and gives players a reason to continue playing. The story should be engaging and offer plenty of opportunities for players to make meaningful choices. The key is to make the villain the main struggle for the players, not the story itself and its progression. Don’t tie your players’ successes to their choices, and skill and combat performance rolls. Present them with alternatives when things don’t go their way so that the game doesn’t stagnate and players lose interest. Find meaningful ways to incorporate these alternations into the story and flow of the game.