Game System Question

[caraig]

I'm looking at a variety of gaming systems and I would like to know what you use or can suggest. Basically, what I'm looking for is a 'toolkit' system that's simple and can be used for many different genres and is easy on the mechanics, but the mechanics also make sense and aren't too arbitrary. Also, ideally, one that's free or low-cost. It should be able to handle a 'near-realistic'/above average fantasy game with some trace amounts of ritual magic, as well as (of course) just about anything from high-tech to low-tech, high fantasy to gritty realism to Paranoia-level lethallity.

The reason why I ask, is that while I like CORPS, the combat system is just a bit... too complex. It's otherwise very good and flexible. In a similar light, I'd rather not go Hero System (the one time I tried threatened to make my brain explode,) d20 isn't flexible and GURPS is more complex than I'd like.

Anyway, any suggestions would be welcome! Pax.

Edit: You must speak in complete sentences, Mr. McDermott! *thwack*

Comments

[collie13.livejournal.com]

Isn't using "simple toolkit" to describe a mechanics system really an oxymoron, Jonathan? ;)

[caraig.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't believe so. Maybe 'toolkit' is the wrong word, but by that I mean that the system is flexible and capable of being adapted to the needs of the player and the GM fairly readily if not easilly. The actual gameplay mechanics, though, I would want to be fairly simple.

[yotogi.livejournal.com]

Well, you could look at the new-version GURPS, or possibly GURPS Lite (used to good effect in Transhuman Space.)

Alternately, you could pick up a copy of the newest Warhammer Fantasy RPG, I'm sure with some tweakage you could make the system work. Since the skills are more or less arbitrary names attached to a particular attribute it'd be simple to invent new ones.

[ruggels.livejournal.com]

I would suggest the Hero System, but then I am not a fan of simple or "lite" systems. THe hEro system is flexible and capable if you can describe the effect. I can not advise the usefuness of it for high abstraction campaigns either, as my preference is away from them as well. But the best tool kit out there, to me, is the Hero system.

Scott