In the world of tabletop role-playing games, two cinematic-inspired RPGs have been gaining attention for their fast-paced, narrative-driven style:Outgunned RPGandBroken Compass. Both games offer players a thrilling experience filled with high adventure, dramatic scenes, and flexible storytelling mechanics. However, despite sharing similar themes of action and cinematic flair, these games differ significantly in tone, system, and the types of stories they are built to tell. Comparing Outgunned RPG vs Broken Compass helps players decide which experience best suits their group’s preferences for storytelling, character play, and genre exploration.
General Overview of Both RPG Systems
Outgunned RPG
Outgunned RPG is a system developed to simulate the feeling of over-the-top action movies. Inspired by blockbusters, spy thrillers, heist flicks, and chaotic shootouts, this system uses cinematic language to drive gameplay. Players take on the roles of badass heroes, operatives, mercenaries, and specialists, each with exceptional abilities meant to mimic action film tropes.
Broken Compass
Broken Compass leans heavily into the flavor of adventure serials, pulpy exploration stories, and globe-trotting treasure hunts. Think Indiana Jones, Tomb Raider, or Uncharted. It captures the thrill of lost temples, ancient curses, and exotic expeditions. Broken Compass is known for its stylish presentation, narrative-driven play, and elegant yet accessible mechanics.
Core Mechanics and System Design
Dice Mechanics
- Outgunned RPG: Uses a pool of six-sided dice (D6), where the goal is to roll matches (pairs or more) to determine success. The more matches, the better the outcome. This system adds tension and drama by encouraging players to push their luck, build combos, and use special abilities to enhance rolls.
- Broken Compass: Also uses a matching dice mechanic, relying on sets of matching numbers rather than high totals. Players usually roll a set of dice determined by skills and traits, looking for pairs or triples to succeed. The simplicity of this system supports cinematic pacing and smooth storytelling.
Player Agency and Narrative Control
Both games give players a high degree of narrative influence, but in different ways:
- Outgunned encourages dramatic declarations and stylized actions. Players often frame scenes like a director, choosing when to invoke their cinematic roles or spend special points for Heroic moments.
- Broken Compass uses a system called Fortune Points which allows players to shape the story, avoid disaster, and lean into the pulp adventure feel. Flashbacks, sudden discoveries, and character insights are part of the core experience.
Setting and Storytelling Style
Outgunned RPG Themes
Outgunned RPG focuses on modern or near-future settings, often involving secret agents, elite soldiers, and explosive criminal underworlds. Players might find themselves breaking into high-security labs, escaping a convoy ambush, or negotiating with arms dealers while under gunfire. Each session feels like a high-stakes sequence from a Michael Bay or John Wick film.
Broken Compass Adventures
Broken Compass leans more into exotic locales, supernatural myths, and ancient ruins. Stories revolve around daring archaeologists, lost cities, and treasure hunters. Time periods can vary from the early 1900s to modern-day adventures. The tone is usually a bit lighter and more focused on intrigue, mystery, and exploration rather than relentless violence.
Character Creation and Progression
Creating Heroes in Outgunned
Characters in Outgunned RPG are created based on cinematic archetypes, known as Roles and Tropes. A player might choose to be The Sniper, The Hacker, or The Face, each with unique strengths and dramatic tools. Progression often focuses on unlocking more abilities, special dice options, and expanding the character’s heroic potential in wild and creative ways.
Adventurers in Broken Compass
Broken Compass characters are defined by ‘Journals’ that reflect their background, expertise, and goals. Journals provide access to specific skills and features. Character development in Broken Compass is more about narrative growth than mechanical advancement players evolve through choices, relationships, and story beats rather than leveling up in a traditional sense.
Tone and Atmosphere
High-Octane vs Pulpy Charm
The biggest tonal difference when comparing Outgunned RPG vs Broken Compass lies in the atmosphere they aim to create. Outgunned is unapologetically loud, fast, and deadly. It revels in explosions, betrayal, and adrenaline. Broken Compass, by contrast, is more adventurous, curious, and whimsical. While danger is ever-present, it’s often accompanied by clever puzzles, comedic moments, and charming character interactions.
Game Mastering and Session Flow
Running Outgunned RPG
Game Masters (GMs) in Outgunned are encouraged to keep the action moving, throw in dramatic twists, and frame scenes as cinematic as possible. It’s about pacing, drama, and giving each player the chance to shine like an action star. Combat is fast and flashy, with players often describing stylish stunts and clever tactics to win the day.
GMing Broken Compass
In Broken Compass, the GM is more like a storyteller guiding a journey. Exploration, mystery, and puzzles often take center stage. Scenes are designed to offer players a mix of challenges: physical danger, social encounters, and solving environmental puzzles. Improvisation is important, and GMs are given lots of freedom to build their version of a grand adventure tale.
Which One Should You Play?
Choosing Based on Play Style
- Choose Outgunned RPGif your group loves explosive action, espionage, and fast-paced combat. If players want to act like modern action heroes and shoot their way through impossible odds, this is a perfect match.
- Choose Broken Compassif your table enjoys globe-trotting tales, puzzles, and classic adventure storytelling. It’s ideal for players who prefer narrative twists, ancient secrets, and a pulpy feel to their campaigns.
Accessibility and Learning Curve
Both games are easy to learn, especially compared to more rules-heavy RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons. The matching dice systems are intuitive, and the rulebooks provide ample examples and tools for both players and GMs. Broken Compass may feel a bit more guided, while Outgunned allows for more flair and creativity in combat-heavy scenes.
When comparing Outgunned RPG vs Broken Compass, it’s clear that both bring something special to the table. Outgunned offers a relentless thrill ride through bullets and betrayals, perfect for fans of modern cinematic shootouts. Broken Compass, meanwhile, is a love letter to classic adventures, filled with secrets, treasures, and globe-trotting danger. The choice ultimately depends on the kind of story your group wants to tell whether that’s storming an enemy compound or solving ancient riddles in a forgotten temple. Both systems deliver exciting, story-driven experiences that make every session feel like a scene from your favorite film.