The Weirdest TSR Game Ever Made
And now here’s something we hope you’ll really like!!!
I’ve been saying that for years….but today I get to mean it.
Enter the world of The Bullwinkle and Rocky RPG, probably one of the most unusual products published by TSR.
Published in 1988, the Bullwinkle and Rocky Role-Playing Party Game, which was created by David Cook and Warren Spector. The game came in a boxed set containing a 32-page book, two 16-page books, 108 cards (divided into two decks), 20 cardboard stand-ups featuring 19 different characters and one blank stand-up, six spinners, two cardstock sheets, four dice (two moose dice and two flying squirrel dice), and 10 hand puppets.
The game itself is actually divided into three distinct parts, each of which builds upon the last. The first game, called the Narration Game, is a card-based storytelling game that's similar to other games like Once Upon a Time. Players choose a beginning and an ending from a booklet, and then use cards to determine what happens in the middle of the story. This game is all about creativity and imagination, and it sets the stage for the more structured games that follow.
The second game, called The Everybody Can Do Something Game, is the first true RPG in the series. Players choose a character from the show (there are 18 to choose from), and then use that character to achieve their own personal goals. Each character has their own set of powers, like The Stomach That Never Forgets or The Galloping Dumbs, which make them unique and fun to play. Instead of a traditional GM, the game has a rotating Narrator role, which allows everyone to have a chance to lead the story.
Finally, there's The Graduate Game, which is essentially the same as The Everybody Can Do Something Game, but with the added ability for players to create their own characters. This game is perfect for those who want to flex their creative muscles and come up with their own unique characters to play.
The Box set comes with three separate pamphlet style sourcebooks: A general rulebook called “How to Play the Game”, a general world guide that contains the meanings behind the cards called The Guide to Frostbite Falls and Beyond, and then finally the “Adventures” in the book called Stories. The rule books are illustrated with cartoon-style artwork and feature the show's iconic characters throughout.
As you can see, while the rules are fairly simple and easy to use, the production value is a little lacking. The fact that these pamphlet rules have survived since 1988 is pretty amazing. What really makes this set truly amazing is the rest of its contents. Hand puppets, cards, spinners (each for different characters), character standees that have the rules on back of them, diplomas. All of this is just GOLD, and the role-playing opportunities are off the chart. If only they had put an equal amount of effort into the core books, this game could have stood a chance.
Even with its short comings, what makes the Bullwinkle and Rocky Role-Playing Party Game so special is its quirky sense of humor and light-hearted tone. It's a game that doesn't take itself too seriously, and encourages players to let loose and have fun. The game is also surprisingly deep, with a lot of room for players to explore their characters and the world they inhabit. As a fan of the original cartoon - I would love to play this game again, and
Attention everyone! Exciting news: if we can hit the 100 subscriber milestone on our YouTube channel, we have a special treat in store. I’m going to go out on a limb and promise to run a one-shot game based on this classic cartoon. This game promises to be a wild ride, full of laughs and hijinks, and will be live-streamed for all to see. So, make sure to hit that subscribe button, tell your friends, and let's make this happen! We can't wait to see you all there. Who knows - maybe you could be picked at random to play along too? Please subscribe and help us hit our goal!
