| Age | 12 and up |
| Media | |
| Title | Fictional Tabletop Role-Playing Game |
| Players | 2 to 6 |
| Setting | |
| Fan base | |
| Language | |
| Designers | |
| Publisher | |
| Expansions | Shadows of Neo-Tokyo • Fate Breaker • Tales of the Illusion Realm |
| Game system | Fictional System |
| Release date | 1985 |
'''Fictional''' is a tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) created by Kevin Tsujihara that was first published in 1985. The game blends elements of traditional fantasy settings with cyberpunk and anime tropes, earning it a cult following and long-term success. The system features deep, immersive storytelling and innovative mechanics, as well as an expansive universe that ensures endless potential for PC adventures.
Kevin Tsujihara, a seasoned game designer and Japanese cultural enthusiast, conceived the idea for Fictional in the early 1980s. Inspired by his love for both Western fantasy and Osamu Tezuka's manga series, he sought to create a setting that would marry these seemingly disparate genres in a single narrative. After years of development, Tsujihara unveiled Fictional at the 1985 Gen Con convention, where it quickly garnered attention for its unique premise and imaginative art assets.
Fictional revolves around a multiverse structure in which multiple dimensions collide, giving rise to various alternate realities. Characters within the game can possess a range of abilities and characteristics from across the multiverse. The core rulebook includes a wide selection of PC races, professions, and classes, offering players a diverse range of options to create and develop their characters.
A key mechanic of Fictional is the use of crystals as both a currency and a resource. Crystals have the power to influence the very fabric of reality, enabling PCs to shape their surroundings or harness elemental powers in order to overcome challenges.
Fictional's setting is an amalgamation of swords, sorcery, and technology, sometimes called a cyber fantasia, which enables players to explore a variety of themes and conflicts. Players can engage in high-stakes political intrigue, forge powerful alliances, or quest for mythic artifacts. The game's lore draws heavily from both fantasy literature and science fiction, and Tsujihara's love for anime drives much of its aesthetic and visual design.
Fictional's unique premise and richly detailed setting quickly captured the attention of gamers worldwide. Tsujihara capitalized on its burgeoning popularity by publishing expansion materials such as sourcebooks that expanded the universe's lore and added new mechanics and campaign settings. The game's fanbase eagerly embraced these supplements, with many groups devising their own homebrew content to further explore the world of Fictional.
In the decades since its initial release, numerous Fictional supplements, adventure modules, and rulebooks have been published. The game has also spawned several video game adaptations, each with its own distinct take on the source material.
Fictional revolutionized the TTRPG landscape by combining various genres into a cohesive, captivating setting. It demonstrated that embracing a diverse array of influences and expanding gameplay beyond traditional fantasy boundaries could yield a more immersive and engaging experience for its players.
The game continues to inspire players and game designers with its innovative mechanics and rich multiverse setting, influencing other tabletop games as well as video games. As new generations of gamers discover the multiverse of Fictional, its legacy looms large over the hobby gaming landscape, delivering countless memorable roleplaying experiences for its dedicated fans.
