Both Basic Fantasy RPG (BFRPG) and Old-School Essentials (OSE) are retroclones inspired by early Dungeons & Dragons, but they have distinct approaches and philosophies. Here are the major differences and reasons you might choose one over the other:
1. Price and Accessibility
- BFRPG: It's completely free in PDF format, with low-cost physical books available at print-on-demand prices. The creator's philosophy is to keep it accessible and community-driven.
- OSE: While the rules are available digitally and as physical books, they are not free. OSE has higher production values, but you’ll need to pay a premium for it.
If budget or accessibility is a concern, Basic Fantasy RPG is the clear winner. It's ideal for introducing new players or starting campaigns without any cost barrier. If money is no object, OSE is worth a look.
2. Rules Presentation and Complexity
- BFRPG: It streamlines and simplifies old-school mechanics. For example, it uses a unified ascending armour class (AAC) as the default eliminates enlightenment, and allows race and class as separate combination choices, offering more flexibility (e.g., an elf can be a fighter, thief, or magic-user). It's a modernized, streamlined, and straightforward rules presentation.
- OSE: It faithfully replicates BX D&D (1981 Basic/Expert), retaining the descending AC (DAC) option and race-as-class system. It is clearer and more polished than the original BX but adheres strictly to its source material.
If you prefer a slightly modernized old-school game that’s easier for new players to grasp or want to customize race and class separately, BFRPG might appeal to you more. If you want a more organized version of the original 1981 rules-as-written, OSE is the way to go.
3. Customizability and Community Content
- BFRPG: It focuses on being open and flexible. It has extensive free supplements (modules, classes, monsters, optional rules, etc.) created by the community. The rules are designed to be hacked and expanded upon without breaking the system.
- OSE: While you can hack it, OSE is more focused on strict BX fidelity. Its modular format (Core Rules, Classic Fantasy, Advanced Fantasy) adds options but still aims to preserve BX’s core structure.
If you want a ruleset that encourages customization and homebrewing, BFRPG is better suited for tinkering or adding non-standard elements.If you are comfortable with a system that is less flexible, OSE is worth considering.
4. Focus on Adventure Modules
- BFRPG: The community has created hundreds of adventures, free in PDF and at-cost in print, covering a wide range of styles and levels.
- OSE: It also offers a large number of modules, but these come at a for-profit price.
If you want a wealth of free or low-cost modules, BFRPG has much more to offer for less money. If money isn't an issue, OSE is an option.
5. Production Values
- BFRPG: Over nearly 20 years, it has accumulated a diverse section of artwork from many different artists, past and present. The layout is a more traditional and utilitarian design. It’s functional and clear.
- OSE: Relatively recent to the scene, it has a more uniform style of art and a more stylish layout.
If you prioritize function over form, BFRPG works perfectly well without the bells and whistles. If looks are more important than function, OSE is the right choice.
6. Philosophical Approach
- BFRPG: It was created with a focus on being player-friendly, open-source, and modular. It’s designed for accessibility, adaptability, and expandability. The core book is a compact system,. but with free supplements it can scale up to Advanced D&D and beyond.
- OSE: It focuses on being a faithful BX clone, serving as a definitive, more polished version of that two-book system.
If you value open-source principles and modern usability over strict adherence to BX, BFRPG offers a more user-friendly and flexible experience. If you're comfortable with a more corporate product with yourself as consumer, OSE is that system.
Why Choose Basic Fantasy RPG?
- Free and Accessible: No cost barrier for PDFs or physical copies.
- Flexibility: Modernized mechanics (e.g., ascending AC, separate race/class).
- Customizability: Open-source philosophy encourages homebrewing and hacking.
- Abundant Content: A wealth of free adventures and supplements created by an active community.
- Great for Beginners and Experts: Easier to learn and use than more rigid BX-style games but with free supplements to expand it into an AD&D-like system.
Why Choose Old School Essentials?
- Faithful reproduction of the 1981 BX rulebooks
- Crisp, organized layout with uniform art style
- A good selection of supplementary materials