The 80s are a lucrative source of nostalgia, all neon lights and totally tubular adjectives. Naturally, the tabletop RPG space isn't immune to its charms, particularly the cyberpunk genre, which owes much of its aesthetic to 80s grime. But another side of the 80s just as memorable (and cutthroat) are the high school movies. If there's one thing you learn from these movies, it's that high schools are a vicious pit of vipers. Take all those raging hormones and add magic to the mix, and you get Lighthearted, an 80s urban fantasy TTRPG.
For a limited time, DriveThruRPG has Lighthearted on sale for 75% off, at $3.75. For less than a cup of not-that-fancy coffee, you can start enjoying this nostalgic romp. While many tabletop RPGs are inspired by literature, Lighthearted wears its love of 80s films on its sleeve. The official description even namedrops The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles, among other classic picks.
That love extends to the gameplay, as it utilizes a narrative-first system inspired by Savage Worlds and Powered by the Apocalypse. Even the classes are changed to archetypes such as Jock, Geek, Rebel, Outcast, and my favorite, Prep. Campaigns play out like a movie,with scenes set not with narration, but film lingo, cinematography, and of course, a bopping playlist. In fact, you can check out that playlist on Spotify!
As for me, I've been itching to try this TTRPG for one reason: make a Heathers campaign. As a fan of both the original film and the banger musical, I just gotta. Could you imagine how kickass it would be for the rogueish Veronica to step up against the Heathers, who just so happen to be arrogant fae spirits this time around? It's also an excuse to play Candy Store during a campaign, a lifelong (read: 2018) goal of mine.
Wax nostalgic with the peeps over at the Wargamer Discord. For fantasy of a grander scaloe, check out our best fantasy wargames guide.