Anima: Beyond Fantasy

No. You bring a hero concept and some anime inspiration. A professional Game Master provides you with a simple starting sheet and the few actions you need to get going. They call for rolls, interpret results, and maintain the pace. New players can use pre-generated characters or a quick-build template. You learn the rules as they become relevant, rather than all at once. If you appreciate the depth, your GM can introduce options between sessions, such as new techniques or spells, without slowing down the game.

Many Game Masters prefer Core Exxet, the Revised Core, as it streamlines skills and combat options. Some can run 1st Edition upon request. If you bring a 1e character, the conversion is typically minimal, such as adjusting development costs, secondary abilities, or a technique’s prerequisites. Check a GM’s listing for their edition, or inquire during booking. You can browse available Game Masters here: find a GM for Anima.

Characters use point buy with professions instead of fixed classes, allowing for highly customized builds. You can mix martial techniques, magic, and psychic powers right from the beginning. Defense is an action, so deciding whether to parry or evade is significant. Armor reduces damage rather than just making you harder to hit. The tone leans towards anime, with signature moves, rival duels, and secret orders taking centre stage. If you enjoy dramatic set pieces and personalized characters, Anima offers a unique twist compared to traditional dungeon-focused fantasy.

Anima works best with 2 to 6 players, with 3 to 5 being the ideal range to ensure each hero gets their moment in the spotlight. A typical session lasts between 3 to 4 hours. The first encounter for a new group may take longer as everyone familiarizes themselves with their options, but it tends to speed up after that. One-shots usually consist of two to three scenes, allowing time to showcase signature moves. For groups of 5 or 6 players, using pregenerated characters can help the game run more smoothly. Campaigns benefit from regular sessions of 3 to 4 hours.

Yes, with the right setup. The rules are detailed, so it works best for ages 12 and up who enjoy anime action and can manage a few options. A professional Game Master can simplify choices, provide pregenerated characters, and keep scenes clear. Content can be tailored to be teen-friendly, featuring stylized combat and fade-to-black for sensitive topics. Safety tools and boundaries are available upon request. For younger children, consider a lighter system or plan a shorter Anima one-shot with streamlined choices.

In person, two ten-sided dice for percentile rolls are useful, along with a pencil and your character sheet. Miniatures are optional. Your Game Master can provide sheets, reference cards, and maps or tokens. Online play is seamless with shared sheets, integrated dice, and voice or video. Many GMs run Anima on popular virtual tabletops. See what online setups they use here: how online play works.