Big Eyes, Small Mouth
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| Big Eyes, Small Mouth 3rd Edition | |
|---|---|
 Third edition core book |
|
| Designer(s) | Mark C. MacKinnon |
| Publisher(s) | ArtHaus Games /White Wolf Publishing |
| Publication date | 2007 |
| Genre(s) | anime |
| System | Updated Tri-Stat System |
Big Eyes, Small Mouth is a roleplaying game that was designed to simulate the action of anime and manga. It is frequently referred to by the acronym BESM. The title is a joking reference to the common anime drawing style of characters with huge, expressive eyes.
BESM uses a point-based character creation system. Characters are evaluated based on three "Stats", against which all action checks are made. These are supplemented by Attributes, which give the characters unique abilities.
The initial edition, designed by Mark C. MacKinnon, was released by Guardians of Order in 1999. Soon after that RPG writer David L. Pulver began writing supplements for what was essentially a fairly simple game, adding a detailed system for the creation of mecha with his book "Big Robots, Cool Starships". Skills were added with the next supplement, a genre book called "Hot Rods & Gun Bunnies". At the same time MacKinnon and his colleagues were using BESM's system (now referred to as "the Tri-Stat System") as the basis for licensed games based on anime properties such as Sailor Moon, Dominion: Tank Police, Demon City Shinjuku and Tenchi Muyo! All of these innovations were incorporated into a second edition, which was released in 2001 to a very strong reception.
Since then, the other anime licenses that Guardians of Order has obtained have used the BESM system as their core rules. Instead of publishing complete games as they had done previously, the licensed books were published as "Ultimate Fan Guides". In addition, several genre based supplements have been published for the game, as well as two original settings -- Centauri Knights and Uresia: Grave of Heaven.
A BESM supplement became the source of controversy in 2002 when several retailers refused to stock a book with the title "Cute and Fuzzy Cockfighting Seizure Monsters". The book, a satire on the monster gladiator genre popularized by Pokémon, was repackaged under the title "Cute and Fuzzy Seizure Monsters", but was simultaneously printed with the original title.
A version of BESM adapted to the d20 System was published in 2003. Sales were good but the critical response was mixed. New versions of Centauri Knights and Uresia were released under the new version.
The third edition of BESM was scheduled to be released in April 2006 after Mark C. MacKinnon had announced that the release would be delayed from its original release in the Summer of 2005. The third edition was at that time planned to come in three forms: BESM 3rd Edition (deluxe). BESM 3rd Edition (standard) and "Vanilla BESM," an inexpensive and simplified variant created to introduce non-RP gamers.
[edit] BESM 3rd Edition
Mark C. MacKinnon announced that as of August 1st 2006 Guardians of Order was going out of business, and that "BESM Third Edition is finished and ready for press. Another company will be publishing it and providing future support. It's the most elegant version of BESM and the Tri-Stat System that I have put together and am very proud of it. If you pre-ordered the book from us, more information will follow."
On September 9th 2006, ArtHaus Games, whose titles are published by White Wolf Publishing, announced that it has acquired the RPG. The announcement stated the company was "extremely confident" that a release date of January 2007 would be met and confirmed that those who pre-ordered and prepaid for the book would be "in good hands," though it was also said that they have not taken on Guardians of Order's liabilities. [1]
BESM 3rd Editon was released by ArtHaus on January 24, 2007. The new edition features a change in the Tri-Stat game mechanic from a "roll-under" to the more intuitive "roll-over and hit a target number" found in many other games. The book is now standard 8.5x11" format and features full color interior art. The Deluxe Edition was not released, and ArtHaus has not announced any plans to follow up with further releases or the previously-announced "Vanilla BESM."
