I think that out of all the RPG genres, perhaps even more than Superheros, the Intentionally Funny RPG is perhaps the hardest to do right.
Most comedy doesn't convert easily into the RPG format.  What is probably easiest is the "parody" game (where you are taking a serious genre and mocking it, a la D&D and Hackmaster). But to make a really originally funny RPG without being a direct parody is very difficult to do successfully; probably the only really successful example of this is Paranoia.

So, are there other settings, genres or concepts for humourous RPGs that would actually work, wouldn't be boring as shit, and would be viably playable for more than a one-shot?

RPGPundit

The only true comedy rpg I found that really worked to the extent that it works as a campaign was  Ghostbusters. And the trick was you played proper scenarios with real goals, real dangers and real characters, but just a little crazier, a little more off-beat than your "straight" game.  Come to think about it, the only difference between a typical Ghostbuster and Call of Cthulhu adventure is really thin, they are both silly concepts, it's just the way you spin it, just presentation.

On that basis their is no reason not to do a Galaxy Quest or Max Smart game using a Star Trek or Spycraft rules with just a little tweak here and there.

Yeah, Ghostbusters would be another successful one.  And I'd count Toon as well (at least, I'm pretty sure Toon was meant to be mostly humerous).

Personally, comedy would not be a genre I would want to run.  First, my sardonic and irreverent sense of humor would pretty much limit me to playing HoL.  Second, I would be ready to kill the other players after 30 min into one session because I can forsee the type of "humor" I would get.

I find that Scion works absolutely stupendously well as a comedy game.

I think a Mystery Men-type supers game would lend itself to a lot of fun comedy, finding cool ways to use crappy (or nonexistent) powers.

Pete

How about a rpg based on the Xanth books or Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy?

I once wrote up a prospective adventure for D20 Modern in which the PCs are agents of rival politicians in a state election, and strive to humiliate, upstage or kill their employer's opponent.  I thought it had potential for hilarity.

Not quite a game system, though.

Quote from: mhensley;304599How about a rpg based on the Xanth books or Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy?

Was that Tales of the Floating Vagabond game trying to go for something like Hitchhikers?  I never played it.

I thought the original Gamma World was pretty funny,Teenagers From Outer Space, It Came From The Late Late Late Show and of course Macho Women with Guns.

As for the question in the OP, I think any genre could be funny, the problem is (as usual) are the players interested in this sort of thing, for more than one game....

Regards,
David R

Quote from: pspahn;304528I think a Mystery Men-type supers game would lend itself to a lot of fun comedy, finding cool ways to use crappy (or nonexistent) powers.

Pete

here:

http://www.1km1kt.net/rpg/have-a-go-heroes

In Nomine Satanis depicts a satirical, even caustic version of our world. It's a bit like reading a columnist like Bill Maher : very tough on religion, tough on politics too and a frantic use of stereotypes pushed beyond the limits of reason. Unfortunately I'm told the English version was castrated and teh funny was gone.

A few Siroz Production/Asmodee games have a clear comedy undertone (like Bitume, Bloodlust or In Nomine Satanis). The rulebooks don't present themselves as comedy games so one always has the possibility to play seriously. My players and I favored the silliness though.

I think there should be something to do by meshing alternative history and comedy. A Mel Brook's History of the World licensed game maybe ? It can't be an expensive license.

The Red Dwarf RPG is quite good - this is from actual experience.

Teenagers From Outer Space is still my favorite comedy beer & pretzels game. Paranoia comes in a close second to it, though. HoL is a great read, but it is pretty impossible to actually play (even though we keep trying to).

Quote from: David R;304613As for the question in the OP, I think any genre could be funny, the problem is (as usual) are the players interested in this sort of thing, for more than one game....

I agree. The question becomes why is comedy not treated with the same respect and commitment as action/adventure by roleplayers?

If you take something like Ghostbusters or Men in Black, you can easily structure it as a proper campaign, with an over arching plot and a whole bunch of missions in between, some that relate to the main plot, some which are just filler. The difference between that and say a Buffy campaign is merely one of tone.

Comedy does not have to be beer and pretzel, it doesn't have to be just parody, it doesn't have to be mindless.

Quote from: Soylent Green;304783I agree. The question becomes why is comedy not treated with the same respect and commitment as action/adventure by roleplayers?

IME it's because comedy around the gaming table is most often of unintentional. Trying to be funny is difficult. It helps if everyone is aware of what each other finds funny. I think that the GM can set up "comedic situations" but it's much harder for the players to react to it. I get the feeling that comedy is funny because of the reactions of the observers......when you're right there in the thick of things, it seems less funny.

Regards,
David R