The Quest for a Simple Yet Fun Table-Top RPG Continues!

[finarvyn]

One option, sadly out of print, might be HeroQuest (the old Milton Bradley version, not the newer RPG with the same name). It's role playing on a board with pretty simple rules and great for group play. The "take turns" philosophy is great for encouraging teamwork and my group always said that we all win or all lose together, no matter which characters get knocked out of the action during the session or which one happens to complete the quest. And next game you start over with the characters all healed up and ready for action again.

It has the advantage of being a board game so each adventure is both visual to the players and self contained. It can be played in a couple of hours.

You also can maintain campaign play. Characters get better as they find gold and magic items. It's easy to house-rule as well. The original game came with ten adventures, which can last for a while especially if you re-do any quests where the group doesn't succeed the first time.

It's a great game for the family as well, and one that non-gamers seem to enjoy a lot. My kids learned RPG play using this game.