# Big Eyes, Small Mouth tags: #game/rpg/big-eyes-small-mouth ![[Big Eyes Small Mouth - 1st Edition (cover).jpg]] ![[Big Eyes Small Mouth - 2nd Edition (cover).jpg]] *Big Eyes, Small Mouth* (*BESM*) is a tabletop role-playing game that lets players simulate the melodramatic, high-octane tropes of Japanese anime and manga. Designed by Mark C. Mackinnon, it uses a heavily point-bought framework that allows players to build practically anything—from angsty teenage mecha pilots to magical girls with suspiciously complex attack names. It requires significant Game Master oversight, mostly because players will inevitably try to exploit the system to demolish cities at level one. The game provides the tools for immense power, but it leaves the heavy lifting of actual game balance entirely to the poor soul running the campaign. *Big Eyes, Small Mouth* initially launched on the Tri-Stat System, utilizing three core attributes: Body, Mind, and Soul. The first and second editions featured a "roll-under" resolution mechanic. A player rolled 2d6 and attempted to score below their relevant stat, while skills and situational difficulties modified the target number. The second edition remains a fan favorite, prompting Dyskami Publishing to eventually release the slightly expanded *BESM Retro Second Edition*. Later editions decided they needed more crunch. The third and fourth editions completely overhauled the rules, shifting to a "roll-over" mechanic. Players now roll 2d6, add their stat and modifiers, and attempt to beat a Target Number. The fourth edition, currently published by Dyskami Publishing, maintains this roll-over approach but introduces an "edges and obstacles" system. Instead of flat modifiers, advantageous situations allow players to roll 3d6 or 4d6 and keep the highest two dice, while obstacles force them to keep the lowest. The third edition also consolidated character creation points into a single pool, which functionally turned the game into an anime-flavored variant of *GURPS*. ## References - [BESM 4th Edition Publisher Page - Dyskami Publishing Company](https://www.dyskami.ca/besm.html) - [Review of Big Eyes, Small Mouth Third Edition - RPGnet](https://www.rpg.net/reviews/archive/12/12712.phtml) - [Review of Big Eyes, Small Mouth Revised Second Edition - RPGnet](https://www.rpg.net/reviews/archive/9/9457.phtml) - [Big Eyes, Small Mouth First Edition (Digital PDF) - DriveThruRPG](https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/625/big-eyes-small-mouth-first-edition-besm-goo-02-001) - [Big Eyes, Small Mouth (1st Edition) (Used Physical Copy) - Noble Knight Games](https://www.nobleknight.com/P/299806964/Big-Eyes-Small-Mouth-1st-Edition) - [BESM Retro Second Edition (Digital PDF and Physical Copy) - DriveThruRPG](https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/474851/besm-retro-second-edition-big-eyes-small-mouth-dys570) > [!note] Editor's Note > > Honestly, I don't consider anything after the first edition legitimate. Seriously, it tried very hard to become *[[GURPS]]*. > > If I wanted *GURPS*, there are plenty of *GURPS* books out there for me to pick up. First edition without skills is the best edition of *Big Eyes, Small Mouth*, bar none.