Centauri Knights

''Big Eyes, Small Mouth'' (''BESM'') is a tabletop role-playing game originally produced by Guardians of Order in 1997 that was designed to simulate the action of anime and manga. The title alludes to the common anime drawing style of characters with large expressive eyes and comparatively small mouths.

Gameplay

BESM uses a point-based character creation system. Players roll two 6-sided dice, add 10 to the total and then divide the resultant sum between Mind, Body, and Soul, against which all action checks are made. These are supplemented by Attributes, which can be positive (Acrobatics) or negative (Easily Distracted), giving the characters unique abilities.

First edition

The initial edition, designed by Mark C. MacKinnon, was released by Guardians of Order in 1997. 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.

The first edition was a slim, grey-covered book. A vast promotion and beta test was organized, and included a number of demo-team members from around the world.

Since then, the other anime licenses that Guardians of Order obtained 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 were published for the game, as well as two original settings: '' Centauri Knights'' and '' Uresia: Grave of Heaven''.

Reception

In the January 1998 edition of ''Dragon'' (Issue 243), Rick Swan dismissed BESM as "a stripped-down, entry-level RPG." Swan pointed out that the rules were primarily focussed on character creation, "but that’s pretty much all you get. There’s little in the way of background material, campaign outlines, or staging tips, making this more of an introduction to roleplaying than a ready-to-play game." He did not recommend the game, saying, "Hardcore anime might be better off investigating the ''Bubblegum Crisis'' game by R. Talsorian."

Two issues later, in the March 1998 edition of ''Dragon'' (Issue 245), Lester Smith gave an enthusiastic review, saying, "In a hobby where, all too often, games seem to be published without a clear vision of their topic or audience... BESM stands out as an example of a product that knows its subject and treats it right." Smith's only criticism was weapon damage, pointing out that since there are no penalties for wielding the largest weapon dealing the most damage, why wouldn't everyone simply choose the largest weapon? He also warned that combat can drag on if both players have good defences. Smith concluded, "For fans of anime, then, I highly recommend the ''Big Eyes, Small Mouth'' RPG. It is just about perfect for what it sets out to accomplish. Even if you aren’t anime fan, I recommend that you give the game a look anyway. It might just introduce you to a whole new world of adventure."

d20 edition

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. A later revised edition of this version was published in 2004, which, due to errors in the proofing and printing processes, did not contain the full set of revisions in its final published form. Company president Mark C. MacKinnon offered a public explanation and apology, and offered to refund buyers who were dissatisfied with their purchase of the book.

BESM 3rd Edition

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.
Mark MacKinnon announced that as of August 1, 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 9, 2006, ArtHaus Games, whose titles are published by White Wolf Publishing

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