So, I buy a ton of TTRPG's, but usually don't end up running them for anyone. I'll often skim the rules and soak in the books vibes, but DAWN was very different for me. Once I read through the rules the first time, I did so again, and again, more and more excited about the mechanics, but more so the stories I could tell within it.

I immediately set up not one, but two one shots with separate groups so I could immerse myself in the system. DAWN does market itself as inspired by battle manga, and while that's undeniably true, I think it can be used to run many other styles of game. Heroic fantasy, mythic fantasy, superheroes, mecha, etc. The customizable ability system, focus on narrative flow, bonds between characters, hype moments, and bombastic fights interested me much more than the anime styling.

My only real issue is that I feel as if all of the rules are sort of spread out across the book, and need to be pieced together. I wish there was a much condensed cheat sheet on just the mechanics for ready access at the table, in lieu of an official version of that I'm kind of slapping together my own which honestly didn't take too much effort.

Beyond that small criticism, the system somehow feels both deeply iterative, and like a much needed breath of fresh air. Don't pass on it.