This game is great to one shot at conventions for players who showed up late to get into other games. There's even a random item that *turns one of the players into the GM and makes the GM create a character, becoming one of the players*
Reading the rule book it really feels like it was written by people who are very passionate about the 'maid' trope in anime culture. The display of "eccentric" knowledge really shows in the many tables, and particularly the guidelines to roleplaying as a 'maid' (It even recommended classic media for the reader to make reference from). The mechanical system is tailored to the experience it tries to create, so it would seem to deviate from the complexity of action-oriented games. I believe this game is a good example of how to create a particular (and quite specific) experience in tabletop rpg. Though it is indeed quite embarrassing to find an opportunity to run a game with this topic. Especially with the premise of the GM being positioned as the 'master' of the house.
Ryo Kamiya, the creator of Maid, and his games are known for many things. Among them: every game has unique mechanics. Every game has lots of random charts. Every game abstracts both combat/action as well as dramatic/social interactions in a way that pleasingly gamifies both aspects. If there's an argument to be made that mechanics can make a difference in gameplay, it's Kamiya-sensei's body of work. If there's any downside to what he's made, it's that they're not ideal for long-term play. But, that's just a part of the Japanese way of making RPGs: keep them simple and satisfying in the short term. That way, you can experience everything the hobby has to offer.
Game mechanics actually very good. Especially 1d6*Attribute. I made up my own system using some things of core maid rpg mechanics. I GMed a few one shots in maid rpg and it was really fun.
I mean if it gets too bonkers, the GM can always say "no more random events!" That's within the rules, too. Then the GM just resolves everything in play until enough order is restored.
This game is really funny. I just watcehd a video that retells a single session and it involved Mr. Beast pitting humanity and aliens into war for RU-vid views while the maids do a Dune musical reenactment
I ran a session of this once at a convention. It was about the maids trying to help Paul Blart the Mall Cop enjoy his day off But then hell broke loose in the basement. Imps and Pinkies everywhere.
