I wanted to run a game set during the Bakumatsu/Meiji restoration era and I'm looking for a game that can handle elaborate sword duels but also has guns that are super lethal

>>96131442 (OP)
GURPS: Martial Arts gives you all you need to run sword fights, including multiple different styles (kenjutsu, iajutsu, etc) with their own techniques as well as universal techniques and maneuvers to make sure "I swing my sword" is never the only thing you can do.

As for guns being lethal, a TL 5 (Bakumatsu era) rifle deals 5d6 pi+ damage - enough to kill an average warrior (10-13 HP) in one good shot, and easily piercing contemporary samurai armor.

Genesys might be up your alley, it (or perhaps more accurately, Star Wars that preceded it) has showdown rules.

>>96131442 (OP)
All for One
Honor + Intrigue
Wild Fields 1e
Righteous Blood, Ruthless Blades

And depending on how you define "elaborate", potentially also Shadow of the Yesterday

>>96131442 (OP)
You may also want to consider the framework of firearms to your game, in an era where swords are becoming obsolete and firearms becoming the IRL "I Win" button w/ modernisation.

Why use swords if guns dominate and there's a lower learning curve? You could institute a rule that ties rewards to not using guns, you'd need to get players onboard. Could be interesting.

>>96131442 (OP)
Check out SAKE TTRPG

>>96131442 (OP)
>but also has guns that are super lethal
there's a Japanese RPG where getting shot with a gun instantly kills anyone

>>96136218
I think this is it

>>96136151
I can't recall any ttrpg mechanics specifically, but cost, access to either the tokugawa or europeans, and percieved honor matter.

>>96131442 (OP)
L5R

>>96136151
Maybe an honor mechanic that heavily influences social interactions and is damaged by using guns.

>>96131442 (OP)
What do you mean by elaborate sword duels? Stances and schools/techniques matter? Parrying, footwork, position of the sun, that sort of stuff?
yes, Yojimbo is late Edo, that's almost like early Meiji.