War Is Hell, a Twilight 2000 RPG Review @FreeLeaguePub
So I’ve been enlisted to write a review of Free League Publishing’s 4th edition Twilight 2000 RPG roleplaying in the WWIII that never was (but could be). This is a very well thought out gaming system with amazing art by Niklas Brandt. You can learn more about the core game & expansions and find all kinds of great bonus materials like maps and character sheets on their web page here.
I am very excited about this mission since my ex had previously regaled me with stories of a college Twilight 2000 campaign back in the late ’80’s in an extensive 20+ person group. How they had spent too long debating over where to find KGB and one bored member wandered off to the library in character and was “disappeared” when it turned out to be KGB headquarters… How their driver had set all kinds of land mines and then had to flee in the tank over his own work when things went south… And so on.
My husband has taken on the role of referee since he cares way more about history, alternate histories, military tactics, and realism than I and was inspired to take on this role. He has already begun to learn Polish names & pronunciations, fleshed out encounters, and considered things that weren’t really touched upon much in the book, like what kind of survival gear we have to start and so on. We are going to be running a grittier survivalist campaign trying-to-get-by more than the military-at-large-with-tank-in-tow style, which suits our fledgling group more anyway.
If story is the soul of a good RPG, then character generation lies at its heart, and I like the unexpected diversity you have when creating characters and developing backstory in Life Paths in the Twilight 2000 RPG. Sure you can start with one of the Archetypes, but things get so much more multi-faceted when you roll to determine what your character was doing and how they got to be who they at the start of the campaign. The only change we made was to create a different equipment sheet because I don’t write small enough to print my name on a grain of rice and have no idea how everything was supposed to fit in the section offered, especially when tracking encumbrance, all of your survival gear, and where all of your stuff is stashed. But then again, I like to keep all the stats on my stuff handy rather than flipping through to the right page and that most certainly wasn’t going to fit…
I am going to keep an ongoing player campaign log here on Haunted MTL as an ongoing Twilight 2000 RPG series to offer my perspective on the gameplay and to let you tag along on our adventure. Welcome to When You’re Going Through Hell… Check back for more updates, thoughts on game play, and to follow along on our adventures.
I will not be rating the Twilight 2000 RPG game based on Cthulus until we have played through a few sessions, so let us begin the crazy and suspenseful ride through Hell…
Gaming
Lovecraft Meets Junji Ito in WORLD OF HORROR
WORLD OF HORROR is a cosmic horror roguelite game developed by Paweł Koźmiński and published by Ysbryd Games.
WORLD OF HORROR is a cosmic horror roguelite game developed by Paweł Koźmiński and published by Ysbryd Games. The game is available on macOS, Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. This review will cover the Steam (Windows) version of the game.
You must explore the strange goings on around Shiokawa, Japan. It appears that eldritch forces have influenced the town in incomprehensible ways. So, attempt to comprehend these forces and maintain your sanity to save the town. Plan your investigations, choose between cases, and fight for your life.
There are a few game modes but three difficulty spikes. The easiest is a specific case with some random events. This mode teaches you the basic mechanics of the game. The harder difficulties give you access to an apartment and choices on which case you investigate. Completing objectives earns you customization options for the customized mode.
What I Like About WORLD OF HORROR
Running on GameMaker Studios, the pixelated aesthetic shows influences from Lovecraft and Junji Ito, though the latter more so than the former. WORLD OF HORROR haunts its viewers with its aesthetic, allowing the pixels to evoke those horror legends.
Random generation remains a key feature of the game, with various options and choices giving a massive variety. Your character also has some limited customization to access perks and further development. I will bring up some weaknesses later, but it is surprisingly vast. Adding to this variety, WORLD OF HORROR provides mod accessibility.
The combat allows for a great deal of thought and planning. You select your character’s actions within an action bar and perform the tasks (or combos) to beat an opponent. This JRPG style provides variety in action that makes it engaging and unique.
The random generation and variety make each playthrough different. You might acquire a devastating katana in one playthrough only to bleed out unceremoniously in another.
While not a terrifying gaming experience, WORLD OF HORROR strives to provide an eerie and intense experience. At this, the game is a success. The weird and unnerving collide to invest the player in this strange world.
Tired Tropes and Triggers
Body horror deserves a mention, but the aesthetic and pixels doesn’t particularly evoke realism. Regardless, many designs evoke body horror.
Aside from this, here are some points of consideration. First, WORLD OF HORROR uses JRPG turn-based combat, which seems a point of division among some gamers. However, there are enough interesting mechanics and complexities beyond clicking an action and waiting your turn.
Second, WORLD OF HORROR isn’t a cult detective. You’re experiencing events and choosing how your character responds. Some sage wisdom I heard for WORLD OF HORROR is to focus on the whole campaign instead of a single case. Failing a case isn’t a game over, so prioritize your character’s longevity.
What I Dislike About WORLD OF HORROR
Only a few issues hindered my experience. Some scenarios replay on a single case, let alone a playthrough, which becomes repetitive. Some scenarios have multiple solutions to add variety or require perks to access new options, but that’s not always true. This issue makes the randomization taxing at times.
This next issue is likely a bug or an oversight. After losing my reason (sanity), I found myself still able to investigate despite the game claiming that means death. An unrelated event finished me off, but I can’t help but assume this is a bug.
Final Thoughts
WORLD OF HORROR has its quirks but earns massive replay value and surprising depth. It’s a unique and ambitious indie title worth the price. If Junji Ito’s style or cosmic horror is your particular brand of horror, WORLD OF HORROR delivers an experience you’ll likely enjoy. Though this combination synergizes well, few games combine these elements successfully.
(4.5 / 5)
Step into the mind-bending world of Eldritch Automata as we sit down with Game Designer Nick Francia at GenCon 2024!
Uncover the secrets behind this Lovecraftian mecha-masterpiece and get a glimpse of what’s to come.
In this exclusive interview, Nick Francia shares:
• The intricate game development process • Inspirations behind the eerie Lovecraftian elements
• Unique mecha-infused gameplay mechanics Calling all Lovecraft fans! Dive into a world where eldritch horrors meet steam-powered marvels.
Eldritch Automata promises an unforgettable gaming experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
👉 Ready to embrace the madness? Check out our playable demo at a con near you! #EldritchAutomata #GenCon2024 #LovecraftianGaming #IndieGameDev
Prepare for a spine-chilling experience as Jim Phoenix delves into the shadows with Trick or Treat Studios at GenCon 2024!
In this exclusive interview, we uncover the terrifying secrets behind their latest bone-chilling creations: “House of 1000 Corpses” and “Halloween II” board games.
These games aren’t just about rolling dice – they’re about immersing yourself in the blood-curdling atmosphere of beloved horror films. With unique survival (and kill!) horror mechanics and cooperative gameplay, you’ll feel the terror coursing through your veins with every move!
But wait, there’s more! With the Kickstarter to House of 1000 Corpses shipping soon, we have an in-depth review coming up for that game, Halloween II–AND…Chucky. BOOMMM!!!
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