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Hello and welcome to The RPG Academy's The Review series. Today Michael is joined by first-time reviewer JimmyLogan to review the Tales from the Loop - Starter Set.
Tales from the Loop is an RPG by Free League Publishing, publishers of various IP based games such as Alien, Lord of the Rings and The Walking Dead. This review covers the ‘Starter Set’ with a sample adventure. Free League provided us with a digital copy of the Tales from the Loop Starter Set for this Review.
The 32-page rulebook is comprehensive and enjoyable to read, featuring clear color choices and fonts, along with well-delineated example text. Simon Stålenhag's illustrations, coupled with what appears to be ‘company paper’ with typewritten information, work together to set the tone, capturing the essence of Kids in the ‘80s. The introduction is a well written piece of fiction that drops you directly into what is referred to as the “loop universe.” It moves into first person story telling and finally into an example of how this situation is resolved with the dice. For those new to role playing games, this is a great introduction! Whether or not you've seen the Amazon Prime television series, there's enough background information provided for your imagination to run wild.
The show is set in the fictional Mercer, Ohio, while the game is set in Switzerland, as envisioned by the artist. An alternate setting is included as well - Boulder City, Nevada. This is explained in the time line as having been created first, some time during the 1950’s, followed by the Swedish counterpart in the late 1960’s. There are eight pages of world-building, including a fictional timeline of the United States and Sweden. The setting establishes that the fantastical experiences of the Kids are commonplace. Robots and flying machines serve as backdrop elements, taken for granted by the characters. Sufficient real-world history is included, allowing the Gamemaster and players to draw on their own memories of the era. For younger players, inspiration can be derived from television and movies. The included two sided map is reminiscent of those seen in older editions of Twilight: 2000. One side shows the Mälaren Facility and displays towns, islands, the reactor, and the ring network. This attention to detail creates an immersive, 'in-universe' experience. The flip side of the map showcases the American counterpart, catering to those preferring a more familiar setting. This side includes Boulder City, Nevada, the reactor, the ring network, and part of Lake Mead. Both sides offer numerous setting options for your Mysteries, the term used for adventures or modules in this system. The designers include a short note about using your home town as this setting. Perhaps the Loop was built there? This would allow you to use local people, streets, buildings and other set pieces for your game.
There are six primary principles that drive the game:
1. Your home town is full of fantastic things.
2. Everyday life is dull and unforgiving.
3. Adults are out of reach and out of touch.
4. Mysteries are dangerous but Kids will not die.
5. The game is played scene by scene.
6. The world is described collaboratively.
Number one is pretty much a given, what with the setting. Number two is a reminder that the characters are Kids - they are not super ...
