Like many Swedish role-players in the 80s, I began with Drakar och Demoner. Following that, a wide array of role-playing games beckoned for exploration. I recall dedicating significant time, along with others, to Western-themed games, and also a Marvel role-playing game, where players could embody classic characters or forge their own superheroes. Subsequently, more mature titles such as Chock (recently re-released by Eloso – see our review of Chock åter från graven) and Call of Cthulhu emerged. While I never engaged with Chock, I briefly sampled Call of Cthulhu upon its initial release, though it didn’t fully capture my interest at the time. Now, I’m revisiting the latest edition, poised to delve into the wondrous, enigmatic, and unsettling universe of H.P. Lovecraft as an adult.
This edition of Call of Cthulhu comprises two elegantly bound, high-quality volumes. Aspiring game masters should commence with the Keeper’s Handbook. This volume contains the core rules and a comprehensive overview of the game world, including detailed descriptions of the various entities players may encounter during their sessions.
jadi
The Investigator’s Handbook is primarily intended for players. It provides detailed guidance on character creation, and offers insights into historical life in 1920s Sweden. This is where the distinction between the original 1981 release and this new edition becomes apparent: the adventures are set in Sweden. The inclusion of numerous historical details provides both the game master and players with a vivid depiction of Sweden a century ago.
A defining element of Call of Cthulhu is the Sanity mechanic. Players assume the roles of ordinary individuals – detectives, researchers, antiquarians – who become entangled in cosmic mysteries and confront unspeakable horrors. The Sanity mechanic simulates the psychological impact of these terrifying encounters, fostering a sense of genuine and persistent dread. This mechanic adds an extra layer of excitement, as players cannot always dictate whether a situation is frightening enough to drive their character to madness. A comprehensive set of rules, including detailed tables, introduces an additional twist to each adventure.
The game is also notable for its immersive atmosphere and narrative focus. Each campaign and scenario is meticulously crafted to cultivate a sense of profound dread and exploration. Unlike many role-playing games that prioritize combat, Call of Cthulhu emphasizes investigation and problem-solving. Players must leverage their intellect and resources to expose dark secrets and survive encounters with nightmarish entities.
The rule system is relatively streamlined yet effective, promoting ease of learning and play. It is based on the Basic Role-Playing (BRP) system, which employs percentile dice rolls to determine the outcome of actions. This contributes to a brisk pace and allows players to concentrate on the narrative and character development, rather than becoming bogged down by complex rules.
Dice and character sheets are not included; furthermore, both books are necessary to fully appreciate the game. Consequently, the initial investment is considerable before one can truly experience Call of Cthulhu.
In conclusion, Call of Cthulhu is highly recommended for enthusiasts of horror and role-playing. Its atmospheric narratives, detailed character creation options, and unique mechanics provide an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to role-playing, Call of Cthulhu presents a rich and engaging world ripe for exploration and trepidation. It is ideally suited for both experienced and novice horror role-playing fans. However, I hesitate to award it a “must-have” rating, due to the game’s relatively high cost and the omission of character sheets and dice.
Eloso provided review copies for this evaluation. The provision of materials does not influence our editorial objectivity.
Så här sätter vi betyg på Senses