The publisher Fria Ligan boasts an impressive catalog of role-playing games, but Coriolis – The Darkness Between the Stars represents a significant achievement. Developed by the same team behind Mutant – Year Zero, this edition is a thoroughly reworked and expanded version of the previously released game.
Coriolis – The Darkness Between the Stars can be likened to One Thousand and One Nights in a science fiction setting; it uniquely blends mysticism and advanced technology. Players gather their group to embark on adventures within a region scarred by war and conflict. Exploring ruins and unraveling mysteries are central to the gameplay, though discerning allegiances can be challenging, and every decision carries significant consequences.
The boxed set provides all the necessary components for gameplay, including maps, reference sheets, and dice. A notable feature is the reliance on standard six-sided dice, eliminating the need for specialized dice sets. While these are included in the physical edition, digital adaptation is straightforward. One minor drawback is the absence of pre-printed character sheets; these must be either copied from the rulebook or downloaded and printed from the website. The inclusion of these sheets would have been a welcome addition.
A supplementary game master’s screen is available, offering concise rules summaries and reference material. The core of the experience lies within the rich setting of Coriolis – The Darkness Between the Stars. The 216-page hardcover rulebook presents comprehensive information needed to begin playing. The book is well-illustrated and logically organized, with practical examples included to guide players and game masters.
The rule set requires careful consideration and familiarization to ensure the game master can effectively guide players through the game world. This role-playing game is not designed for immediate, casual play. Adequate preparation is essential before embarking on the initial adventure. Included in the box is the 356-page book Horisonten, which serves as the starting point for players’ first campaign in the Coriolis universe. Successfully running this campaign requires the game master to maintain vigilance and manage numerous scenarios to provide the optimal player experience.
Two standalone campaigns have been published. The first, Coriolis – The Emissary Lost, is a 248-page hardcover volume centered around unexplained deaths and disappearances, dubbed the mystic murders. The narrative explores the unknown motives behind the targeting of mystics. When a friend becomes involved, the player characters are drawn into the investigation, tasked with solving the mystery. This compelling detective story offers extensive gameplay possibilities, with branching scenarios leading to multiple distinct endings.
The second campaign, Coriolis – The Last Cyclade, was released in December (of last year) as a 288-page hardcover book. This campaign is a personal favorite, reminiscent of the science fiction horror films such as Event Horizon and the video game Dead Space. The plot revolves around a race against time to reach the derelict ghost ship Zafirah. The goal is to uncover the truth behind one of the Horizon’s most disturbing mysteries.
In conclusion, Coriolis – The Darkness Between the Stars is highly recommended. It is nearly a must-have for experienced role-players, as it presents a steeper learning curve than beginner-level games. Players should expect a significant investment of time to master the rules and understand the nuances of the Coriolis setting. However, overcoming this initial challenge unlocks access to truly exciting and memorable game sessions within the darkness between the stars.
