Simon Stålenhag stands out as one of Sweden’s most compelling and stylistically significant authors and illustrators. From the moment I encountered his initial work, Ur Varselklotet (Illustrated Tales From the Loop’s Landscapes 1984-1994), I was captivated by his distinctive vision of 1980s Sweden. The fusion of quintessential Swedish elements with science fiction creates a compelling juxtaposition, blending seemingly disparate themes into a remarkably cohesive whole.
The announcement of Ur Varselklotet‘s adaptation into a role-playing game sparked immediate interest. The prospect of immersive exploration within his world was particularly appealing. This role-playing game is presented in a beautifully crafted, 192-page hardbound book, lavishly illustrated throughout. While I have recently evaluated and tested numerous role-playing games, upon opening this book, it was immediately apparent that this offering was distinct.
Ur Varselklotet is particularly well-suited for newcomers to the role-playing genre, featuring several instructive examples and dedicated chapters for those with no prior experience. This is a valuable inclusion, as grasping all the nuances of role-playing can initially be challenging. The ruleset in Ur Varselklotet is based on the Mutant – Year Zero role-playing game. Therefore, experienced players of that system will find the transition seamless and can immediately begin character creation.
Ur Varselklotet distinguishes itself from other role-playing games in two key aspects: character death is not a mechanic, and player characters are children. This evokes a strong sense of Goonies-esque adventure. As each in-game year passes, characters age, and upon reaching a certain age, players must create a new character, reflecting the transition beyond childhood adventures. Players can select from various character types, each possessing unique skills and abilities that contribute to the group’s progress. Assembling a group with complementary skills is crucial for mission success.
Ur Varselklotet includes four complete adventures that collectively form the Vetenskapens Vidunder (The Wonders of Science) campaign. This section provides comprehensive information for structuring engaging game sessions. A group of four to five players (including the game master) is recommended to maximize the gaming experience.
The enigmatic military installation known as “the Loop” is not exclusive to Sweden; it also exists in the USA. The role-playing game is designed to facilitate campaigns set on either side of the Atlantic. All names, maps, and related materials are provided in dual versions to accommodate this flexibility.
In conclusion, the Ur Varselklotet role-playing game is exceptionally well-crafted and presents no significant drawbacks. The game’s construction is logical and well-structured, consistent with the publisher’s established quality. The decision to base the rules on Mutant – Year Zero was astute, leveraging a thoroughly tested and functional system. The absence of included dice and pre-printed character sheets represents a minor inconvenience, requiring players to print or copy their own. However, the overall quality of the product overshadows this minor issue and does not detract from its overall merit. I highly recommend experiencing Simon Stålenhag’s evocative world as a child in the 80s through this exceptional role-playing game.
Review copies of this game were provided by the publisher, Fria Ligan. Receipt of review materials does not influence our editorial independence; our reviews are written for the benefit of our readers (consumers).
