Yet again, Kickstarter and the wonderful, imaginative people using it are trying to make me broke give me exactly what I have been looking for. I have long been a fan of the tabletop RPG, but often, this desire to sit down and roll dice is stymied by simple lack of time, or a difficulty getting people together week after week to play a game. In the modern world, where we are used to flitting about online and multi-tasking, sometimes just the thought of committing the time and energy to something can feel exhaustive before you even start.
Behold, Pocket Odyssey, the RPG that fits, literally, in a pocket. It boasts something grand, something wonderful: the ability to really feel like a hero, to jump into their shoes, but to do it fast and efficiently; a game that promises to let people make characters with even a small backstory in just two or three minutes, then fly into a scenario, attacking the darkness and being, in general, awesome and flavorful heroes for an hour or two. Many games have tried to be that quick, to-the-point tabletop RPG, and most have come close, but not quite hit that mark. Will this one be it?
The box fits a lot, but easy to sort and use. The fact that no pensor paper is needed makes me grin.
From everything I've seen, yes, yes it will be. The game is made by Anthony Sato, someone who teaches game design, and has backed multiple projects of his own. He actually has a website that lays down his process and how the game works. Multiple videos can be seen of the game in action, of people playing it, and generally having a good time. Its always a good sign for a Kickstarter when a developer has done a good job documenting their work.
Here is how the game works: open it, distribute heroes, a flaw, and randomly grab some quests before having just a few minutes to put together a good quick backstory for you and your motley team before delving into the dungeon to buckle and swash your way through. Its quick, to the point, and yet everything I would want in something like this. I find myself, as my game collection grows, wanting many quick and easy-to-pick-up games simply because I want to have the time to share all these games with friends and family; I don't want to get mired down in the details or rules issues with brand new beginners, or take a long time to set up. Trust me, I love my Dungeons and Dragons, and all night games, but sometimes you just want to play something quick and fun without feeling like you have to invest.
This is that game. The art style is distinctive and solid, and I can't get over how he managed to make it all literally fit in a pocket if need be. Like RPGs, as either a beginner or a pro? Take a look at this Kickstarter, and all the information he's put out on it. Its an ode to the full-on games like Dungeons and Dragons that most of us know and love, but made in tasty bite-sized chunks. For me, its certainly worth the price.
Editor-in-chief, Co-founder
Whether he's worldbuilding for Dungeons and Dragons or figuring out what to have for dinner, Wyatt is usually in a whole different world. A player of all games, from the first person shooter to board games, Wyatt will happily throw down with plasma rifle on LCD screen or an army of metal miniatures just the same. Sprites and Dice is his dream to stay active in the community that he knows and loves.
Whether he's worldbuilding for Dungeons and Dragons or figuring out what to have for dinner, Wyatt is usually in a whole different world. A player of all games, from the first person shooter to board games, Wyatt will happily throw down with plasma rifle on LCD screen or an army of metal miniatures just the same. Sprites and Dice is his dream to stay active in the community that he knows and loves.
