UED and the Lost Dice system
Review by
Jairo Borges Filho, IndieGamePT
Translated from the Portuguese original
Versão português:
https://indiegamept.wordpress.com/2015/08/10/ued-e-sistema-lost-dice-por-jairo-borges-filho/
With another RPGénesis starting
today - a great Luso-Brazilian contest for creating and narrative games –
I’d like to speak about one legacy of
that contest from previous years: a unique survival game, which won over Brazil and will now take over the world!
I’m talking about UED: You are the Resistance, by Julio Matos and Fabiano "Chikago" Saccol.
I’m talking about UED: You are the Resistance, by Julio Matos and Fabiano "Chikago" Saccol.
Riders on the Storm
The game is set many years from now, after a long-expected alien invasion. The human race could hardly defend itself because each and every advanced technological device was rendered useless before the Invaders attacked. Only a minority who managed to shelter in bunkers and underground refuges survived. Even so, the arrival of a new Ice Age and the lack of technology seemed to spell the end for the human race…
Of cours,e that was before the arrival of the Runners –well-equipped messengers in the service of the United Earth Defense, a nucleus of resistance against the Invaders, fighting for the unification of humanity. Survivors by nature and pilgrims by obligation, they are trained to ensure the survival of any Haven, seeking supplies and energy cells to keep it going. Whatever the cost.
The game is set many years from now, after a long-expected alien invasion. The human race could hardly defend itself because each and every advanced technological device was rendered useless before the Invaders attacked. Only a minority who managed to shelter in bunkers and underground refuges survived. Even so, the arrival of a new Ice Age and the lack of technology seemed to spell the end for the human race…
Of cours,e that was before the arrival of the Runners –well-equipped messengers in the service of the United Earth Defense, a nucleus of resistance against the Invaders, fighting for the unification of humanity. Survivors by nature and pilgrims by obligation, they are trained to ensure the survival of any Haven, seeking supplies and energy cells to keep it going. Whatever the cost.
Sole Survivor
The focus of UED, first of all, is survival and all that it guarantees (so do not be surprised by the constant risk in each story). Each player will portray a Runner, one of the new humanity’s warriors, equipped and trained to face any kind of threat (or not).
"What do you mean, 'or not'?" you wonder. The fact is that the character may not have the resources to deal with the threat at hand. The game system elegantly simulates resource management. Energy, weapons, supplies, vehicles ... each of these features is represented in the game by an Attribute (from the following: d4, d6, d8, d10 or d12) and its Supplies (extra dice in reserve). As fighting and other dangers are faced (e.g., extreme cold), these dice are lost - depleting supplies and requiring replenishment in the icy, perilous surface world.
It is precisely this that creates the game’s heroism and grand stakes. The deeds of each Runner are reflected in the Havens they visit and save, raising their Courage and Glory. This recognition is also reflected among their peers, through Rank – providing enhanced abilities in the character’s chosen Profession.
The focus of UED, first of all, is survival and all that it guarantees (so do not be surprised by the constant risk in each story). Each player will portray a Runner, one of the new humanity’s warriors, equipped and trained to face any kind of threat (or not).
"What do you mean, 'or not'?" you wonder. The fact is that the character may not have the resources to deal with the threat at hand. The game system elegantly simulates resource management. Energy, weapons, supplies, vehicles ... each of these features is represented in the game by an Attribute (from the following: d4, d6, d8, d10 or d12) and its Supplies (extra dice in reserve). As fighting and other dangers are faced (e.g., extreme cold), these dice are lost - depleting supplies and requiring replenishment in the icy, perilous surface world.
It is precisely this that creates the game’s heroism and grand stakes. The deeds of each Runner are reflected in the Havens they visit and save, raising their Courage and Glory. This recognition is also reflected among their peers, through Rank – providing enhanced abilities in the character’s chosen Profession.
Taken as a whole,
it is a game that borders on epic, with touches of survival horror and the hopelessness
of a post-apocalyptic scenario. Simply
beautiful. : D
The Battle Rages On ...
Not only is there a compelling scenario and well designed rules, but the book is very well done too. Good layout, easy to understand text and beautiful illustrations enhance the work of friends Julio Matos and Fabiano "Chikago" Saccol. The great thing for me is the music: each chapter has a song to which it is “dedicated”, because music was the only legacy of the past is left to the survivors. Each of the Runners is also described by a song that defines your perspective and personality. Add to that a plethora of Easter eggs involving names, special abilities and storylines inspired by the great classics of rock'n'roll, and reading becomes even more fun.
Another ingenious idea of the authors: the game system, called Lost Dice, will be open to future development and hacks (the game is CC licensed). Some have been published already in Portuguese – including adaptations for Resident Evil, FallingSkies, Front Mission and Metal Gear.
And now, friends? Interested in this great game? Well, you can purchase it in English here. If you are not convinced by my words, perhaps this Beta (in Portuguese) can convince you to buy this great Brazilian game.
For would-be authors who decide to participate in the RPGenesis contest, and wish to use the Lost Dice System to create your own hack, access the guide system construction at this link.
Please also be part of the Resistance. Join the UED, and fight for the future!
Not only is there a compelling scenario and well designed rules, but the book is very well done too. Good layout, easy to understand text and beautiful illustrations enhance the work of friends Julio Matos and Fabiano "Chikago" Saccol. The great thing for me is the music: each chapter has a song to which it is “dedicated”, because music was the only legacy of the past is left to the survivors. Each of the Runners is also described by a song that defines your perspective and personality. Add to that a plethora of Easter eggs involving names, special abilities and storylines inspired by the great classics of rock'n'roll, and reading becomes even more fun.
Another ingenious idea of the authors: the game system, called Lost Dice, will be open to future development and hacks (the game is CC licensed). Some have been published already in Portuguese – including adaptations for Resident Evil, FallingSkies, Front Mission and Metal Gear.
And now, friends? Interested in this great game? Well, you can purchase it in English here. If you are not convinced by my words, perhaps this Beta (in Portuguese) can convince you to buy this great Brazilian game.
For would-be authors who decide to participate in the RPGenesis contest, and wish to use the Lost Dice System to create your own hack, access the guide system construction at this link.
Please also be part of the Resistance. Join the UED, and fight for the future!
