Set out on a journey across lands to unravel mysteries and experience stories in a campaign of Roll Player Adventures.
A recent arrival reminded me that it had been several years since I last played through a full campaign of a story-driven adventure. Well, multiple adventures actually, with Roll Player Adventures! These interconnected stories place a character in the center of the action, where factions follow their own agendas and everything isn’t always as it seems. Back to Ulos!
Down to Undercity
I will say that the third adventure certainly nails its setting and atmosphere very well. There is a chilly, frightening air to it, made even clearer by the shadowy map of Undercity.
But interestingly, I remembered this adventure vividly. I knew where to go and what to do, and I usually don’t remember these sorts of details in campaign games.
However, I wasn’t a big fan of this setting. Ribby didn’t have any stand-out moments to laugh at. It was… Rather scary.
Then again, maybe that’s the idea: Get out of Undercity as quickly as possible! It was nice to put this map behind Ribby.
Humorous Surprises
Maybe that was what threw me off with Undercity: Most of the other adventures I experienced so far were filled with little bits of humor that made me laugh out loud.
In the fourth adventure, a little snooping around with some items led me to this poem, which I couldn’t stop laughing at!
This humor might not work for everyone, but I love it. Yet there are very serious moments in the stories that feel jarring, as if I’m on a lighthearted romp, and then… Death.
Maybe the dice puzzles help break this up a little more, although I didn’t miss the mechanics as I read on!
Another Reenactment
Ribby encountered a set of gates leading to the castle, and it was pretty apparent how he would have made it through there… Just like Mr. Toad, another motorcar disaster! Ha!
This part of the story felt like it started to tie things together, while still introducing more mysteries.
Again, I felt like it was all familiar from my first campaign, although that wasn’t a negative here. I didn’t remember the exact details, but the overarching ideas seemed known.
Ribby’s channeling of Mr. Toad was pretty amazing, though! I had a wonderful time and was ready for the next chapter.
Session Overview
Play Number: 13-16
Main Expansion: Nefras’s Judgment
Solo Mode: Included in the Base Game
Play Details: Adventures 1, 2, 3, & 4
Outcome: Complete
These titles felt more meaningful as Ribby became more of a central character in the story itself. I had a lot of fun! Despite my very unconventional way of playing, I enjoyed finding a way to enjoy the story. Traveling across the maps was awesome, and I still can’t believe I managed to randomly draw a frogkin character! Long live Mr. Toad!
Final Thoughts
Affordability: 3
Functionality: 7
Originality: 6
Quality: 8
Reusability: 7
Variability: 8
The game offers a rich experience for those who love narrative-driven play. While the mechanics can be heavy, the story possibilities are vast.
