Paolo Garelli
First of all, I want to thank the authors Alberto Tronchi and Laura Fuzzi for sending us a copy of the EdeNedE gamebook in order to write this review.
Over the years, Alberto has accustomed us to high-level work. Valraven and Broken Tales, just to name a few, have set the bar of our expectations decidedly high for this new horror story. We took our time delving into the topics and now we are finally ready to talk to you about EdeNedE.
In case you want to throw yourself into exploring the sacred mountain even before reading this review, know that the game book can be purchased on the La Terra dei Giochi store for around €30.
Before starting our analysis, it is necessary to briefly explain what we are talking about. EdeNedE is a story that will show us step by step the madness and hope that lies within our protagonists. The story comes to life through encounters with creatures, places and above all the many mysteries that hide along the way. The journey is the true protagonist of this gamebook and we understand it as we learn the secrets of the world and traverse its paths. At every step we will feel the creator’s hostile gaze upon us. Every encounter, however far from the summit, will confront us with his madness.
First Impressions on EdeNedE
The focal points of EdeNedE are the two volumes that compose it. The first is the Book of Genesis, and the real one is the game book. We are talking about an adventure that develops procedurally through the path that we will create on the map of the sacred mountain. At every step we will find ourselves faced with the possibility of facing a danger, an event or a Monstrous Anomaly. As we climb towards the top, the sum of our encounters and experiences will confront us with the many truths and mysteries of this game.
The second volume is the Tome of Monstrous Anomalies. We are talking about a bestiary which at the same time is a splendid art book of Laura Fuzzi’s creations. The artist merges human emotions with nature, and the result is something truly impressive. We thus find black-and-white aberrations that stand out in every encounter. As my journey up the mountain progressed, I feared (and at the same time looked forward to) discovering a new Monstrous Anomaly.
A World in Continuous Change
The world of EdeNedE is a living, constantly changing world. A clash between a despotic creator incapable of accepting that his creations mature independently and our protagonists. The latter are desperate people who cling to life and only wish to assert their independence and their existence far from the desires of their creator. We will not be a single character, but rather a community made up of precise rites. From the legacy of a small flower upon departure, to the (hypothetical) moment of our return with a story and some resources to keep hope alive.
Ours is a real search for truth through the manifestation of our will to live. A challenge to the Creator that will allow us to put the pieces together and perhaps one day find a way to stop the wind of change. The key thing is that there is not just one path. In fact, you can decide the path that will take you before this master father who only desires your destruction.
Review of EdeNedE Mechanics
EdeNedE has some truly particular mechanics, which will force us to move frantically through its pages. Never like this time did my eyes shine when the gamebook informed me that I could read a secret or a mystery. The game develops precisely through randomly generated exploration that will take us one step at a time closer to the summit. It won’t be an easy journey. EdeNedE is a deadly game, which incorporates elements of resource management and will put us before difficult moral choices. In the event of our premature demise, we will start the journey again with another seeker, leaving our remains and our resources at that point.
The choice of threat will be linked to the roll of a d6 and repeated on three different models. In fact, within the game, there are 18 Dangers, 18 Events and 18 Monstrous Anomalies. On our first trip, we will face the first six of each category, climbing to the second six during the next trip, in a cycle that on the fourth lap will lead us to start all over again. You immediately understand the high number of possible combinations.
Review of the Combat in EdeNedE
Our main enemy will be the Monstrous Anomalies generated by the wind of change blown by the Creator. These aberrations will continually block our path and dealing with them will be anything but easy.
The fight develops through three simple steps. Each Monstrosity has a handy table showing its chosen actions on a d6. The result of the die not only represents the choice of attack, but also its defense value. On our turn we will roll a die and, if the result is lower, we will inflict damage; otherwise, if equal or greater, two damages. At each turn we will have the opportunity to use talents that will increase our abilities or make us deal more damage. A very simple and quick system to apply.
Final Considerations of the Review of EdeNedE
Finally, the game also allows it to be played by two players at the same time. Some of you may think that this makes climbing easier, but that is a mere illusion. EdeNedE remains a highly deadly game, whether you are alone or as a couple. The fundamental thing, however, is that each death does not represent the end, but just another piece of the journey.
EdeNedE was a really interesting experience. A gamebook that stimulated my curiosity in wanting to discover all its Secrets and all its Truths. We are talking about 18 Truths and 70 hidden Secrets. I don’t need to tell you how much this stimulates us to continue the climb, giving life to a village teeming with Seekers with its heroes and its forgotten ones. Obviously it won’t be necessary to finish the gamebook all those times. During a single climb we may come across different Secrets and different Truths.
I recommend EdeNedE to all those who want to test themselves and adore and discover, step by step, a story much bigger than they could have imagined.
