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After our first year of reviews and articles, we looked over our shoulder, saw the way we went and decided to celebrate everything we covered by creating the 2020 NDU Awards

All our content and all the beautiful discussions that arose out of it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of many authors who have relied on us for an opinion on their works. We came to the conclusion that it was only right to pay homage to them, creating an event in which all the projects covered in the last 365 days are remembered and those that have distinguished themselves in various categories duly recognized. 

We gladly announce the birth of the No Dice Unrolled Awards!

First of all, let’s shed some light on how we set up this event. The first (very important) point to clarify is that the products considered don’t strictly reflect everything the market has offered during the year but, more simply, only what we have dealt with during the year. Therefore, some games released during 2020 may be absent and there may be, instead, some titles dating back to past years. And maybe those absent titles of the current year could be present next year! This decision stems from the fact that we want this gesture to be personal, not any sort of “universal” title across the whole industry.

The Three Juries of the 2020 NDU Awards

To choose the products that have distinguished themselves in the various fields, we have decided to appeal to three different juries for the NDU Awards 2020.

We are the first, the editorial staff of No Dice Unrolled (Reviewers’ Choice). To the sound of dice thrown as improvised weapons and Game Master’s screens used as shields, we are taking internal votes to arrive at our opinion. It isn’t easy, we don’t know if we’ll all get out unscathed, but we’re trying.

The second is the technical jury (Experts’ Choice), which is a set of well-known names in this sector who, with their experience, will express a completely personal opinion. We find it useful to hear what other people who live on bread and RPGs think about it.

And the third jury… [drum roll]… It’s you (People’s Choice)! Since you have always kept us company by reading us and participating in our discussions, we thought it was right to get involved and also hear your opinion. But fear not: the ballot can be completed in (literally) three minutes! You can find it here.

The Categories of the 2020 NDU Awards

Let’s see which categories we are considering and which products are candidates for the NDU Awards 2020. The former are quite numerous because we want to reward all outstanding aspects of the works. We have also decided to allow some works to compete for more than one category, when this makes sense. In any case, the lists of candidates also include links to consult the relevant reviews, in case you wish to have more information about it.

Game of the Year

This category seeks to recognize the role-playing game designed with its own system (or widely modified with respect to a possible reference) that has gotten noticed and excelled across many fields. It must be a complete and satisfactory product from many points of view, counted among the best of the genre.

Candidates: 17th Century MinimalistAfterlife: Wandering SoulsAgents of ConcordiaAn Indie Game AnthologyCarbon 2185, Destination DangerFour Against DarknessMörk BorgPathfinder 2RelicsRyuutamaSpireUno Sguardo nel BuioVaesen, Vulcania.

Best Ruleset

Sometimes it isn’t the themes dealt with or the stories experienced, but the pure technical or mechanical side of a product that shines. This award goes to that RPG whose system of rules are satisfying regardless of everything else, regardless of whether the merit is serviceability or smoothness.

Candidates: 17th Century MinimalistAfterlife: Wandering SoulsAn Indie Game AnthologyAgents of ConcordiaCarbon 2185, Destination DangerFour Against DarknessMörk BorgPathfinder 2RelicsRyuutamaSpireUno Sguardo nel BuioVaesen, Vulcania.

Best Setting

It doesn’t matter if a game doesn’t have its own system of rules or other indispensable elements; for this category, we only evaluate the charm and originality of the world created for it by its author(s).

Candidates: Afterlife: Wandering SoulsAgents of ConcordiaCarbon 2185Curse of the Lost MemoriesMörk BorgPathfinder 2RelicsShotguns & SorcerySpireVaesen, Vast KaviyaVulcania.

Best Adventure

The winner of this category will be the adventure (or collection of adventures) that has amazed us with its plot, the topics addressed, or simply the depth of emotion it evokes.

Candidates: 17th Century Minimalist Adventure FolderA Wicked Secret and Other MysteriesAdul: City of GoldCity of the UndeadCurse of the Lost MemoriesDown the Garden’s PathDream PrisonFeretoryExpedition to the Wyvern TorFirst AdventureGhaulareth’s VengeanceJust a Dungeon #2New Tales of the Miskatonic ValleyRise of the Ice Dragons TrilogyThe Feast on TitanheadThe Shadow of the SquidThe Tomb of the Dwarven KingRivelazione Celeste.

Best Supplement

This category covers those manuals that are not basic (core) manuals but offer additional material for play with existing systems. This includes new rules, new monsters, new items; everything that enriches the play with extra content.

Candidates: Cerberus’s Lair: Torkhund’s ForgeFeretoryLimitless MonstersMessaggero di AventuriaOf Warlocks and PatronsPathfinder 2: BestiaryRealm EventsShotguns & SorceryThe Complete HagThe Wanderer LegacyVault of Magic I & IIVolo’s Guide to Ghosts.

Best Art

In this category we want to recognize the product that gives us something more aesthetically. Whether it is an original or classic art, it doesn’t matter, the important thing is that it is well made and engages us or amazes us in some way beyond the common run. Some products considered are reference manuals; if an RPG has, for example, a basic manual and a bestiary, we have included only the first, as it is already indicative for the artistic side.

Candidates: 17th Century Minimalist, An Indie Game Anthology, Adul: City of Gold, Afterlife: Wandering Souls, Agents of Concordia, Carbon 2185, Cerberus’s Lair: Torkhund’s ForgeCity of the Undead, Curse of the Lost Memories, Destination Danger, Down the Garden’s Path, Dream Prison, Expedition to the Wyvern Tor, First AdventureFour Against Darkness, Ghaulareth’s Vengeance, Just a Dungeon #2, Limitless Monsters, Mörk Borg (+ Feretory), New Tales of the Miskatonic Valley, Of Warlocks and Patrons, Pathfinder 2 (+ Pathfinder 2: Bestiary), Realm Events, Relics, Rise of the Ice Dragons Trilogy, Ryuutama, Shotguns & Sorcery, Spire, The Complete Hag, The Feast on TitanheadThe Tomb of the Dwarven King, Uno Sguardo nel Buio (+ Messaggero di Aventuria + Rivelazione Celeste), Vaesen (+ A Wicked Secret and Other Mysteries) Vast Kaviya, Vault of Magic I & II, Volo’s Guide to Ghosts, Vulcania (+ The Shadow of the Squid).

Best Miniature

Just as it appears, we want to recognize the finest physical miniature or the most satisfying method of creation; basically a mix of materials, construction and the design behind it.

Candidates: Hero ForgeMonster FamiliesThre3Dee Tabletop.

Best Map

This award go to the best RPG map, whether in physical format (e.g. made up of tiles) or digital. Or also props that can embellish the situation. The factors to keep in mind are the usability in the game sessions and the care in their implementation.

Candidates: Dungeon CraftThre3Dee Tabletop.

Best Dice

This is the award for one of RPG’s most iconic elements, the dice! We know that not all games have them but, being a pillar of so many systems, we have decided to give them their own category. Manufacturing, design, comfort – every aspect will be taken into consideration.

Candidates: Necronomicon Dice SetThe Potion of Uncontrollable Reactions.

Best Accessory

This category includes everything that can be used to embellish the sessions but that is not a manual, a die, a miniature or a map. Being very varied, it can contain very disparate products, to be evaluated on the basis of their usefulness and their realization.

Candidates: Cthulhu Artwork Drink CoastersDeck of StoriesDiceholder by Neko Boy’s LukeMusicians of Ravensburg.

Most Original

This category recognizes the product that has been able to surprise and amaze us with something truly special, perhaps even never seen before. An original concept, a brilliant inspiration … something genuinely new.

Candidates: 17th Century Minimalist, 17th Century Minimalist Adventure Folder, A Wicked Secret and Other Mysteries, An Indie Game Anthology, Adul: City of Gold, Afterlife: Wandering Souls, Agents of Concordia, Carbon 2185, Cerberus’s Lair: Torkhund’s ForgeCity of the UndeadCthulhu Artwork Drink Coasters, Curse of the Lost Memories, Deck of Stories, Destination Danger, Diceholder by Neko Boy’s Luke, Down the Garden’s Path, Dream Prison, Dungeon Craft, Expedition to the Wyvern Tor, Feretory, First AdventureFour Against Darkness, Ghaulareth’s Vengeance, Hero Forge, Just a Dungeon #2, Limitless Monsters, Messaggero di Aventuria, Monster Families, Mörk Borg, Musicians of Ravensburg, Necronomicon Dice Set, New Tales of the Miskatonic Valley, Of Warlocks and Patrons, Pathfinder 2, Pathfinder 2: Bestiary, Realm Events, Relics, Rise of the Ice Dragons Trilogy, Rivelazione Celeste, Ryuutama, Shotguns & Sorcery, Spire, The Complete Hag, The Feast on Titanhead, The Potion of Uncontrollable Reactions, The Shadow of the SquidThe Tomb of the Dwarven KingThe Wanderer LegacyThre3Dee Tabletop, Uno Sguardo nel Buio, Vaesen, Vast Kaviya, Vault of Magic I & II, Volo’s Guide to Ghosts, Vulcania.

Most Charming

regardless of other product strengths and weaknesses, this award recognizes those that are particularly cute, charming and attractive, that warms the heart at first sight. These products are just so endearing they make you want to own them, without reason.

Candidates: 17th Century Minimalist, 17th Century Minimalist Adventure Folder, A Wicked Secret and Other Mysteries, An Indie Game Anthology, Adul: City of Gold, Afterlife: Wandering Souls, Agents of Concordia, Carbon 2185, Cerberus’s Lair: Torkhund’s ForgeCity of the UndeadCthulhu Artwork Drink Coasters, Curse of the Lost Memories, Deck of Stories, Destination Danger, Diceholder by Neko Boy’s Luke, Down the Garden’s Path, Dream Prison, Dungeon Craft, Expedition to the Wyvern Tor, Feretory, First AdventureFour Against Darkness, Ghaulareth’s Vengeance, Hero Forge, Just a Dungeon #2, Limitless Monsters, Messaggero di Aventuria, Monster Families, Mörk Borg, Musicians of Ravensburg, Necronomicon Dice Set, New Tales of the Miskatonic Valley, Of Warlocks and Patrons, Pathfinder 2, Pathfinder 2: Bestiary, Realm Events, Relics, Rise of the Ice Dragons Trilogy, Rivelazione Celeste, Ryuutama, Shotguns & Sorcery, Spire, The Complete Hag, The Feast on Titanhead, The Potion of Uncontrollable Reactions, The Shadow of the SquidThe Tomb of the Dwarven KingThe Wanderer LegacyThre3Dee Tabletop, Uno Sguardo nel Buio, Vaesen, Vast Kaviya, Vault of Magic I & II, Volo’s Guide to Ghosts, Vulcania.

Revelation Award

There are products that were not expected, which arrived on the gaming scene like a bolt from the blue to be immediately recognized as “must try” at least once in our lives. This is how this category was born, on the strength of “let’s give it a chance because it will give us something precious” … something unique.

Candidates: 17th Century Minimalist, 17th Century Minimalist Adventure Folder, A Wicked Secret and Other Mysteries, An Indie Game Anthology, Adul: City of Gold, Afterlife: Wandering Souls, Agents of Concordia, Carbon 2185, Cerberus’s Lair: Torkhund’s ForgeCity of the UndeadCthulhu Artwork Drink Coasters, Curse of the Lost Memories, Deck of Stories, Destination Danger, Diceholder by Neko Boy’s Luke, Down the Garden’s Path, Dream Prison, Dungeon Craft, Expedition to the Wyvern Tor, Feretory, First AdventureFour Against Darkness, Ghaulareth’s Vengeance, Hero Forge, Just a Dungeon #2, Limitless Monsters, Messaggero di Aventuria, Monster Families, Mörk Borg, Musicians of Ravensburg, Necronomicon Dice Set, New Tales of the Miskatonic Valley, Of Warlocks and Patrons, Pathfinder 2, Pathfinder 2: Bestiary, Realm Events, Relics, Rise of the Ice Dragons Trilogy, Rivelazione Celeste, Ryuutama, Shotguns & Sorcery, Spire, The Complete Hag, The Feast on Titanhead, The Potion of Uncontrollable Reactions, The Shadow of the SquidThe Tomb of the Dwarven KingThe Wanderer LegacyThre3Dee Tabletop, Uno Sguardo nel Buio, Vaesen, Vast Kaviya, Vault of Magic I & II, Volo’s Guide to Ghosts, Vulcania.

Last Words

We realize that there are many titles involved in these NDU Awards 2020 (we didn’t want to exclude anyone), and that it is difficult to know them all. So, if even after having consulted the links we have provided you, you still feel in doubt, don’t worry; the vote is intended to be personal, subjective, not an overriding and absolute opinion. It’s perfectly alright to vote based on first impressions when you first saw them.

So happy voting everyone! Thank you in advance for participating! 

We will publish the results on both our Facebook page and our website in the very last days of this year.

Keep following us next year too if you liked the products we talked about in these NDU Awards 2020!

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