Francesca Viganò
Before we delve into our review of the Tales from the Loop Starter Set, I would like to thank the Swedish publisher, Free League Publishing, for providing us with a digital copy of the game. This introductory set is for the award-winning game of the same name, which we have already covered.
The set is currently only available in digital format on the DrivethruRPG website, priced at around 5€. Alternatively, you can find it in a format compatible with the Foundry VTT and Alchemy platforms for around €17.70 and €20, respectively. The cardboard box (currently sold out on online stores) contains:
- 32-page rulebook with a summary of the rules and the setting
- The introductory story, The Recycled Boy, by Nils Hintze
- Five pre-generated, ready-to-play characters
- A large, full-colour map of the Loop territory
- Ten custom dice
A Quick Introduction to the Setting
It’s quite a feat to fit a setting like that of Tales from the Loop into less than 30 pages, especially when you consider that the same booklet contains a summary of the game rules.
Free League Publishing does a good job of setting the scene for the game, providing the narrator with suggestions on how to start a session. It’s essential to remember that this product is designed for people with limited or no prior knowledge of this game or roleplaying games in general.
In just a few pages, it explains what a roleplaying game is, as well as the foundations of the Tales from the Loop setting. It’s an alternative 1980s in which scientists discover futuristic particle accelerators called Loops thanks to the study of magnitrines. While technology has made great strides, progress comes at a price. Adults are insensitive to collateral damage, and only children aged 10–15 have the opportunity to explore the ‘Mysteries’ (the in-game stories) and uncover their secrets.
There are two possible settings: an alternate version of the Swedish archipelago and the American city of Boulder, both of which are equipped with a Loop accelerator. Players are also free to set sessions in other locations of their choosing.
To help gamemasters and players further immerse themselves in the context of the 1980s, we can find 10 films and 10 musical tracks that are perfect for transporting us back to that era.
Year Zero Engine in Brief
Chapters 3 and 4 of the manual focus on character creation and provide a summary of the rules. These fifteen pages give a concise and perfectly understandable explanation of how to build characters. They have four basic attributes: Body, Technology, Heart and Mind. A certain number of points is assigned to each attribute based on the character’s age.
Each child has a certain number of Luck Points, which equals 15 minus their age. This helps to balance the game, enabling even the youngest characters to overcome the challenges proposed by the Mysteries.
Game situations, skills and dice rolls are explained using a sufficient number of examples, at an appropriate level of detail for the product type. This once again demonstrates how well-suited the Swedish publisher’s proprietary ruleset is to immediate, narrative-driven games.
Pre-Generated Characters and Maps
As I mentioned, the Starter Set includes five pre-generated character sheets to choose from. These feature two names for each character, depending on whether you’re playing in the Scandinavian Islands or the United States. Looking at the sheets, it’s clear that they are intended to provide a good overview of the game’s possibilities. Each sheet is carefully compiled and includes the character’s background, as well as a portrait to help you visualise their appearance.
The available materials also include two maps: one showing Nevada (with details of Boulder City), and the other showing the Swedish islands. Both maps clearly show the location of the Loop and its area of influence.
The Recycled Boy: an Adventure to Immerse Yourself in the Loop
The second volume of the Starter Set contains the introductory adventure, The Recycled Boy. This 16-page mystery offers a plot that could easily be found in Tales from the Loop.
Without revealing too much (as we always try not to do), I can tell you that this is a fairly short Mystery. It begins with the children finding one of their teachers injured by a robot that has broken in through the front door on their way to school. To make matters worse, the new student, Pelle (or Charlie if we’re playing in the US), has disappeared, and his parents cannot be reached. It’s now up to the children to figure out what’s happening and hopefully save their friend.
As an introductory adventure, it is interesting and leaves enough room for players to explore the setting. The 16-page booklet also contains a series of suggestions for the narrator on how to enhance the gaming experience. Otherwise, it should take one or, at most, two three-hour sessions to complete.
I’d like to make a quick comment about the double-naming approach. Although this mechanism isn’t always present, once you’ve established the context in which you want to play, it’s easy to remember to change the names as you progress through the story.
Tales from the Loop Starter Set Aesthetic Review
Aesthetically speaking, the Tales from the Loop Starter Set is a perfect summary of the core rulebook. Its aesthetic is maintained through the thoughtful and functional use of colour. As would be expected, the section dedicated to Simon Stålenhag‘s illustrations is extensive, as they form the cornerstone of the game’s design.
I found the use of a graphic font inspired by 1980s typewriters interesting. This is another element that helps immerse you in the setting. The volumes are rounded out by hints, plot-related maps and handouts, which provide excellent support at the gaming table.
Tales from the Loop Starter Set Review Conclusions
In conclusion, I would say that the Tales from the Loop Starter Set would probably require something more to help those completely unfamiliar with the game to appreciate it. Perhaps the addition of a second short adventure would have allowed players to delve deeper into the setting and sparked their interest in the full game. The graphics undoubtedly take centre stage, making the whole thing extremely enjoyable and intriguing.
This boxed set will look great on your bookshelf, and if you’re a fan of the game, it’s an essential addition to your collection. If you’re new to Tales from the Loop, this Starter Set is a great way to delve into an ’80s world that never existed.
