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Free League Publishing, renowned for their innovative RPG titles, successfully launched Coriolis: The Great Dark on Kickstarter with a whopping 14 stretch goals unlocked. Whilst the Free League team finalise the design for the core rules, there is a FREE quickstart of Coriolis: The Great Dark on Drivethru RPG, which this review will be based on.

Coriolis: The Great Dark is taking a fresh and immersive take on the genre, blending elements of mystery, danger, and exploration. Drawing inspiration from polar expeditions and deep-sea dives, the game transports players to The Lost Horizon, a realm where humanity scours ancient ruins for survival in the far reaches of space.

With a strong vein of pulp archaeology, the game delves into powers best left undisturbed and the shadowy dealings of influential guilds vying for power amidst the unknown. Players will navigate complex mysteries and confront dangers both human and cosmic, offering a rich backdrop for storytelling and exploration.

The game utilises a modified version of Free League's in-house Year Zero Engine, which has been tailored to support the game's unique mechanics and narrative needs. This engine has been instrumental in shaping the gameplay experience, offering streamlined mechanics while retaining depth and complexity. As players venture into the depths of space, they'll encounter a myriad of challenges, from internal conflicts within humanity to enigmatic threats lurking among the stars.

The Kickstarter campaign for Coriolis: The Great Dark ended on March 19, aiming to fund both physical and digital versions of the core rulebook. Additionally, Free League plans to introduce a new third-party license, granting creators the freedom to expand upon the Coriolis universe. With this license, creators can craft and sell content for both Coriolis: The Great Dark and its predecessor, The Third Horizon RPG, further enriching the game's lore and offering new avenues for exploration and adventure.

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What D&D is to fantasy roleplaying, Traveller is to sci-fi RPGs

Dicebreaker

In this Dicebreaker article, Stu Horvath takes us on a journey through the influential universe of Traveller, a sci-fi RPG that has left an indelible mark on the genre. Horvath highlights Traveller's departure from the Dungeons & Dragons formula, emphasising its unique character creation process.

He notes, "Traveller's first booklet establishes character creation as a solo game unto itself, less interested in attributes than in creating the broad strokes of a fictional history."

This departure sets Traveller apart, offering players a deeper connection to their characters and the universe they inhabit.

One of the standout features of Traveller is its focus on fiscal responsibility, a facet often overlooked in other RPGs. Horvath explains, "That expense centers the Traveller experience... Characters have to marry adventure with a little bit of commerce."

This adds layers of complexity and realism to gameplay, requiring players to navigate financial considerations alongside their quests for adventure. Such nuances bring the universe to life, immersing players in a world where every decision carries weight.

Traveller's minimalist approach to artwork and reliance on evocative text also distinguish it from its peers. Horvath observes, "Unlike nearly every other RPG ever, Traveller imbues its sense of excitement and mystery through text alone."

This reliance on narrative draws players into the game's universe, sparking their imagination in ways that visual artwork alone cannot achieve. Additionally, Traveller's simple mechanics make it accessible to players of all experience levels, further enhancing its appeal.

Finally, Horvath underscores Traveller's enduring influence on both tabletop and video gaming landscapes. He notes, "Any game since that involves exploring the stars or interacting with complex technology builds on a foundation established by Traveller." 

This legacy is evident in modern RPGs and even extends to video games like Starfield, where creative director Todd Howard acknowledges Traveller's impact. Traveller's rich universe continues to inspire new generations of gamers, cementing its status as a cornerstone of sci-fi gaming.

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Feel the cosmic forces that shape the universe flowing through your hand with these Purple Cosmos dice from Roll with Advantage.

Channel your inner space cadet with this cool tee by TheSkullArmy.

If you missed Issue 003, where we explored the early days of D&D (with OD&D Dungeons & Dragons Original Edition, the Tomb of Gyzaengaxx, running Dungeon Crawls, and massive grappling damage in AD&D) you can read it here.

See you next week, when we are going to war!!! 🪖