Depersonalization Is An Wonderfully Dark RPG That Puts The Dice In Charge Of Your Fate
Depersonalization is a Lovecraftian inspired tactical RPG. There are a range of stories and branching paths. Players can experience a “normal” gothic mystery or mind bending cosmic horrors. And it’s all in the roll of the dice whether your choices lead to a character’s redemption or doom. Similar to tabletop games where risk is interjected into every conversation, no matter how minor it appears on the surface.
The game won’t hold your hand, but you can still improve the odds by building your team’s skills. Though the final outcome coming down to a dice roll can be frustrating as often as it adds to the experience. It’s this core mechanic that makes replaying a necessity. Not only to see different routes, but to use foreknowledge to give yourself an edge. Combat scenarios that you’re unprepared for can turn ruthless with the wrong builds.
Though Depersonalization wears its Call of Cthulhu inspiration on its sleeves, the top down gameplay and pixelated anime style immediately makes it stand out. This does nothing to take away from the dark narratives you’ll be presented with. The choices that need to be made won’t always be clear cut. Each outcome can feel like a domino effect that leads to bigger and bigger disasters. And the only real solution is to try surviving while reality falls apart.
Each scenario can be drastically different depending on where and how thoroughly you explore, or even when you choose to avoid fights. There’s already so much variety and Depersonalization is still being updated. There is a machine read voice over that can sound stilted. This can be turned off for those who aren’t used to it, or just prefer no voices. Players who prefer open ended games, even your detective is generated, and TTRPGs should find time to experience this game.