“Starter Set” From Free League Publishing & Alcon Entertainment

Review By Talia Heart (BR RPG Art Courtesy of Free League Publishing)

CONTENT WARNING (As given on the back of the “Starter Set” Box): “The Blade Runner franchise deals with dark & existential themes, and this roleplaying game is no different. The stories told in this game can be violent, distressing, and raise issues relating to personal morals. This is not a game for children”. Reviewers Note: Though the CW/TW states (in part) “this is not a game for children”, while the box lists the game as for 2-5 players of “Ages 14+”. Reader, parental, “Game Runner” & player discretion is strongly advised. “Drat And Cat Suggests” strongly advises minors read or play this game with adult guidance. We also advise the use of an “X-Card” or equivalent so anyone who feels uncomfortable at any point can express that & avoid emotional distress.

REVIEWER’S NOTE: In our prior reviews I used a 3-area rating system: CONTENT, QUALITY & VALUE. From this review on, I’m breaking CONTENT in half & specifying WRITTEN CONTENT & VISUAL CONTENT (inclusive of Art, Photography, & Graphics).  To keep my reviews brief, however, as it is my belief that people want a quick review to help them decide whether or not to make a purchase, I’m also folding QUALITY into VALUE to retain the simplicity of a tripartite system. Hopefully these changes to my rating system will make the ratings fairer & help those who enjoy different aspects of a product to decide on a purchase based on what they value most.

****UPDATE 6-5-23: This product, the “Blade Runner RPG Starter Set” has won the Peoples Choice Award for Best Roleplaying Adventure!****

So, with that all out of the way, what does the “Blade Runner RPG Starter Set” include? Well inside one of the HEAVIEST TTRPG sets/starter sets that you’ll likely find is a condensed, 80-page “Rules” book (the full “Core Rules” book is 230 pages), a 56-page adventure entitled “Case File 01: Electric Dreams” (designed to be run by 1-“Game Runner” or “GR” & up to 4 players over approximately 3 hours according to the box), a huge full-color map of 2037 Los Angeles, 4 two-sided pre-filled color character sheets, a blank two-sided Case File Time Tracker/Case Notes page, 70 high-quality custom cards (for NPC’s, obstacles, maneuvers, mugshots, and initiative), 26 color handouts contained in a manila file folder, and 2 sets of specialty dice (both transparent red with white numbers and symbols, two dice each of the d6, d8, d10, & d12 varieties). The “Blade Runner RPG Starter Set” provides everything a “Blade Runner” fan needs to fully immerse themself in the setting and does so with high quality paper/card stock (as appropriate) in an array of colors (an upgrade from some previous releases). What the “Starter Set” DOESN’T do, however, is provide the rules to create your own unique characters; you will need the “Blade Runner The RPG Core Rules” book for that. At the time of this review, the “Starter Set” is available for under $50 at the Free League Official Store, which includes a PDF copy of your purchase there at no additional charge! Given the very clear effort by Free League to provide more colors, more handouts, even a 2nd set of specialty dice at great quality, I give them a full 5.0 for VALUE with this release.

The art and graphic design of the “Blade Runner The RPG” is second to none, much of it concept art done by the start of an amazing Kick Starter campaign; it’s Starter Set features more art than some previous Free League Publishing Starter Sets. A veritable cornucopia of colors for text, boxes, & graphics are used throughout. And the scenario book “Electric Dreams”, included with the “Blade Runner The RPG Starter Set” benefits from these changes as well, with plenty of artistic feasts for the eyes. For now I leave a sampling of Free League’s “Blade Runner” art to make my case for the 5.0 rating I give for ARTISTIC CONTENT.

The “Blade Runner The RPG Starter Set” & the “Core Rules” (the full book) use Free League Publishing’s easy to learn & use “Year Zero Engine” - with some modifications for the “Blade Runner” setting. There are rules for close, ranged, and vehicular combat. A system of “Promotions Points” provides for extra money, specialized gear, or a new skill specialty. If you play a “Replicant” though and run out of Promotion Points you must make an immediate “Baseline Test”, and if you fail that, well, there are consequences. There are some benefits to being a replicant, though, like the ability to “Push” a roll twice instead of once. The game draws fully and expands on the “Blade Runner” universe with LAPD Headquarters located in “The Tower” with UN Offices on the top floors. The true focus, of course, is on the story and things that drag on the story are ignored (like an ammo count; if you have the weapon you’re assumed to have whatever ammo you need). The story content is creative & truly expands on many of the same, deep questions raised in the films. All that considered, I give WRITTEN CONTENT a 5.0.

The “Blade Runner” universe is rich yet many elements can still be expounded upon by Free League Publishing, Alcon Entertainment, your Game Runner (GR) and you! For all of the work put into this project and all the future this “Starter Set” has laid the foundation for, this release has earned a rare 5 out of 5 overall rating! You can find this title, the full “Blade Runner The Roleplaying Game” Core Rulebook (or Detective Bundle!) & many other great games in the Free League Publishing Store.

I just wanted to say again that this an excellent game with stunning visuals and content that earns every penny of it’s purchase price. It truly transported and surrounded me in the ”Blade Runner” universe. That universe can be a dark place, however, so be kind to each other & support your fellow players. The themes and questions explored in this franchise are deep and challenging and not suited to everyone. Game Runners, remember too that you run the game at your table & can make whatever modifications needed to keep the experience FUN! Comments, questions, or concerns about the review can be passed onto DACS via the CONTACT link. Constructive criticism or questions for Free League can be passed on via their contact form, here (where you can also sign up for their newsletter, which we strongly encourage you to do if you like amazing TTRPGs!).

NOTE: Free League Publishing furnished me a copy of the “Blade Runner RPG Starter Set” as part of their “Detective Bundle” at no cost for purposes of a free & fair review.