Venture through multiple realms in this reality-hopping roleplaying game. Engage in the neverending battle against the Blight, a mysterious force that seems to destroy everything and anything by any means possible. Your identity and cause must all be kept a secret lest reality be destroyed. This is a new innovative system that brings a lot to the table in terms of gameplay and positive roleplaying experiences.
Was this game sent for review or self-purchased?: Digitally sent for review by The Bodhana Group. We are reviewing the rulebook only at this time.
In a few sentences, what do you do in the game: You take part in a roleplaying campaign (or run the campaign if you are the game master), where you battle against the Blight using your adventurer as your avatar. You create your character and inhabit the world you make as you play with your group and have the options to customize your character in a variety of ways, from special abilities to the realm that you hail from. Most RPGs require you to come up with your home as part of your back story with no real impact on gameplay. This game adds a neat way to incorporate your backstory into a character and have it be an active part of playing. You now have to adjust your character and think about what it would be like to grow up in a specific realm and how that makes you react now.
Have we played any other titles by this publisher?: No, we have not but The Bodhana Group has been hard at work for the last 4 years making this game become a reality. They do some great work using roleplaying games as a therapeutic tool for health and well-being. It is very exciting to see roleplaying games and tabletop games be used in a positive way to benefit people.
What was surprising about this title: There is no hit point system or health tracking system. Branch Riders uses multiple status conditions that afflict your character throughout gameplay. It is often a strange idea to think of health in terms of hit points or percentages and so having a status affliction makes it easier for roleplay. What does it feel like to be at 40% health? I have no idea, but it is much more relatable to feel isolated or encouraged. Also, the realms give the game a touch of multiversal gameplay that can make for some wild adventures. Universe hopping sounds like a blast, and it’s a theme that is not explored enough in tabletop games.
How likely is this to return to the game table?: We have not played this game yet and this review is based solely off reading the rulebook. We can’t wait to see this game hit the table and explore the world and create campaigns.
Game length: This is a roleplaying game so it can vary in time and in sessions. It is tailored to your liking.
Language Barrier Playability: Varied. Since it is a roleplaying game, the game requires constant communication and the communication will require translation. So if there is any sort of a language game the game can be nearly impossible to play.
Artwork: Like a graphic novel. We love the images released on the Kickstarter as they display scenes of action and adventure with well-drawn characters and colors that pop. We would watch a show with this art style as well, it is really top quality imagery.
Quality: As we aren’t reviewing physical components, we will focus on the quality of the writing. The rules are very well written and break down everything from an overview to a player guide to a game master guide. It also contains a fair bit of lore to help start your own game and has just enough detail to give you something of substance to cling onto for ideas. It has enough freedom to explore, create, and branch out (pun intended) from the base game.
Strategy: Not quite applicable for a roleplaying game.
Instruction Manual: The entire game is a book so the instruction manual is essentially the game itself.
Organization: The rulebook has very well organized contents throughout. While I have not yet seen the final layout, it is well written and easily accessible.
Final thoughts: Branch Riders is a promising roleplaying game that is currently in its Kickstarter phase. You can check it out here: Branch Riders. It is still being finalized and the review is based solely on a reading of the rules. The few pieces of art that are available look fantastic and vibrant. The gameplay is well balanced and has an emphasis on usage as a therapeutic tool. Gameplay seems like it strays from the typical extremely time consuming combat that plagues 5e adventures and it provides alternative options than just hitting and smashing everything in sight. We’re looking forward to having this hit our tables and shelves.
Sushiball Games 