I absolutely vote for it, I think is a very good game

In conclusion, I think Golden Eggs is an excellent game. It’s perfect as a gateway for board gamers and works brilliantly as a one-shot for an evening session. Don’t miss out on this gem if you’re looking for a unique, impactful gaming experience!

And the roleplay? It’s definitely not secondary. Players’ decisions translate into compelling narratives, enriched by interesting prompts and other details that deepen the experience. The roleplay elevates the tension and emotional stakes throughout the game.

At least initially, the Farm doesn’t want anyone to die, as the remaining Fowl wouldn’t be able to meet the final quota. The Golden Fowl also has specific rules, adding another strategic layer to the game. These mechanics are simple yet engaging.

Meanwhile, players try to give the bare minimum to conserve their strength for the escape. Here’s how it works: the GM sets a “threshold,” players have hidden cards, and they must decide how much energy to commit. Too little, and someone might die; but that’s not ideal for the Farm.

Ok, game—you had my curiosity, now you have my attention. The system features an elaborate (but not excessive) combination of numerical mechanics, bluffing, and strategy. The GM pushes the Fowl to their limits to meet the “work quota.”

When I first read the premise, I wasn’t particularly impressed. I was hoping for Paranoia vibes, but I wasn’t optimistic… And then, surprise! This is a game where you can win. More than that, there are three distinct roles, each with its own victory conditions.

As the Farm’s agents close in on the Golden Fowl, players face tough moral choices: flee alone, sacrifice themselves for others, or betray the Golden Fowl in exchange for personal safety. Golden Eggs uses a simple yet unique system, guiding both players and the GM.

While pretending loyalty and completing the Farm’s “Work Orders,” players secretly stockpile resources for their attempt to flee. Among them, however, hides a “Golden Fowl,” a being of exceptional vitality considered incredibly valuable by the Farm.

The Farm is a massive machine that provides for their basic needs in exchange for relentless and dehumanizing labor. The fate of most Fowl is to be eventually “Consumed” by the system. The game revolves around a desperate quest for freedom, with players plotting their escape.

Golden Eggs, @sabbad.bsky.social , 2024

This is a truly exciting game.
Let’s start with the description: Golden Eggs is a dystopian one-shot TTRPG for 4-7 players, exploring themes of labor exploitation, survival, and betrayal. Players take on the roles of “Fowl,” beings raised in the Farm.

yeah! sorry for the late answer, I changed flat and also my new internet connection had some problems. I intend to review Golden Eggs (I've from the KS) and Me the singularity.

A cultural moment / a one page RPG (that is definitely about hunting extra-large beings, nothing else)

Always

yes! but... where?

In conclusion, Crying Wolf isn’t just a game you should try—it’s a miniature masterpiece. Duxbury has created something extraordinary that deeply touched me, and I can’t wait to bring it to the table.

p.s. in Italian by @czamboni.bsky.social

To me, this is the perfect example of what a zine should be: concise, focused, and with a system that leads players somewhere meaningful. There’s no room for fluff; every element is meticulously crafted to support the narrative experience.

Narratively, Crying Wolf hits the mark. The premise, almost elementary in its simplicity, delves deeply into themes of responsibility, distrust, and isolation. As a fan of sad, intense TTRPG stories, I was moved by how this game conveys such strong emotions in just 24 pages.

The game’s structure masterfully builds tension. Mechanics include tables and numerical objectives that guide gameplay, perfectly balancing frustration, urgency, and helplessness. This simple yet rigorous system captures the anxiety young shepherds feel, immersing players in an intense narrative.

Their credibility quickly crumbles, and their mission becomes even harder: protect the flock from three successive attacks with limited resources. The adults, though the only ones truly capable of helping, grow increasingly reluctant to intervene, making things even more tense.

This gem draws inspiration from the classic fable known in Italy as "The Boy Who Cried Wolf". It transforms the tale into something unique and deeply moving. Players portray young shepherds who spot a wolf (or other predator) and alert the village, only for the enemy to vanish.

After reading Duxbury’s first two games, I’d come to expect compact, interesting, and mechanically light experiences. I anticipated another solid product, but nothing extraordinary. Crying Wolf shattered those expectations with disarming force.

#longpost #ttrpg #duxbury #cryingwolf

Continuing the mini-reviews of the @sabbad.bsky.social bundle games: today we’re talking about Crying Wolf, Michael Duxbury, 2024.

... and this game is a bomb!

The game is also conveniently available in Italian, translated by @czamboni.bsky.social .

Thanks again to @sabbad.bsky.social for this nice game.

P.S. I would have put the itch.io site but is currently K.O.

Despite its brevity—just 16 pages—LadyBeaste delivers on its promises. The lightweight rules do not diminish the emotional depth of the stories it evokes. The session I played was deeply engaging, offering a narrative with tones and atmosphere that perfectly mirrored the film.

It’s a highly narrative game, focusing on shared storytelling. A well-structured system guides players in describing scenes, determining their type, and how they unfold. Dice mechanics influence the plot and ending, reflecting what happens during the session.

Mechanically, it features a simplified FitD framework with streamlined rules that enhance narrative flow.

The system is designed for 2–6 players, but after playing it, I believe three participants offer the ideal setup. However, even with larger groups, the design ensures active roles to keep everyone engaged.

This TTRPG captures the romantic and melancholic charm of a story reminiscent of Ladyhawke. Players portray two lovers cursed by a cruel antagonist. Condemned to meet only at dawn and dusk, they spend the rest of the time apart due to a transformation: one lives as an animal, beast, or even insect.

#longpost #ttrpg #duxbury #ladybeaste

Continuing the mini-reviews of the bundle games: today we’re talking about *LadyBeaste*.

I had previously read and played this game, so this review is based on memory since I’m now focused on other readings. Still, I want to leave a legacy for this zine.