TL;DR
Dive into Expert Partisan, a tense RPG set in an alternate 1982 Sweden under Soviet occupation. You'll play as civilian resistance fighters, using a streamlined Expert Nova rule system for quick character creation and adaptable gameplay. It offers deep world-building and flexibility, making for compelling narratives as you sabotage, explore, and collaborate. While the lack of dice and character sheets is noted, the game's immersive setting and thought-provoking premise are undeniable. Ready to join the resistance and explore this chilling alternate history? Read our full review to see if it's for you!
Expert Partisan, developed by Eloso Förlag and written by Anders Blixt, utilizes the Expert Nova rule system. The game transports players to an alternate 1982 Sweden, where the Soviet Union and its allies have launched an invasion. Players assume the roles of civilian partisans, striving to survive and resist the occupation forces.
Expert Partisan, prior to recent global events, might have seemed highly speculative; however, it now possesses an unsettling relevance. The premise of building a resistance movement against a technologically superior adversary presents both an engaging and sobering prospect.
The rule system is both familiar and streamlined, facilitating rapid character creation. Players can quickly embark on their adventure with their group.
The game emphasizes detailed mechanics and a comprehensive world-building approach, empowering players and game masters to craft compelling narratives. Its design offers flexibility compared to more rigid role-playing systems. The rulebook benefits from strong illustration and design, enhancing the overall gaming experience. Players can select from diverse characters and classes, contributing to a varied and dynamic gameplay environment. Exploration of different regions, participation in sabotage operations, and collaboration with fellow partisans are integral to resisting the occupation.
In conclusion, Expert Partisan offers an engaging role-playing experience. Its setting within Sweden allows for deep immersion in the details of 1980s Swedish life. History enthusiasts can also explore alternative historical scenarios, imagining different outcomes for periods when Sweden was close to conflict. The omission of dice and character sheets is a minor drawback, easily addressed by separate purchase or downloading the available sheets.
Eloso provided review copies for this evaluation. Provision of materials does not influence our editorial assessment.
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