{"id":2101,"date":"2022-01-19T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-01-19T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.senses.se\/en\/review-ur-varselklotet-rollspelet\/"},"modified":"2026-03-21T18:33:06","modified_gmt":"2026-03-21T17:33:06","slug":"review-ur-varselklotet-rollspelet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.senses.se\/en\/review-ur-varselklotet-rollspelet\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: Ur Varselklotet – Rollspelet"},"content":{"rendered":"

Simon St\u00e5lenhag<\/strong> stands out as one of Sweden’s most compelling and stylistically significant authors and illustrators. From the moment I encountered his initial work, Ur Varselklotet<\/strong> (Illustrated Tales From the Loop’s Landscapes 1984-1994), I was captivated by his distinctive vision of 1980s Sweden. The fusion of quintessential Swedish elements with science fiction creates a compelling juxtaposition, blending seemingly disparate themes into a remarkably cohesive whole.<\/p>\n

The announcement of Ur Varselklotet<\/strong>‘s adaptation into a role-playing game sparked immediate interest. The prospect of immersive exploration within his world was particularly appealing. This role-playing game is presented in a beautifully crafted, 192-page hardbound book, lavishly illustrated throughout. While I have recently evaluated and tested numerous role-playing games<\/a>, upon opening this book, it was immediately apparent that this offering was distinct.<\/p>\n

\"Photo:<\/a>
Photo: Senses.se<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ur Varselklotet<\/em> is particularly well-suited for newcomers to the role-playing genre, featuring several instructive examples and dedicated chapters for those with no prior experience. This is a valuable inclusion, as grasping all the nuances of role-playing can initially be challenging. The ruleset in Ur Varselklotet<\/em> is based on the Mutant – Year Zero<\/strong> role-playing game. Therefore, experienced players of that system will find the transition seamless and can immediately begin character creation.<\/p>\n

Ur Varselklotet<\/em> distinguishes itself from other role-playing games in two key aspects: character death is not a mechanic, and player characters are children. This evokes a strong sense of Goonies<\/strong>-esque adventure. As each in-game year passes, characters age, and upon reaching a certain age, players must create a new character, reflecting the transition beyond childhood adventures. Players can select from various character types, each possessing unique skills and abilities that contribute to the group’s progress. Assembling a group with complementary skills is crucial for mission success.<\/p>\n

Ur Varselklotet<\/em> includes four complete adventures that collectively form the Vetenskapens Vidunder<\/strong> (The Wonders of Science) campaign. This section provides comprehensive information for structuring engaging game sessions. A group of four to five players (including the game master) is recommended to maximize the gaming experience.<\/p>\n

The enigmatic military installation known as “the Loop” is not exclusive to Sweden; it also exists in the USA. The role-playing game is designed to facilitate campaigns set on either side of the Atlantic. All names, maps, and related materials are provided in dual versions to accommodate this flexibility.<\/p>\n

\"Photo:<\/a>
Photo: Senses.se<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In conclusion, the Ur Varselklotet<\/em> role-playing game is exceptionally well-crafted and presents no significant drawbacks. The game’s construction is logical and well-structured, consistent with the publisher’s established quality. The decision to base the rules on Mutant – Year Zero<\/em> was astute, leveraging a thoroughly tested and functional system. The absence of included dice and pre-printed character sheets represents a minor inconvenience, requiring players to print or copy their own. However, the overall quality of the product overshadows this minor issue and does not detract from its overall merit. I highly recommend experiencing Simon St\u00e5lenhag’s evocative world as a child in the 80s through this exceptional role-playing game.<\/p>\n

Review copies of this game were provided by the publisher, Fria Ligan<\/a><\/strong>. Receipt of review materials does not influence our editorial independence; our reviews are written for the benefit of our readers (consumers).<\/em><\/p>\n

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