Role Playing the 1980s in Tales From The Loop TTRPG

Tales from the Loop is a tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) set in an alternate version of the 1980’s that is based on the art book of the same name by Simon Stålenhag. The game was published by Free League Publishing in 2017 and is set in a retro-futuristic world where strange and supernatural events are commonplace. Players take on the role of kids living in this world and explore their surroundings, encountering strange machines and even stranger creatures as they unravel the mysteries of the Loop. These mysteries happen around a small town called the Loop, where the residents live in close proximity to a giant underground particle accelerator.

Nostalgic 1980s

The game’s atmosphere is evocative and nostalgic, with a strong emphasis on the 1980s and 90s. The game captures the feeling of a small town in the 80s where there is a sense of innocence and wonder but also a sense of danger and mystery. The atmosphere is also influenced by the existence of the Loop, which leads to strange and unexplained phenomena, such as time loops, strange creatures, and otherworldly technologies. The feeling is characterized by a sense of melancholy and loss, as the game is set in a world where advanced technology coexists with a rural landscape, creating a sense of disconnection between the two.

The game’s rulebook provides a glimpse into life in the 1980s, painting a picture of the popular music and games of the era, as well as offering a cursory overview of the environs surrounding the two main settings, Ekerö Municipality in Sweden and Boulder City in the United States. While it’s not a comprehensive examination, it should give readers enough of a flavor to grasp the unique character of each location. More than anything else, the artwork by Simon Stålenhag carries the vision of the game with gorgeous paintings (see below).

 

Year Zero Engine

Tales from the Loop uses the Year Zero Engine as its underlying rules system. This is a generic role-playing game system designed to be used with multiple different settings and genres. The engine is designed to be simple, flexible, and easy to use, making it a great choice for both experienced role-players and newcomers to the genre.

In Tales from the Loop, the engine is used to help players create and control their characters, manage the flow of the game, and resolve actions and conflicts.

One of the key features of the Year Zero Engine is its use of a simplified dice mechanic. Instead of rolling a large number of dice and comparing results, players simply roll a single six-sided die and add any relevant bonuses or penalties. This keeps the game fast-paced and allows players to focus on the story and role-playing elements, rather than complex dice mechanics.

Settings

This story is set in a retro-futuristic world where strange and supernatural events are commonplace. The game offers two distinct settings for players to choose from, both of which are detailed in the rulebook.

The Mälaren Islands

An alternative version of the Mälaren Islands, located west of the Swedish capital of Stockholm. This setting is inspired by the art book of the same name by Simon Stålenhag and offers players a rich and imaginative world to explore.

Boulder City, Nevada

A city based on Boulder City, Nevada in America, which was unlocked as a stretch goal on the game’s Kickstarter campaign. This setting offers a different feel and atmosphere than the Mälaren Islands, but still offers players plenty of opportunities for adventure and discovery.

Both settings are characterized by the presence of the Loop, a huge underground particle accelerator built in the late 1960s that is responsible for the strange and supernatural events that occur. Players take on the role of kids living in this world, and must explore their surroundings, encounter strange machines and creatures, and unravel the mysteries of the Loop.

You can also use your own hometown in the game with a supplest rule in Our Friends The Machines & Other Mysteries, an expansion book for the game. The “Hometown Hack” chapter offers a step-by-step guide to creating your own location.

Characters

Tales from the Loop RPG offers a variety of character types for players to choose from, each with their own unique abilities and traits. Here are some of the character types available in the rulebook:

Artist

Creative and imaginative with the ability to see beauty in even the strangest of things

Bully

Tough and confident, uses their physical prowess to get what they want

Computer Geek

Tech-savvy with a natural affinity for machines and technology

Dreamer

Lost in their own thoughts and has a strong imagination

Fighter

Brave and strong, always willing to stand up for what’s right

Joker

A character with a quick wit and a mischievous streak, always looking for a good laugh

Leader

Natural born leader with the ability to inspire and motivate those around them

Loner

A quiet and reserved character who prefers to keep to themselves

Nerd

An intelligent and curious character with a love for knowledge and learning

Outcast

Doesn’t fit in with the rest of society, but uses their unique perspectives to their advantage

Adventures

Tales from the Loop includes a compact campaign comprised of four interconnected adventures that unfold over the course of a year in the vicinity of either the Swedish or American setting. Although the adventures can be enjoyed on their own, they are best experienced when played in sequence. With the exception of the final adventure, each outing is relatively brief.

Level of Difficulty

Tales from the Loop is on the easier end of the Tabletop RPG spectrum and a great choice for beginner tabletop enthusiasts. It has a simple and intuitive mechanics with a clear and well designed rulebook. The game is designed to be a narrative-driven experience as opposed to a combat centered game. the focus is on the story and the players’ choices rather than complex rules and mechanics.

Game Length

The game’s length can vary depending on the scenario being played and the choices made by the players. The game is designed to be a narrative-driven experience. Players are free to explore the setting and create their own stories. The length of a single game session can vary from a couple of hours to several sessions.

Read more about Tales from the Loop RPG at Free League Publishing.