The hottest RPGs Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

The Lone Toad - Ribbiting Adventures Issue 1

The Lone Toad - Croaker RPGs Newsletter • 219 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration RPGs
  1. Castle Grief prefers analog creation over digital, finding the tactile experience more engaging and personal.
  2. The world of Tarvannion was inspired by historical events and the desire for a long-form solo RPG campaign, showcasing a blend of rich storytelling and exploration.
  3. Solo RPG play offers a unique creative freedom, helping to enhance storytelling skills and provide a peaceful, meditative experience for Castle Grief.

The Lone Toad Newsletter - April 2024

The Lone Toad - Croaker RPGs Newsletter • 179 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration RPGs
  1. The OSR (Old School Renaissance) can bring interesting mechanics and principles into solo RPG play, such as focusing on rulings over rules and implementing reaction tables and morale checks.
  2. Retainers in solo RPGs, like torchbearers, mercenaries, and hedge wizards, can add depth and assistance to your character as they navigate dangerous scenarios.
  3. Consider trying out OSR solo RPG suggestions like Scarlet Heroes and Black Streams:Solo Heroes for a different gaming experience rooted in classic tabletop rules.

The Lone Toad Newsletter - February 2024

The Lone Toad - Croaker RPGs Newsletter • 139 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration RPGs
  1. The Solo But Not Alone 4 bundle features 125 solo games and supports mental health initiatives in the gaming community, it's a great opportunity to explore unique games while contributing to a good cause.
  2. Some highlighted games from the Solo But Not Alone 4 bundle include 'People, Places & Perils' by Cezar Capacle, 'Haxen' by Not Writing, and 'We Deal in Lead' by Odin’s Beard RPG, offering diverse gameplay experiences with innovative mechanics.
  3. Upcoming projects from Croaker RPGs include the completion of 'Night Terror' and the release of 'The Lost City of Cargoth,' showcasing a creative journey in expanding the world of solo RPGs.

The Lone Toad Newsletter - Zimo 24!

The Lone Toad - Croaker RPGs Newsletter • 119 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration RPGs
  1. Zimo 24 is a time when many creators share their amazing games on crowdfunding sites, particularly solo RPG zines.
  2. A zine should be short, visually striking, and push the limits of what RPGs can be.
  3. Featured solo projects like 'Courier - Repackaged', 'MIRU 3: An Analog Defense Game', and 'Milk Bar' offer unique gameplay experiences for solo RPG enthusiasts.

The Lone Toad Newsletter - December 2023

The Lone Toad - Croaker RPGs Newsletter • 139 implied HN points • 02 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration RPGs
  1. During the busy holiday season, solo RPGs can be a great way to enjoy tabletop gaming on your own schedule.
  2. With solo RPGs, you have the freedom to play the way you want, whether it's a quick game session or a more detailed narrative.
  3. Consider exploring new solo RPGs during the holiday season, making use of different themes and rule sets to keep the gaming experience fresh.
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Cyberpunk 2077

Have You Played? • 117 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
🕹 Technology RPGs
  1. Cyberpunk 2077 has an overly long and linear prologue, which takes away from the player's freedom in the game.
  2. The game struggles with editing in terms of dialogue and storytelling, making it feel verbose and lacking in immersion.
  3. Despite impressive graphics and familiar cyberpunk aesthetics, Cyberpunk 2077 falls short in delivering unique gameplay, compelling story, and engaging world interactions.

The Lone Toad Newsletter - April 2023

The Lone Toad - Croaker RPGs Newsletter • 79 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
🎨 Art & Illustration RPGs
  1. The Lone Toad Newsletter in April 2023 is dedicated to Stoneburner, an upcoming solo-friendly RPG blending sci-fi and fantasy.
  2. Stoneburner's unique concept involves classic fantasy cultures in a sci-fi setting, making it easy for players to envision the universe without complex explanations.
  3. Designing a solo-friendly game like Stoneburner involves focusing on player-centric mechanics, solid core gameplay loops, and providing tools like oracles and rolling tables for solo play.

The Lone Toad - Ribbiting Adventures Issue 2

The Lone Toad - Croaker RPGs Newsletter • 2 HN points • 19 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration RPGs
  1. Buffalo Castle may have been the first solo RPG adventure created, opening up a new world for solo tabletop roleplaying games.
  2. Tunnels & Trolls, developed as a simpler and more accessible alternative to D&D, paved the way for unique RPG experiences.
  3. Designing solo RPGs requires balancing storytelling and player agency, as seen in lessons learned from Buffalo Castle, the pioneering solo adventure.