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gameplay review! I’ve played this a bit since buying it and I have mixed feelings. For starters, I really enjoy the book’s aesthetic, how print friendly it is, and the vibes it creates through its stripped-back writing. You get a lot with a little. That being said, it’s the “little” part I take issue with. 

The game is too rules-bare imo. When I first started, I really struggled to know what to do. The rules are setup in a way that lends itself to someone who has a grasp on how the game flows already. For me, I think I prefer a bit more direction on these kinds of games. Full disclosure, this was my first time playing a journaling game so I’m still learning how they work. I think it would be helpful to have some example play to help get off the ground for absolute beginners?


I may also simply lack creativity in this department. Overall, the systems are interesting and the rules are pretty tight, but maybe too tight. I’d still recommend buying it.

Thanks for checking out HARDCASE and giving thoughtful feedback! I'm really touched that you chose it as your first solo/journaling game, and I'm sorry it was a bit of a bumpy ride.

HC1e is more of a box of parts than anything else - which I don't say as a defense of it, but an accurate reflection on what I made. If you want to see some experiments in adding more structure, HC Mini boils the game down into a smaller, week-long experience with clearer guardrails, while the Mysteries in TRUTHSEEKER are meant to be a similar "What do I actually DO in this?" option. It's definitely something on my mind as I work on HC2e, which'll have the benefit of being 60ish pages instead of 24; I'm enjoying the room to stretch my legs a little bit.

I also want to shout out THE PHANTOM OF THE MARIA SERAPH as a great little HARDCASE 'adventure' and a format I'd love to imitate in the future. It definitely zooms in play in a way that I find really exciting and comprehensible.

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thanks for the reply! I appreciate the clarification on your design ethos :) 

I’ll give these tips a go once I get another quiet night! I’m very much looking forward to what you are working on.