I personally think this is wonderful. Its true that it's presented in a depressing way, but there is also hope there. Though there is no real hope of a final victory for the players, there is the feeling that they can make a difference in small ways, and slowly overcome some of their fear. It's definitely a game that is meant to make a clear statement, but that statement is far from ineffectual.
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Thank you for your comment. I mean it.
I think how the game works and plays is probably a test of the players and the GM, it'll probably get their views on the world flowing at least. Now I've had some time to think about it, the game is very much an anti-rpg - there's nothing to do and if you try something you'll be drone-striked (what was I thinking?)
I do want to thank you again for saying it's not ineffectual, I'm just comparing it to my previous game for the *DREAM gamejam. That one makes a statement and makes it in a much more nuanced way.
Oh, and I see both our games started life as an Into the Odd hack. Very cool.
Anti-rpg is a really good term for it. The way it seems to violently appose any attempt to play it.
Though it might not create a fun session for most groups, I think a one-shot with the right people could end up being a meaningful experience.
And yes, Into the Odd is wonderful, I almost feel like I can’t go back to games with AC and no Abilty Score damage.