Hey everyone! I’m planning a game night with my family and I’m looking for a specific type of RPG. My sister-in-law isn’t into fantasy or sci-fi, but she loves thrillers and dystopian stories like The Handmaid’s Tale.
I want to find a game that has a similar vibe - you know, that oppressive atmosphere where people are fighting against a controlling regime. But I’m not sure which RPG would fit the bill. What elements do you think are crucial to capture that dystopian feel in a game?
I’d prefer something with a ready-made one-shot adventure if possible. And I’m not really into PbtA or FitD systems as a GM. Any suggestions? If we can’t find anything suitable, I might fall back on Delta Green and tone down the supernatural stuff.
Has anyone run a game with a similar theme? What worked well? I’m open to all ideas!
Man, dystopian RPGs are tricky. Most of them lean heavy into sci-fi or post-apocalyptic stuff. For a Handmaid’s Tale vibe, you might wanna check out Sigmata: This Signal Kills Fascists. It’s about resisting an authoritarian regime in an alt-history 1980s America. Not exactly the same, but it’s got that oppressive feel you’re after.
If that’s too out there, maybe look at Paranoia. It’s satirical, but you could easily dial back the humor for a more serious game. Just my two cents though.
I’ve played some dystopian games but nothing quite like Handmaid’s Tale. Have you looked at Dread? It’s not specifically dystopian but the tension mechanic with the Jenga tower could work well for that oppressive feeling. Might be worth a shot if you can’t find anything else.
Red Markets might work. It’s about surviving in a harsh world controlled by corporations. Not exactly Handmaid’s Tale, but has that oppressive vibe you’re after.