Delving into Desolation: A Comprehensive Review of The Walking Dead Universe Starter Set

The Walking Dead Universe Starter Set offers a novel introduction into the realm of zombie tabletop role-playing games. Free League, a renowned publisher known for games like Mork Borg, aims to create an immersive experience reminiscent of AMC's The Walking Dead series. While the promise is tantalizing, one must scrutinize how well this product achieves its goals. Does it offer enough depth and material to live up to its potential? This review will walk through the various facets of the Starter Set, investigating its design, gameplay, and overall value.

Features & Design

Setting the Scene

Visually, The Walking Dead Universe Starter Set is a triumph. Adorning the game materials are bold red and black accents, while various items such as the dice and threat meter exhibit shades of grey, green, and brown—a palette reminiscent of post-apocalyptic landscapes. These colors echo the natural settings of Washington, the gritty look of army surplus stores, and the washed-out tones characteristic of the TV series. Free League has successfully crafted a visually cohesive package that aligns well with its thematic roots.

The Contents

The Starter Set includes a stripped-down version of The Walking Dead RPG's Core Rulebook. Despite being 120 pages shorter than its full counterpart, it contains essential elements such as gameplay instructions, character sheets for nine pre-constructed characters, and survival tips. Notably, three of these pre-constructed characters come directly from the TV series. Free League adds a charming touch by presenting character sheets with faux-handwriting, along with a dyslexia-friendly font for accessibility.

Character Visualization

However, the character portraits are a mixed bag. While the canonical characters are represented through vivid, detailed artwork, the other six characters are merely described in text format. This may be due to the flexibility offered to players to choose the gender of these non-canonical characters, necessitating possibly two different portraits for each character.

Maps & Illustrations

The set also includes three small maps relevant to the game's scenario and two large maps of North East Georgia and South West Virginia. These maps, though not essential for gameplay to proceed, serve as illustrative tools that can be reused in multiple campaigns. The high-quality prints ensure they will endure numerous gaming sessions.

Gameplay Mechanics

Year Zero Engine

The game employs a modified version of Free League's Year Zero engine. It simplifies gameplay to four primary mechanics:

1. Success is gauged by rolling a 6 on the dice.
2. Attributes, Skills, and Gear enhancements yield more dice rolls.
3. Stress introduces stress dice to a character.
4. Getting a 1 on a stress die leads to negative consequences.

While these rules cover the basics, they leave room for deeper exploration within the Core Rulebook.

The Wolves Den Scenario

The Starter Set includes a one-shot scenario titled 'The Wolves' Den.' It begins with a betrayal, unraveling a tense narrative where two party members elope, taking vital supplies. As the surviving members track down the traitors, they encounter a cult-like group known as The Wolves. Unfortunately, the story underutilizes these antagonists, offering limited engagement with them until halfway through the scenario. Further, the traitorous party members become focal antagonists themselves, diluting the narrative focus.

Character Secrets

The pre-constructed characters possess hidden agendas, making for intense role-playing moments. However, these secrets can either enrich the storyline or spark distrust among players, challenging the cooperative nature essential for survival.

NPC Dynamics

Guiding the Narrative

The inclusion of NPCs (Non-Player Characters) should ideally offer a richer interactive experience. However, in The Walking Dead Universe Starter Set, NPCs lack detailed dice roll information. For instance, only one case provides the specific number of dice for an opposed roll, leading to confusion about how to handle these scenarios. Clarification comes from the Core Rulebook, revealing NPCs work off four d6s plus their Skills modifier—a crucial detail omitted from the Starter Set instructions.

Underdeveloped Characters

Besides mechanical issues, NPC characterizations are sparse. Descriptions are limited, often to a single sentence, which can inhibit a Game Master's ability to bring these characters to life dynamically.

The Value Proposition

While the gameplay and character elements are crucial, the Starter Set stands out with its collectibles: stylish maps and custom dice. These alone are valued at around $40, making it an attractive purchase for enthusiasts of themed accessories. Should one find the additional game elements lacking, starting directly with the Core Rulebook might be the more judicious option.

Buy It If... & Don't Buy It If...

Buy it if: You are looking for an introductory TTRPG experience steeped in the grim atmosphere of The Walking Dead Universe, enjoy collecting thematic dice and maps, or prefer a rules-light, visually appealing set.

Don't buy it if: You require a deeply detailed, fleshed-out game right from the starter kit. If the aesthetic elements don't captivate you, the Core Rulebook may prove more substantial for your needs.

To sum up, The Walking Dead Universe Starter Set excels in thematic presentation and accessory quality, yet falls short in substantial gameplay depth. For collectors or those seeking a visually immersive introduction to zombie TTRPGs, it offers plenty. For more experienced players, the limited scenario and underdeveloped NPC interactions might necessitate the additional purchase of the Core Rulebook to achieve the game’s full potential.