For Small Creatures Such as We RPG Review

Written by George Chrysostomou

A deck of cards and a dice. That’s all you need to jump into this RPG. Well... and a rulebook of course. Set in outer space, players are tasked with becoming the captain of a ship, and are responsible for a crew, the missions they undertake, and the route they will chart across the stars. Throughout, you’ll see influences from Star Wars, Star Trek, Mass Effect and other such pop culture icons, and the book fully encourages those comparisons, while leaning into its own unique universe building. 

Play For Small Creatures Such as As We RPG

Incredibly, this title works as both a solo adventure and as a cooperative experience. That’s quite a rarity in today’s industry, especially with larger group play, with vast and ever-changing parties, appearing to be on the rise. For Small Creatures Such As We is rather less ambitious in its scope and scale, at least, initially. However, the randomness in how the run of events may play out proves to be the factor in the game’s success, as a seemingly innocuous quest suddenly balloons into a high-stakes encounter of absurdity. 

Firstly, we always love to pay homage to the work of the visual team in bringing a book to life, and here, a sizable group of talents settled on a retro style that at times feels throwback, and can occasionally be compared to a school textbook for better or worse. 

Mechanically, this title has been specifically designed to be instantly accessible for anyone, regardless of their knowledge of the genre. It puts storytelling at the forefront, meaning the intricacies of combat and decision-making aren’t quite as nuanced as long-time players might expect. That is to the game’s advantage though, as it opens the sandbox far further, without newcomers getting too bogged down with complicated rules. That is especially useful for play sessions with a smaller number of players, as it allows room to riff at will, without momentum being lost. 

For Small Creatures Such As We Review

This streamlined strategy is no more evident than in the rulebook, which essentially jumps past the mechanical outline to focus far more on character creation. As suites go, this one is deep, and there’s a real joy to be found in crafting a crew that is as varied as possible.

I quickly found the best interactions came from a diversity of traits and skills, but there is humour to be found in two crew members doing the exact same thing, and creating a rivalry based on that clash. Backstories reveal themselves through an adventure, allowing you to get to know your team in the throes of conflict. 

The other benefit to setting an RPG in space is the ability to craft your own spaceship, and who hasn’t dreamed of that! From gardens and theatres, to a range of offensive equipment, the rulebook really outlines every possible ship build you could imagine. Some of these features might be a little more useful than others in the middle of a campaign, but who cares when you’ve got a cosy lounge to nap in! 

Events push the narrative forward, as the crew journey from planet to planet, as hackers, smugglers or any other number of roles. Events may be planetary, stationary, and even set in uncharted space, building out your world and the moments that shape it. This is just a small example of the sheer variety on offer. 

Indeed, while playing the title, that’s what stood out more than anything. Sure, dodging crimes and building resources was fun. But somehow the options of what one can do in this RPG just goes on and on and on. The list of mission types alone is exhaustive and the team have put so much work into giving players utter freedom to have the intergalactic adventures they want to see.

Throughout one campaign alone, I became a bounty hunter, caught the target, deemed them lawful and suddenly had a new member for the crew. The use of the cards, deciding the player’s fate, makes this all the more unpredictable and varied! 

Verdict

For Small Creatures Such As We definitely deserves your attention, if you’re willing to be lost in a good story, which you pretty much have no control over whatsoever, yet all the choices in the universe to impact it. We think it's a must play game. 

There is something so effortlessly simple and yet varied about For Small Creatures Such As We, that it has to be experienced in all of its randomness and uncertainty. Its accessibility is unmatched and its sci-fi influences are stellar. 

You'll like it especially if you liked Star Wars Roleplaying Game. For Small Creatures Such As We doesn’t just play in the fringes of sci-fi fantasy, it actually cites Star Wars as one of its direct influences, resulting in a familiar flavour for fans of the galaxy far, far away.

About For Small Creatures Such as We

Designer: Anna Blackwell

Publisher: Blackwell Games

Pages: 256

Ages: 13+

Price: £15