⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
CASE&SOUL deserves to be the next big, important entry in indie mecha TTRPGs next to Lancer and Beam Saber.
merely 33 pages long, utilizing familiar elements from similar games and building off of them to make something uniquely crunchy, simple, and satisfying - i'm kind of obsessed.
if you've never played a Forged in the Dark game before, this game is an excellent entry point.
as a document, i'm really impressed by the ease with which it explains what roleplaying is, what it means to be a roleplaying game that uses the FitD system, and how expertly Briar Sovereign is able to go on to explain the individual mechanics clearly and succinctly. it is a welcoming text to those who are new to RPGs, or those (like me) with short attention spans. its examples of play and its little kisses of characterful flavor text were all genuinely entertaining to read.
CASE&SOUL is able to incorporate distinct playbooks, phases of gameplay, factions, and mech customization and make them all click together like K'nex.
looking at the Shift, Strive, and Faction mechanics in particular, CASE&SOUL is very deliberate in its use of genre conventions, tweaking them just so to create interesting limitations and points of incentive.
especially if you're someone who picks up TTRPGs just to read a well put together bit of technical writing that fires up your imagination - this is up there with Wanderhome for me in terms of ease, clarity, and poetry.
i didn't mean to write this long of a review but i'm honestly fangirling out about it. great work Briar!!!
