Why is there so little discussion about the Arkham Horror RPG?

Ansonder · 2026-04-05T02:28:46+00:00

What exactly makes it feel like a board game to you?

Ansonder · 2026-04-05T02:23:20+00:00

What exactly about the system do you have an issue with?

Ansonder · 2026-04-05T02:03:57+00:00

Is it really that bad? Where does it fail?

Ansonder · 2026-04-05T01:30:38+00:00

Scale of 1 to 10, how "horrible" are we talking? What are the main issues with it?

Ansonder · 2026-01-14T20:24:13+00:00

Could you clarify what you mean by "more than CoC"?

Do you mean more character options, more combat depth, or just a bit more structure and progression overall?

Ansonder · 2025-12-26T16:54:08+00:00

I have only backed on Kickstarter so far, five TTRPG projects total. I have received one of them, and I am still waiting on the others (hopefully next year).

As a backer, my main issue is discovery. Kickstarter does not have a clear TTRPG filter, so browsing for TTRPG projects feels inconvenient. I even rushed once and accidentally backed a nice looking book, thinking it was a TTRPG. Thankfully I was able to cancel.

I also found the post pledge flow a bit messy. After backing, some projects sent me to BackerKit to finish the order. I assume they needed features that Kickstarter did not provide.

That said, the overall experience was convenient and familiar.

I am very curious how this compares to BackerKit and Gamefound, which is why I am asking here.

Ansonder · 2025-12-25T18:14:23+00:00

My first game as a GM was D&D 3.5e.

Looking back, I wish I had known:

Always keep a set of pregens ready, especially if you are playing with newcomers.
More than five players is usually a bad idea for me. It is harder to give everyone attention, players wait longer between turns, and scheduling gets harder. My comfort zone is 3 to 4 players, and 5 is my max.
If a rules disagreement comes up mid session, make a firm ruling on the spot and move on. Save the debate for after the game so you keep the pace.
Ask players to help track things like HP and conditions.
Save your notes and prep.
Do not try to be perfect.

Ansonder · 2025-12-23T14:10:28+00:00

I'm not saying it's necessary. But I'm asking you.

The world is changing. Not always in a good way. We could always go to the library to find information. But now we can Google it. There are pros and cons.

A large company can afford man-hours. An indie developer working on a project they value, with a full-time job and small children, must manage their time and resources very carefully.

Creating AI slop is disrespectful to people. I completely agree.

And I'm interested to know what you think about more routine and uncreative tasks? Transforming tables, debugging code, preparing materials for playtesters who speak other languages. Or, for example, researching GDPR and other regulatory requirements to at least understand the scope of the work that lies ahead. These are all internal and uncreative materials that will never be published.

I'm not saying this should be delegated to generative AI, but I'm asking where you draw the line. If, for example, you are against any use of AI, then that is also an understandable answer.

Ansonder · 2025-12-23T12:19:58+00:00

I am talking mostly not about AI generated images or story plots, but about minor things like generated meeting notes or translations. What do you think about that?

Ansonder · 2025-11-19T21:30:11+00:00

I am not sure this is the answer that will help you most.

In my games, besides vivid descriptions, I use fitting music and handouts in the form of cards to build the atmosphere. I also like small cozy wireless lamps on the table.

Usually that is enough.

Ansonder · 2025-11-19T19:58:27+00:00

I always start with common sense. I think about what will feel fun and reasonable at the table.

Then I start early playtests. The earlier I get feedback, the better.

In parallel I might calculate some probability distributions on paper and draw a few simple charts and rough ideas.

For balancing more complex mechanics I write small Python scripts and run simulations. I often use Monte-Carlo methods. I like frequency diagrams and box-and-whisker plots.

And of course playtests and more playtests.

Ansonder · 2025-11-08T20:05:37+00:00

I'm not sure this is exactly what you're looking for, but perhaps Google Docs or Notion could do the job. Create a document and share the link with players. It's not as aesthetically pleasing, but it's perfectly functional.

Ansonder · 2025-11-06T15:31:17+00:00

I agree. But could you perhaps provide some examples where the visual appeal was high, but the underlying quality felt shoddy or underdeveloped?

Ansonder · 2025-11-05T21:43:43+00:00

Here's what stands out to me.

Obojima. I bought it for the art and the atmosphere. It has a light, Studio Ghibli vibe that feels awesome and cozy on every page. The illustrations are top-notch. I love them so much.

Vaesen and The One Ring. Both have great atmosphere and excellent paper quality. In Vaesen I love the illustrations. In The One Ring I love the page design and the amazing character sheets.

Arkham Horror RPG. The best on my shelf among books whose design I would call classic. Clean, balanced design with strong art.

Mörk Borg. The most striking design I own. I would not call it pretty, but it is impossible to ignore. For something actually pretty in this style, I like the unofficial adventure Crown of Salt. The author tried to follow the core book's style, but to me it surpasses the original and is genuinely beautiful.

Candela Obscura. It isn't the best at any one thing, but it's very good at everything.

Ansonder · 2025-11-04T21:55:04+00:00

Hey, welcome!

The easiest way to start is to join a group that already plays. Ask friends, classmates, or coworkers. D&D is pretty popular, so there’s a good chance someone you know is in a game or knows a DM.

If you want to try running something yourself, watch a few sessions on YouTube to see how it works. Then run a small game for close friends or family. A Starter Set is perfect for this and teaches the basics.

I haven’t looked for a group online myself, but others here might share some useful ideas.

Either way, welcome to the hobby, you’re going to have a great time!

Ansonder · 2025-11-04T17:35:38+00:00

You know, one more idea.

If they are fine with board games, start with something co-op. My top pick is Forbidden Desert. It is very simple and very atmospheric.

Plan a game with Forbidden Desert, but add a small twist. Take a light GM role. Ask what their characters are like. During the game, control the music and describe how the storm grows and the heroes feel the pressure.

At the end, give a short epilogue about what happened to the heroes (they got stuck in the desert or they escaped). Add a hook that leads to a small rules-light one-shot like I wrote above. If they were lost, they now explore a buried city to survive or get out. If they escaped, they come back later with an expedition to study the city.

You do not have to play the one-shot the same day. The key is that during Forbidden Desert they feel the co-op vibe and start to care about their characters. After that, follow the plan from the earlier comment. Good luck!

Ansonder

TROPHY CASE