Makkura is a series of 6 scenarios forming a campaign that literally evolves the setting from the near future horror of Kuro to mythical fantasy of Kuro Tensei. However, C7 have finally released Makkura the second book of the trilogy Kuro seems destined to remain a niche RPG, which is entirely understandable given its niche concept. If you are a fan of Japanese horror and dark near-future urban settings, then it should rock your world. Kuro is likely to have a limited audience but its a good RPG that is well executed. His cover art provides the tip of the iceberg for the high quality and consistent dark urban visual presentation in the book. But C7 has wisely redone the art and look of the book using Paul Bourne. This was to avoid diluting the horror of Kuro with the increase in supernatural ability of the PCs in the later RPG (Kuro Tensei) whilst reusing the near future Japan setting.ĭespite Qin and Yggdrasil being gorgeous, Kuro's art was originally not as good. Two of these books are independent yet connectable RPGs and the third is a connecting campaign book. Even Occultech (Tech using traditional Japanese occult practices) is pretty subdued, often to the extent that the user may be unaware of the occult part at work.įrom what I have read, the line is limited to three books and a GM Screen. However, don't expect extensive cyberware and prosthetics. Technology seems based closely on real world predictions and takes up a hefty section of the book. The mechanics are a simple attribute + skill style system with a few gimmicks around skill use. It spends more time building an interesting dark near-future cityscape than exploring the horror element, which I originally expected to carry the weight of the game.Īt only 208 pages, it feels elegant in how it remains packed with information and complete, but is not overburdened.

Though I am still getting my mind around the concepts, I find the subdued nature of the game to actually be a strength. However, I decided to take the plunge and I found that I liked what I see.

It was hard to grasp exactly what it was about and it lacked any parts that immediately grabbed me, despite loving the genre of Japanese horror and dark near-future sci fi (Bladerunner, Ghost in the Shell etc).

There has been an event that has enshrouded and isolated Japan, which coincides with a growth in supernatural occurrences.Īt first I was a bit leery of the RPG to be honest. Įssentially, its a horror RPG set in a near-future (2047) Japan (specifically Tokyo). There is also an extensive review of it here. The website, including a trailer, can be found here. It comes from the guys who did Qin and Yggdrasil. Cubicle 7 just released Kuro, a French RPG translated into English.

Yggdrasil rpg character sheet