‘Deathmatch Island’ Brings ‘Fortnite’ Vibes to ‘Roll20’
Fortnite, Squid Games, Battle Royale? In an RPG? Deathmatch Island has you covered with a deadly new bundle.
There is no questioning the popularity of battle royale games these days. They’ve become their own genre unto themselves. So much so that Fortnite has become a blueprint for everyone, and will eventually include all media franchises within it. Like a turbo St. Elsewhere that expands beyond just television.
Which is why, when Deathmatch Island was launched on Backerkit last year, it was an exciting time. Here was a battle royale style tabletop RPG. Something that fans have been dreaming of.
And it has all the hits of a good battle royale. Finding random loot. Using supplies. Teaming up with friends only to betray them or be betrayed. All using the AGON system. And now, the game is not only out, but part of a bundle that gets you your very own copy but also the Roll20 VTT version.
Deathmatch Island
Congratulations [Competitor 359]. You have been selected to participate in Deathmatch Island. Winning will mean fame, freedom, and unlimited wealth. You may be experiencing some confusion and memory loss. This is normal following [REDACTED]. It is important that you do not panic.
Deathmatch Island is a fast-paced roleplaying game about a deadly game show set on a chain of mysterious islands. Armed only with their hazy memories and matching uniforms, the players compete in challenges to satisfy the demands of production.
If you’re a fan of Squid Gae, Survivor, Lost, Battle Royale, Control, The Hunger Games, corporate dystopia, or messed-up Reality TV, you’re going to enjoy Deathmatch Island.
The game itself uses the PARAGON system from Sean Nittner and John Harper (of Blades in the Dark fame). Promising “fast, flexible gameplay” this system helps you quickly define a character and accounts for a variety of the little details that people love in Battle Royales. Though the crunchy bits may be more streamlined than you’re liking if you’re coming from something like Escape from Tarkov or whatever. But, Deathmatch Island, promises low-prep, narrative-forward roleplay.
A big island full of stuff. A shady corporate dystopia behind it all. A lot of choices to make, about who cooperates and who has to die.
But you don’t even have to buy the game to play it! There’s a “preview version” of the rules that you can snag on DriveThruRPG absolutely free to take it for a spin.
Good luck! And play to win!
