‘Over the Edge’ is a Game Where Anything is Possible in a Dystopian Setting
Over the Edge welcomes you to the world of Al Amarja, where conspiracy theories run wild… And are probably correct.
Over the Edge is a game of counter-culture, conspiracy theories, weird science, and existential danger in an urban setting. It’s a little cyber-punk, a little fantastical, and all weird fun.
Over the Edge
Over the Edge takes place in the independent island state of Al Amarja… or specifically in the slumps known as ‘The Edge’. And one of the first things the Atlas Games site will tell you, is that The Edge is the weirdest city in the world.
The setting is dystopian by design. Al Amarja’s capital is Freedom City, laws are minimal and only loosely enforced (except for guns, those are specifically verboten) and people visit this free-for-all island specifically for that.
So the rules of law are minimal, the setting is full of technology and a corrupt government, and the sandbox is expansive. And with a dauntingly large world to explore, a few pre-written adventure scenarios will help your group get started. Players can find themselves exploring The Edge, getting to the bottom of conspiracies, and joining cults for many, many sessions to come.
Gameplay & Character Creation
Character creation in Over the Edge is a little more freeform than other games. Instead of picking from specific traits like most RPGs, here players come up with their own descriptors and traits. Characters get one primary trait, two secondary traits, and a flaw. Primary trait is the defining feature of this character, and the character gets an extra die when making rolls that would use that trait.
For most actions in that require rolls in Over the Edge, players will use two dice. If they’re using one of their traits, they add another. If they’re using their primary trait, they add two. The dice are rolled an the lowest roll is discarded. In order to succeed, the player must roll a number equal to or greater than the difficulty level of the task being performed. Easy tasks are about a 7, difficult tasks require a 14, and nearly impossible tasks want a 21.
If the character has a disadvantage, a penalty die is added and the highest number is discarded
Over the Edge is a game that’s meant to feel a bit unhinged. And it succeeds in that regard. Gameplay is dynamic and exciting, while character creation allows for players to get really creative and specific with their vision… Or it could leave them feeling a bit overwhelmed. If you’re a player who takes a few sessions to really get to know your character, coming up with their defining traits in session zero may be a little hard. But on the other hand, if you do know who you’re playing, you can make that exact character.
If you want to play Over the Edge for yourself, you can learn more at the Atlas Games official website, here.
Have you played Over the Edge? What kind of character would you make? Do you prefer games with a little more structure, or a little more of an open-world feel? Let us know in the comments!
Happy adventuring!
