As always, before analysing the game in this review, I thank the author (Banana Chan) and the publisher (Game and a Curry) for sending us a digital copy of The Darkness at the Brink of Ohio. This is a solo journaling game about a late-night radio show in the Akron, Ohio area. Hosting The Devil’s Hour, on frequency 106.6 – The Brink, is DJ Mike, but something strange takes over, causing terrible consequences for the listeners.
If, after reading the review, you would like to buy it, keep in mind that you can find it on the DrivethruRPG site for $15 for the digital copy (about 15 euros).
A Horror Roleplaying Game to Write and Listen to
Author Banana Chan has already accustomed us to decidedly peculiar and experimental horror roleplaying games. We saw this, for instance, with Deimos Academy, that we have already reviewed. The Darkness at the Brink of Ohio also falls into this category, although it is designed not for a group but for a single player.
The player in this case plays a worker on a night shift. They are writing a diary related to their work while listening to DJ Mike’s radio show, 106.6 The Brink. As they document what they are doing, track after track, they will witness the DJ’s transformation into something far from the creatures of our world.
Yes, ‘track by track’ because the game is closely linked to the listening of a dedicated soundtrack available on YouTube via a link in the manual itself. The voice of DJ Mike is entrusted to Aaron Catano-Saez, actor, singer and podcaster, and he will accompany us throughout the session, presenting the musical tracks that will form the background to the game and accompany us on this nocturnal descent into horror.
This tabletop RPG is similar to a radio drama, but you have to answer questions and make suggestions as you listen to the music tracks.
The Rules of the Game
Playing The Darkness at the Brink of Ohio requires no special skills. It consists of choosing one of the five available characters, reading the text about them and listening to the soundtrack (available thanks to a QR code inside the volume). You then have to answer the questions by stepping into the shoes of the chosen character. The timing of the music is designed precisely so that the answers can be conveniently written in a notebook.
Before you start playing, however, you must follow a few guidelines:
- Set a clock to 3 am and keep it in a visible position from where we are playing.
- Make sure to have the soundtrack available so that it can be played when needed.
- Have a notebook or diary to write in.
- Print or scan one of the photographs that you are required to keep on hand.
Should one wish to experience the game more intensively, other tips are given to put into practice:
- Dress as the character you have chosen.
- Find a quiet place to play in solitude.
- Arrange the space you are in to suit your chosen character.
- Dim the lights to recreate the night atmosphere.
Strong Content and Security Systems
The Darkness at the Brink of Ohio is an avowedly horror game and deals explicitly with strong themes such as psychological horror, physical horror, mutations and violence. The game was designed to be played within the time frame of the soundtrack. However, since it is a solo game, you can interrupt the game at any time, especially if you realise that the game is becoming too intense and the themes too sensitive.
The game features several safety systems and, above all, a debriefing phase at the end to close the last page and calmly return to reality.
Five Characters for the Descent into Darkness
As we said at the beginning of this review, The Darkness at the Brink of Ohio presents five characters to choose from. Security Guard, Gas Station Attendant, Clinical Lab Technician, Technical Support Specialist and Funeral Director. For each of the characters, clothing to wear and some accessories to keep on hand are suggested.
Each character has a set of dedicated questions that must be answered before starting, each of which is closely related to the game experience. Once the character has been chosen and the questions answered, the experience begins. The manual indicates the exact page on which the game begins for each character.
Aesthetic Review of The Darkness at the Brink of Ohio
The volume of The Darkness at the Brink of Ohio consists of about 100 pages in B3 format. They are all illustrated by Michael Croteau and Robert Richbourg, with additional photographic works by Jenna Fryer. Overall, it is a visually striking and scriptural product. The strong colours of the illustrations cleverly contrast with the black and white photographs, creating an alienating effect that is perfect for the atmosphere the game wants to convey.
The layout is single-column, and the choice of font helps convey the intended sense of anxiety without compromising readability.
Speaking of The Darkness at the Brink of Ohio, I have to highlight that the soundtrack is an integral and very important element of the gaming experience. The same goes for the performance of Aaron Catano-Saez, who accompanies us on this dark journey. These are two decidedly important elements, which greatly elevate the gameplay.
I found the whole thing particularly interesting, especially as it pushes towards a precise and defined experience.
Review Conclusion of The Darkness at the Brink of Ohio
Undoubtedly, the experience offered by The Darkness at the Brink of Ohio is extremely personal and special. It is a game that has to be enjoyed with extreme awareness and is suitable for an adult audience. The product is aesthetically pleasing and is an excellent example of cross-media roleplaying.
If you like strong themes, nightmarish nights and music to play in the background, then The Darkness at the Brink of Ohio is the game for you!
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