I was sent a copy of this book for review by Trapped Chest. I did not receive any other sort of compensation for this review.

Reanimated is the latest RPG from Jed Doerksen and Trapped Chest. Like The Nullam Project, it uses the Key Powered System, which Trapped Chest makes available under what seems like a very generous open license that appears on page 1.  This game tackles the zombie apocalypse genre.

The Key Powered System is really the star here.  It’s fairly simple and straightforward.  I think I mentioned in my review of The Nullam Project that it reminds me of the Traveller core system, but using eight sided dice instead of six.  Roll 2D8, add stat, skill, and any bonus.  There are a couple twists.  For example, the way you roll for damage is unlike anything I’ve ever seen.  I’m curious how it plays at the table, but it’s certainly unique.  Again, the system is pretty stripped down.  

The book is only twenty pages long, so there really isn’t much in the way of setting.  Rather, it offers some hints and suggestions of how you might build a setting for your table.  Enough options are provided that you could run things Romero-style, Snyder-style, or even Return of the Living Dead III-style, depending on inclination.

It’s clear the game is meant to be fairly deadly, in keeping with the genre.  Because of that, it’s likely going to be best for one-shots, at cons or between campaigns with your home group.  Longer play might require you to have a pool of PCs to draw from as characters succumb to the inevitable. 

Reanimated is available digitally on DriveThru as a pay what you want purchase.  Or you can get a physical copy in the US here, with UK and European options coming soon (as of time of writing). 

See my unboxing video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxTpZBclzA4&t=106s

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