Dreamchaser does what so many games try to do; it hands narrative control over to players. But it does so in a way that forces players to really use their imagination, and encourages critical thinking to make your limited skills work for you (or against you).
At times, the game can almost feel GMless because the flow between player and Guide narrative is so seemless and fluid. At the same time, the structure exists to drive the story in a more traditional way if players are floundering. This is the real strength of Dreamchaser: Emergent storytelling. It's almost impossible to get through a session of this game without saying, "Well I didn't see THAT coming." Even though, by design, you technically know where the story will lead.
Rules are light enough to encourage even the greenest of gamers, while still giving enough knobs to tweak for the experienced crowd. Character creation is a fun and interactive experience that is core to the game itself.
Dream Mapping may be my favorite aspect of the game. Essentially you are laying out the major plot points of the game before you even set out. It gives bones to the story, and allows the sessions to become the meat, muscle, and skin to surround those bones. But even when those goals are written out, sometimes the interpretation of those goals change somewhere along the way and everyone is surprised just how that goal technically gets met.
In the hand full of Dreamchaser sessions I've been a part of I've had some of the best role playing moments I've ever had. I can't recommend this game enough. Just get it.
Rating: [5 of 5 Stars!] |