Delta Green Is X-Files On Crack
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Delta Green (Call of Cthulhu D20)is a modern setting for the Call of Cthulhu roleplaying game. It contains a horror-based theme mixed in with an X-Files feel (minus the fluff). The original printing was in 1997, but now the game can be found in both d20 and the Chaosium systems.
A friend of mine first introduced our group to Delta Green this year. It had the entire flavor that Call of Cthulhu did but without the limitations that sometimes are experienced with playing a game based in the 1920s. We played five or six adventures and had a blast.
Since then, I had really wanted to purchase the book but just hadn’t gotten around to it. My interest got renewed recently when I saw a few television shows dealing with topics that are covered in Delta Green, such as the Majestic 12. Even after playing the game, I had no idea how much of it was based in actual conspiracy lore. I originally thought it was just H.P. Lovecraft blended with the X-Files, but it’s much more than that. Of course there is plenty of added flavor to the game but the research that went into it is very good and surprisingly detailed.
If you love conspiracy lore and roleplaying games, you probably already know about (and own) Delta Green. If not, check it out. Delta Green is modern sci-fi horror gaming at its best.
Leave a Comment
November 25, 2008 at 12:27 am
Delta Green rocks! I personally prefer the Chaosium system to the D20 system because it keeps the power of experienced players at a minimum. Players never develop the ability to live through more than 1 or 2 gun shots and are generally always less powerful than Mythos creatures. This adds an element of helplessness against alien creatures that suits the horror game ambiance.
The Chaosium system is less focused on character development and more focused on experiencing the conspiracy world. Some players validly prefer the character development aspect to the increased suspense and horror, but I personally enjoy not having to think about how to max out my skills and stats. If you enjoy developing your character into a cultist killing machine eventually capable of destroying powerful alien gods with a Glock 17, then you should check out the D20 version.
November 25, 2008 at 12:46 am
Haha, well said. I would say if I were to game master Delta Green, I would want to run the Chaosium rules. They are compact, simple, and straight to the point. It puts a lot more focus on the storytelling part of the game. And, your characters WILL die or go insane. So it is kind of cool to see how long you can hold out.
Obviously d20 is better for the players that like to see character progression. So I guess it would matter what your players are like in your group. But yeah, Delta Green rocks.