Cubicle 7 just released Kuro, a French RPG translated into English. It comes from the guys who did Qin and Yggdrasil. The website, including a trailer, can be found here: http://www.cubicle7.co.uk/our-games/kuro/. There is also an extensive review of it here: http://philgamer.wordpress.com/2012/11/24/review-kuro-by-cubicle-7/.

Essentially, its a horror RPG set in a near-future (2047) Japan (specifically Tokyo). There has been an event that has enshrouded and isolated Japan, which coincides with a growth in supernatural occurrences.

At first I was a bit leery of the RPG to be honest. It was hard to grasp exactly what it was about and it lacked any parts that immediately grabbed me, despite loving the genre of Japanese horror and dark near-future sci fi (Bladerunner, Ghost in the Shell etc).

However, I decided to take the plunge and I found that I liked what I see. Though I am still getting my mind around the concepts, I find the subdued nature of the game to actually be a strength. It spends more time building an interesting dark near-future cityscape than exploring the horror element, which I originally expected to carry the weight of the game.

At only 208 pages, it feels elegant in how it remains packed with information and complete, but is not overburdened. The mechanics are a simple attribute + skill style system with a few gimmicks around skill use. Technology seems based closely on real world predictions and takes up a hefty section of the book. However, don't expect extensive cyberware and prosthetics. Even Occultech (Tech using traditional Japanese occult practices) is pretty subdued, often to the extent that the user may be unaware of the occult part at work.

From what I have read, the line is limited to three books and a GM Screen. Two of these books are independent yet connectable RPGs and the third is a connecting campaign book. This was to avoid diluting the horror of Kuro with the increase in supernatural ability of the PCs in the later RPG (Kuro Tensei) whilst reusing the near future Japan setting.

Despite Qin and Yggdrasil being gorgeous, Kuro's art was originally not as good. But C7 has wisely redone the art and look of the book using Paul Bourne. His cover art provides the tip of the iceberg for the high quality and consistent dark urban visual presentation in the book.

Kuro is likely to have a limited audience but its a good RPG that is well executed. If you are a fan of Japanese horror and dark near-future urban settings, then it should rock your world.

Im glad its finally coming out and will no doubt grab a copy sometime next year along with yggdrasil and hopefully Qin:art of war if they actually finish it(i would add other stuff to the list but it would seem some of them have been removed from cubicle 7's grasp either due to licence lapses or better companies taking over).

Quote from: Skywalker;602254At only 208 pages, it feels elegant in how it remains packed with information and complete, but is not overburdened. The mechanics are a simple attribute + skill style system with a few gimmicks around skill use. Technology seems based closely on real world predictions and takes up a hefty section of the book. However, don't expect extensive cyberware and prosthetics. Even Occultech (Tech using traditional Japanese occult practices) is pretty subdued, often to the extent that the user may be unaware of the occult part at work.

Sounds good.

What I want to know, and nobody's been able to answer for me so far, so maybe this thread can, is how the game is a horror game.  Looking at the character sheet, I don't see anything like a Sanity stat or a stat that would be used in some kind of fear-related test, and from the descriptions people have posted, I hear about monster stats and cyberpunk technology, but nothing related to how this game helps me nail the alien feel of J-horror.  Obviously, a SAN stat does not a horror game make, but I've yet to hear what makes this a "horror" game, and if it's backed up mechanically.

I'm worried this is an action game against J-horror monsters and not necessarily a horror game in a cybered-out future, and while I really want to buy it -- I had to stop myself from doing so last night -- I also don't want to buy a game that does nothing to promote horror.

Quote from: Future Villain Band;602348Looking at the character sheet, I don't see anything like a Sanity stat or a stat that would be used in some kind of fear-related test, and from the descriptions people have posted, I hear about monster stats and cyberpunk technology, but nothing related to how this game helps me nail the alien feel of J-horror.

There is a Horror stat on supernatural monsters that is effectively a Willpower Characteristic test or suffer a penalty from fear.  Other than that, there is no attempt to model psychological effects of horror.

Supernatural creatures tend to be terrifying on a mechanical level much the same way as they are in a movie. They break a lot of rules and the PCs may not even be able to effect them i.e. ghosts are insubstantial, tengu can't be slain by ordinary weapons. Certain occult techniques may work, such as an exorcism, but these are all pretty rare, low key and unreliable.  

To be honest, the system is the sort where it simply simulates the physics of the world and it does little to support any particular part of the game (be it horror or action). The horror in Kuro comes through the story, setting, inspirations, advice and the concepts that it explores.

That sounds to my liking.

RPGPundit

My guess is that, despite it being high quality, it will eventually fall into obscurity, mostly due to the limited (and somewhat unusual) support for it.

However, I do love the subdued dark urban near future vibe it has. And will look to grab Makkuro and Tensei when released.

So it's not very narrative then?

Quote from: CRKrueger;602873So it's not very narrative then?

I don't think there is even a hint of narrative, metagame or story-game mechanics under most people's definitions

Quote from: Skywalker;602883I don't think there is even a hint of narrative, metagame or story-game mechanics under most people's definitions

Sweet! :cool:

Another Kuro review: http://www.geeknative.com/35055/kuro-review/

Kuro seems destined to remain a niche RPG, which is entirely understandable given its niche concept. However, C7 have finally released Makkura the second book of the trilogy; http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product/133534/Kuro--Makkura

Makkura is a series of 6 scenarios forming a campaign that literally evolves the setting from the near future horror of Kuro to mythical fantasy of Kuro Tensei. From what I can see the scenarios look pretty good, dripping with Japanese occult ideas, though they seem to attempt a strong narrative which I think people who don't like pre-written adventures may struggle with.

Unfortunately, it seems likely that it will be another 18 months before we see Kuro Tensei which acts as the end of the Makkura campaign or as a separate sister RPG.

Its almost like Kuro is the concept of a metaplot campaign distilled down to its essence. Though I would normally avoid metaplot (its a dirty word don't you know) I don't think its such a bad thing in such a niche concept RPG like Kuro. In many ways, I see the trilogy less as an RPG and more as a campaign with rules attached, a little like Orpheus was. Regardless of whether its works, I find it an interesting concept and enjoy seeing a traditional style horror RPG that doesn't rely on Cthulhu

There's also a free demo of Kuro here: http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product/124783/Kuro--Last-Stop

They need to start kickstarting translation teams.  Still waiting for the Third Yggdrasil book, not to mention Keltia.

Quote from: CRKrueger;776817They need to start kickstarting translation teams.  Still waiting for the Third Yggdrasil book, not to mention Keltia.

As a Qin fan, you can suck your Yggdrasil woes

Keltia is up next I think.

I expect that some of the issue has been the run away success of The One Ring and Dr Who.

What I want, be it in English or French (couldn't find it in France) is Qin: Shaolin et Wudang. The sourcebook for 1700s CE China, with the closing down of the Shaolin monastery and all.