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Oddball_E8 · Sat 22 Nov 2025, 19:57

Just got my package in the mail and I'm not super happy...

The dice bag smells like fresh fish and I had to rip the box that held the cards open because it was so tight I couldn't get it opened even when trying to pry it with a tool. Might as well have just put them in plastic like the cards in rapture protocol since I can't use that box again.

Other than those physical complaints, I think I agree with many of the other complaints put up here about how the game is more geared towards miniatures and that Hopes Last Day is like a lesser shadow of the original scenario in the previous edition.

Not super happy, I'm afraid.

I'll try a test game of HLD and see if there's improvements in the rules that I'd like to keep, but other than that, I can't really recommend this to anyone who already owns the original.

And that makes me very sad. I expected more from Free League. If this is the general direction of future games, I don't think it's a good thing.

uscssrookie · Sun 23 Nov 2025, 07:46

I have been implementing the rules over the last few months over the different pdf versions of the rules, and honestly feel it polishes things a bit. I wanted to reach out because I too am someone who does not like the new maps (my dice bag didn’t smell great either but wasn’t like fish!). I have no intention of using the miniatures and being that “mappy” with my games. IMO the theater of the mind works much better. One reason I liked ALIEN more than D and D, which was my entry point to RPGs. Don’t plan on going there.

I think that the biggest improvement Is the Panic and Stress. The new system prevents some of the near comical and almost always frustrating “panic spirals” that could occur. Armor is a bit simpler which i like, though I’m not sold yet on the more intricate ammo stuff. To me I always liked how the ammo ran out during an unfortunate stress roll: made it more cinematic! Not sure on stunt changes either…

I would hybridize the rules as needed for your game. Best of luck and enjoy!

_ArthurDallas_ · Sun 23 Nov 2025, 08:51

Just got my package in the mail and I'm not super happy...

The dice bag smells like fresh fish and I had to rip the box that held the cards open because it was so tight I couldn't get it opened even when trying to pry it with a tool. Might as well have just put them in plastic like the cards in rapture protocol since I can't use that box again.

Other than those physical complaints, I think I agree with many of the other complaints put up here about how the game is more geared towards miniatures and that Hopes Last Day is like a lesser shadow of the original scenario in the previous edition.

Not super happy, I'm afraid.

I'll try a test game of HLD and see if there's improvements in the rules that I'd like to keep, but other than that, I can't really recommend this to anyone who already owns the original.

And that makes me very sad. I expected more from Free League. If this is the general direction of future games, I don't think it's a good thing.

MutantFromMars · Mon 24 Nov 2025, 00:03

The smell from the dice bag mostly wears off after a couple of weeks. Mostly....

Fenhorn · Mon 24 Nov 2025, 01:20

My bag didn't smell. Must be a specific batch of bags I guess. Why not use some baking powder for a couple of days.

I remember when I got the 1st printing core rulebook, that one had a really strong smell, but after a couple of days with some magic powder it was smell free.

_ArthurDallas_ · Mon 24 Nov 2025, 08:15

My bag didn't smell. Must be a specific batch of bags I guess. Why not use some baking powder for a couple of days.

I remember when I got the 1st printing core rulebook, that one had a really strong smell, but after a couple of days with some magic powder it was smell free.

...

Fenhorn, you're a true culinary expert, my friend hahaha! (I know, it was too easy to make). Seriously, your idea is excellent. My bag of dice smells terrible too, I'm going to do this. Thanks...

Arthur

_ArthurDallas_ · Mon 24 Nov 2025, 08:19

The smell from the dice bag mostly wears off after a couple of weeks. Mostly....

...

MutantFromMars, looks like you're using Newt's phrase...and they mostly come at night...mostly...hahahah! I'm sure it's intentional... you're putting fan service in your writing, hahaha!

Arthur.

MutantFromMars · Mon 24 Nov 2025, 17:28

Well caught,

decanox · Mon 24 Nov 2025, 20:26

In my case (in Europe), the bag doesn't stink.

On the other hand, It depends on taste. In my group, they love the visual aspect, and they like minis.

I think 2nd edition it's really similar to 1st. In several aspects, it's an improvement. For example: Stress, Stealth Mode, Life Paths, Armor... In general, It seems more streamlined (less dice rolls).

Other things are not so clear for me: the Maps feel small or some kind of cartoonish since there must be spaces for minis. I'm concerned too about the ammo (at first, It seems it's difficult to spend a magazine).

Since there are minis, It would be nice to include a modular map expansion (similar to the Blade Runner Asset Pack but modular). There are few Maps now... I have purchased the typical big book with generic sci-fi maps and blank templates to make your own maps with a rewritable pen but, of course, It's not the same.

_ArthurDallas_ · Mon 24 Nov 2025, 23:54

In my case (in Europe), the bag doesn't stink.

On the other hand, It depends on taste. In my group, they love the visual aspect, and they like minis.

I think 2nd edition it's really similar to 1st. In several aspects, it's an improvement. For example: Stress, Stealth Mode, Life Paths, Armor... In general, It seems more streamlined (less dice rolls).

Other things are not so clear for me: the Maps feel small or some kind of cartoonish since there must be spaces for minis. I'm concerned too about the ammo (at first, It seems it's difficult to spend a magazine).

Since there are minis, It would be nice to include a modular map expansion (similar to the Blade Runner Asset Pack but modular). There are few Maps now... I have purchased the typical big book with generic sci-fi maps and blank templates to make your own maps with a rewritable pen but, of course, It's not the same.

...

Hey Decanox, thanks for the constructive feedback. And especially for the comments from someone who have started using the new rules. I like your idea for the generic maps; I'm going to buy some. I agree about the Evolved maps; they have a cartoonish style (I've been saying that from the start), but it's pretty much too late to go back (on the drawing tables) for Free League (they will have to keep the concept). I still think they're pretty somehow. I've made quite a few maps (unofficial) with the Evolved design (HLD and CotG), and I'm currently working on Destroyer of Worlds with the Evolved design style. Heart of Darkness will probably be impossible to make unless we revise the size of the space station (otherwise, it'll be 3-4 rooms per map with way too many maps). Thanks again for the feedback my friend.

Arthur.

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