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When you think of pen-and-paper roleplaying games, names like Dungeons & Dragons, Shadowrun, and Vampire: The Masquerade likely come to mind. While these classics might not be universally familiar, tabletop RPGs have thrived in the West since the 1970s, significantly influencing video game culture. Playing these games, however, requires time, dedication, and a bit of imagination. Galaxy of Pen & Paper, developed by Behold Studios, captures the spirit of these tabletop games, specifically parodying Dungeons & Dragons, while streamlining the experience for the modern gamer. This retro space adventure allows players to embark on intergalactic quests without the need for extensive rulebooks and scheduling conflicts.

alt text describing the gameplay in Galaxy of Pen & Paper

A Hilarious Homage to Classic Sci-Fi

Galaxy of Pen & Paper begins with the creation of three characters: a gamemaster and two players, expanding to five later. As spacefaring adventurers in the DURPS universe (a parody of GURPS), players pilot their custom-named spaceship, undertaking missions ranging from thwarting space pirates to fetching coffee for a dragon. The game’s humor shines through the gamemaster’s narration, blurring the lines between the game and real life, and referencing numerous classic sci-fi works, including a cyberpunk city named Neo Tokeeo. The game’s 8-bit aesthetic and synthwave soundtrack enhance the retro vibe, evoking a nostalgic sense of 80s and 90s sci-fi. While the main campaign lacks a cohesive narrative, the game’s strength lies in its witty pop culture references, such as quoting Bohemian Rhapsody or discussing the TV show Chroma Squad (another Behold Studios game).

A Galaxy of Content

Galaxy of Pen & Paper boasts an abundance of content. Beyond the main campaign, players can create custom missions, including hunts, intercepts (ship battles), resource collection, and escort missions. Random encounters occur as players navigate the star map, offering opportunities for exploration and rewards, but also the risk of ambush. Modules provide the most compelling side stories, offering unique objectives and temporary NPCs that bolster the party’s strength.

alt text describing the character creation and stats in Galaxy of Pen & Paper

Tactical Turn-Based Combat

Characters have four core stats: Power (damage), Body (health, armor, threat), Mind (SP, mental armor), and Sense (armor regeneration, initiative, critical hit chance). Combat utilizes a row-based system, with front-row characters gaining damage bonuses and back-row characters gaining threat bonuses and protection from melee attacks. Strategic abilities allow players to manipulate enemy positions, creating tactical advantages. The game also lets players customize battles, offering control over enemy numbers and difficulty, balancing risk and reward for experience and loot. This freedom reflects the gamemaster’s role in traditional tabletop RPGs.

Lost in Space?

Despite its solid foundation, Galaxy of Pen & Paper falls short in some areas. Boss battles feel repetitive, lacking unique mechanics beyond high damage, area attacks, healing, and debuffs. The strategic depth of turn-based combat feels limited, with little incentive for delaying actions. Ship combat, similarly, boils down to rolling dice for action points, choosing between attacking, upgrading, repairing, or re-rolling, lacking engaging complexity.

alt text showing combat in Galaxy of Pen & Paper

Conclusion: A Fun but Flawed Adventure

Galaxy of Pen & Paper successfully captures the charm of tabletop RPGs with its humor and retro aesthetic. While the abundance of content and customizable missions offer replayability, the shallow combat system and repetitive boss battles ultimately hold it back. While enjoyable for a time, the lack of strategic depth prevents it from reaching its full potential. Despite its flaws, Galaxy of Pen & Paper provides a lighthearted and accessible entry point into the world of tabletop-inspired RPGs, especially for those seeking a nostalgic trip back to the golden age of sci-fi.