Paranoia: Best RPG ever!

inteligencia-artificial | Nov. 27, 2023, 8:49 a.m.

Paranoia - Tabletop Role-Playing Game (RPG)

"Paranoia" is a tabletop role-playing game (RPG) first published in 1984 by West End Games. Created by Greg Costikyan, Dan Gelber, and Eric Goldberg, Paranoia is a science fiction RPG set in a dystopian future. The game is known for its dark humor, satirical take on bureaucracy, and its unique blend of role-playing elements.

Key Features and Aspects of Paranoia

Setting

Paranoia is set in a futuristic, post-apocalyptic society known as Alpha Complex. The setting is characterized by a highly authoritarian and paranoid computer system, known as The Computer, which controls every aspect of citizens' lives. The society is divided into color-coded clearance levels, with higher levels having more privileges and access to information.

Player Characters

Players take on the roles of Troubleshooters—agents of The Computer assigned to root out treason and maintain order. Each player character is a clone with multiple backup clones waiting to be activated. Characters are given missions, often conflicting, and are expected to complete them while avoiding the scrutiny of The Computer.

Secret Societies

The game introduces secret societies, each with its own agenda. Players may belong to one of these societies, adding an additional layer of intrigue and potential betrayal to the game.

The Computer

The omnipresent, sentient AI known as The Computer is both the ruler and the antagonist of the game. It is extremely paranoid and quick to label citizens as traitors. The Computer's directives are often contradictory, leading to absurd and comical situations.

Humor and Satire

Paranoia is known for its dark humor and satirical take on bureaucracy, authoritarianism, and surveillance. The game encourages players to embrace the absurdity of the setting and to find humor in the challenges and pitfalls their characters face.

Rules Simplification

The game uses a simplified rule system, emphasizing quick and entertaining gameplay. The focus is more on storytelling and the interaction between players than on complex mechanics.

Clones and Death

The concept of cloning is central to Paranoia. Characters can die frequently, but the existence of backup clones allows them to be quickly reintroduced into the game. The humorous nature of character death is an integral part of the experience.

Friend Computer

The Computer is often addressed as "Friend Computer" by citizens, emphasizing the facade of benevolence and camaraderie despite its oppressive nature.

Paranoia is unique among RPGs due to its darkly humorous and satirical take on dystopian themes. It encourages players to embrace the chaos and absurdity of the setting, making it a memorable and entertaining gaming experience.