Mothership vs Tales from the Loop
Compare Mothership and Tales from the Loop side by side. See differences in complexity, dice, genre, cost, and more.
| Mothership | Tales from the Loop | |
|---|---|---|
| Genre | Scifi, Horror | Scifi, Modern |
| Play Style | Rules-Light, Deadly, One-Shot Friendly, Survival, Atmospheric, Low-Prep, Cinematic, Fast-Paced | Narrative, Beginner-Friendly, Character-Driven, Mystery, Rules-Light, Licensed IP |
| Core Mechanic | Roll d100 under stat/skill. Stress and panic mechanics escalate tension. | Roll a d6 dice pool (attribute + skill). Each 6 is a success. Push to reroll failures but take a Condition. Kids cannot die: instead they accumulate Conditions (Upset, Scared, Exhausted, Injured, Broken) and must roleplay recovery with anchors. |
| Dice | d100 | d6 dice pool |
| Complexity | Low | Low |
| Accessibility | High | Medium |
| Runnability | High | High |
| License | 3rd Party License | Year Zero Engine OGL |
| Cost | $ | $$ |
| Publisher | Tuesday Knight Games | Free League Publishing |
| Year | 2022 | 2017 |
| Best For | Terrifying sci-fi horror one-shots and short campaigns. Panic table creates unforgettable moments. | Groups wanting a rules-light, nostalgia-driven RPG about kids solving sci-fi mysteries in an alternate 1980s: Stranger Things meets E.T. |
| Highlights | Rules-light, well-regarded module library, panic system creates mechanical tension | Very simple rules, distinctive 1980s setting, Conditions system encourages roleplay over combat, accessible for new players and younger teens |
| Considerations | Panic table can cascade and end sessions abruptly, limited long-campaign support in core rules, stress mechanics can feel repetitive over extended play | Trouble mechanic resolution can feel arbitrary, limited mechanical differentiation between kid characters, investigation pacing relies heavily on GM skill, sessions can stall without clear mystery structure |