"Dawnfall: Aitechnocene" Review

Dawnfall: Aitechnocene is a post-apocalyptic TTRPG from Se7en Sagas where players become survivors in a world overrun by artificial intelligence. This quickstart guide introduces the game's unique diceless mechanics, emphasizing narrative, player choices, and resource management including skills, advantages, and characters' passions. There's even this Effort counters you can download for free and give the game a go. The scenario The Water Dilemma involves players in moral and strategic dilemmas about scarce resource distribution, highlighting the importance of decisions in a challenging survival setting.

However, the irreverent author Rui Anselmo made a risky and no less controversial move by using AI to produce not only the art but also the writing of the game. 


A Máquina do RPG does not endorse the use of AI to produce any content that can be sold or financed. However, it is not Máquina's place to judge, but rather to bring discussion and encourage lateral thinking. There was even an interesting conversation with Anselmo about these and other issues surrounding Dawnfall.

That being said, A Máquina will proceed with the rest of the review without the unnecessary criticism of the art and text of Dawnfall being obviously AI.

As usual, let's start with the cover.

The cover immediately evokes a post-apocalyptic world, setting the stage for an immersive RPG.

The cover has amazing colors and reflects the game's post-apocalyptic and technologically driven narrative. Even though the radioactive orange dust tones are not the most original palette, they prove to be effective in establishing the tone of the game world. AI-created art can offer unique and compelling visuals that might not be bound by traditional artistic constraints, allowing for innovative interpretations of the game's themes. However, this reliance on AI also raises discussions about authenticity and creativity in art, as well as concerns about the impact on traditional artists. The cover, as a first point of engagement, thus becomes not just a window into the game's world but also a statement on the evolving relationship between technology and creativity in the realm of game design and storytelling.

In this sense, Anselmo is both daring and brilliant, perhaps comparable to that of Kazimir Malevich when he painted the Black Square, thus establishing the zero point of painting, the groundbreaking reductive approach and ongoing influence on minimalist art in 1915. Misunderstood at the time, misunderstood now too.

The document's artwork reflects the post-apocalyptic theme with illustrations capturing the desolation and dark atmosphere of a world dominated by out-of-control advanced technology. These evocative images are designed to immerse players in the narrative and setting, helping to establish the tone for the characters' adventures. The artistic style complements the narrative, enhancing the gaming experience by visualizing the described challenges and scenarios.

The Quickstart Guide is very well edited, displaying a balance between an aesthetic option that does not risk and one that remains suggestive, such as the headers and footers with dirt and dust decorations.

The best

The initial impression highlights its innovative diceless approach, prioritizing narrative and choices. Strengths include innovative mechanics and deep resource management, narrative focus and the morality within an engaging post-apocalyptic setting.

The worst

The weaknesses involve a learning curve for RPG novices without dice and potential analysis paralysis due to complex moral choices, which could slow down the game for less decisive groups or players preferring direct action. However, A Máquina recognizes that it did not have the opportunity to play and this may just be an unfounded fear.

The verdict

Pros

• Innovative diceless mechanics emphasize narrative depth and player choice.
• Deep resource and moral management within an engaging post-apocalyptic setting.
• Evocative art style enriches the immersive experience.

Cons

• Learning curve for players new to diceless RPG systems.
• Potential for decision paralysis from complex moral dilemmas.
• Use of AI for art and writing could be controversial, alienating some audiences.