Cthulhu by Gaslight Review

If you’re a fan of Call of Cthulhu and the gothic allure of Victorian England, Cthulhu by Gaslight might just be your next favorite supplement. Published by Chaosium and updated for the 7th Edition, this Player’s Guide brings together cosmic horror and historical roleplay, providing a rich playground for both investigators and Keepers.

Opening Thoughts

Cthulhu by Gaslight is a robust resource for players and Keepers who love the intersection of historical intrigue and cosmic dread. While it doesn’t redefine the Call of Cthulhu experience, it successfully adapts the Mythos to a richly detailed Victorian setting. The guide is approachable, well-produced, and faithful to the source material.

Setting (B)

The backdrop of Cthulhu by Gaslight is none other than Victorian England, immortalized in countless works of literature and film. From foggy cobblestone streets to opulent drawing rooms, the setting is as iconic as it is atmospheric. While the premise of blending Cthulhu Mythos with Victorian intrigue isn’t groundbreaking, it remains a solid and evocative choice. It’s easy to visualize and adapt, making it an accessible entry point for players and Keepers alike.

Art (B)

Visuals play a significant role in immersing players in the world of Cthulhu by Gaslight. The artwork is detailed, atmospheric, and evocative of the era. However, while the quality is undeniably high, it’s not boundary-pushing enough to evoke a visceral, sanity-shattering reaction. It’s a job well done, but it doesn’t redefine expectations for RPG art.

System Playability (B)

The supplement uses Chaosium’s Basic Roleplaying System, which operates on percentile mechanics. If you’ve played Call of Cthulhu, the rules will feel immediately familiar. The system’s simplicity ensures that even newcomers can grasp it quickly. However, Keepers are advised to use rolls sparingly to avoid unnecessary frustration when characters inevitably fail key checks. While the mechanics are intuitive and reliable, they don’t introduce anything new or groundbreaking for seasoned players.

Ease of Use (A)

One of the standout aspects of Cthulhu by Gaslight is its accessibility. The Player’s Guide is fully self-contained, offering everything you need to create investigators and immerse yourself in the setting. You don’t need the core Call of Cthulhu books to get started, although the Keeper’s Guide (expected to follow) will complete the experience. For its self-sufficiency and streamlined design, the book excels.

Overall Quality (A)

As expected from Chaosium, the production quality is top-notch. The binding is durable, the pages are well-organized, and the inclusion of a ribbon bookmark is a nice touch for keeping track of important sections during gameplay. It’s a polished product that lives up to the publisher’s reputation.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Pros:

  • Richly detailed Victorian setting.

  • High production quality with durable binding and practical features.

  • Self-contained and beginner-friendly.

  • Familiar and intuitive game system.

Cons:

  • Doesn’t break new ground in RPG mechanics or setting innovation.

  • Artwork, while high quality, lacks a truly memorable impact.

Final Verdict (B+)

Cthulhu by Gaslight is a well-crafted supplement that delivers exactly what it promises: a faithful adaptation of the Cthulhu Mythos to Victorian England. While it doesn’t break new ground, it excels in providing a rich and immersive setting for investigators eager to explore historical horror. Whether you’re a player looking to dive into the 19th century or a Keeper crafting narratives of dread and despair, this book is a worthwhile addition to your collection. Highly recommended for fans of Call of Cthulhu and historical RPGs alike.