Regency Cthulhu Review

Regency Cthulhu is a fascinating expansion to the Call of Cthulhu RPG, blending Lovecraftian horror with the elegance and rigid social structures of the Regency era. As a fan of both cosmic horror and historical drama, I was eager to dive in. Having played and run the game multiple times, I can confidently say that it delivers a unique, engaging experience—though it isn’t without its flaws. Let’s break it down.

Setting (A)

The Regency era is an incredible backdrop for a Cthulhu game, filled with intricate social dynamics, high society drama, and hidden horrors. The game successfully captures the period’s atmosphere, providing players with numerous roleplaying opportunities, whether they’re high-ranking nobles, tradesmen, or scandal-ridden figures seeking redemption. The inclusion of period-accurate maps and historical details adds authenticity, making the setting one of the strongest aspects of the book.

Art (C)

Unfortunately, the artwork is a mixed bag. While the monster designs are appropriately eerie and well-done, the overall visual cohesion of the book feels inconsistent. The illustrations appear to have been created by multiple artists without a unifying artistic direction, leading to a lack of stylistic consistency. Additionally, while the historical Regency aesthetic is well-represented, a stronger infusion of horror elements throughout the book's art would have enhanced its eerie tone.

System Playability (B)

Regency Cthulhu retains the classic percentile-based Call of Cthulhu system, making it familiar for veteran players. However, it introduces a new Reputation mechanic to reflect social standing and scandals, which, while thematically fitting, can add an extra layer of crunch that may not appeal to all groups. While some tables will find it enhances gameplay, others may find it slows down the narrative. As with any game, house rules can help tailor the experience to fit the group’s needs.

Ease of Use (B)

The book is well-structured, providing detailed historical context, pre-made NPCs, and well-developed setting information. However, one notable omission is a social calendar, which would have been invaluable for guiding players and Keepers through the nuances of Regency society. While experienced GMs can fill in these gaps, new players might find this oversight makes running the game more challenging. That said, the book provides solid tools for character creation and campaign structuring.

Overall Quality (A)

Chaosium has done an excellent job producing a high-quality book. The hardcover binding is durable, the pages are of high-quality glossy material, and the included ribbon bookmark is a thoughtful touch. The text is well-formatted and easy to read, with well-placed illustrations to break up the content. Despite some issues with art direction, the physical product itself is of great quality.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Pros:

  • Immersive and well-researched Regency setting.

  • Unique dual experience of social intrigue and cosmic horror.

  • High-quality production with durable materials.

  • Reputation system adds an interesting social layer.

Cons:

  • Inconsistent art direction.

  • Reputation system can feel cumbersome for some groups.

  • Lacks a detailed social calendar, which would help with immersion.

Final Verdict (B+)

Regency Cthulhu is a fantastic addition to the Call of Cthulhu line, offering a compelling mix of period drama and horror. While it could benefit from a more cohesive artistic vision and additional setting tools, it remains an engaging and worthwhile experience. If you love either Cthulhu or the Regency era, this game is a must-try. With the right group and some minor adjustments, it can make for some of the most unique roleplaying experiences you’ll ever have.