WAKE.

This is good One Page RPG, trying to do something a little different. I love surreal horror. I think this RPG does compare favourably to the ‘Don’t Rest Your Head RPG’, which is a considerable achievement considering this is only one page long! It does share some factors with that other RPG, the deliberate vagueness. Here in Wake the specific background of ‘The Sleepers’ abilities are undefined. 

It is a bit light on the scenario aspects so the GM is going to have to put some hard thought into what’s going to be encountered before this is played (A bit of a weak point). The real strength of this, apart from the spooky setting, is the use of cards as a mechanic. However I found this slightly confusing in one place (How do players HAND cards get there?).  The poker hand resolution for players’ fate is a great idea, but needed some directions on implementing it. 

 The messy version of the rules with the drawing is the superior version when compared to the clean rules sheet, as the writing in the margins is very evocative and inspiring and would help if used in game;- perhaps the hospitals signs and charts are all replaced by these words?

 In summary, I think ‘Wake’ is very interesting and intriguing but I get the feeling it isn’t quite as polished as it could be, but it’s still a good skeleton upon which an imaginative GM could build upon (four out of five stars from me).