Alone Against The Static: Into the Black Hills

There’s just something about isolation in a setting. By separating them from potential sources of help and their connections to the world, it works well to create atmosphere that really adds to the horror. On another level, limiting the ability of characters to escape pushes them into positions where they can face their fears and either succeed or fail at the attempt. Which is what this scenario does really well.

Alone Against the Static is a solo Call of Cthulhu module, where you play as someone who is in a strained relationship with their partner, trying to patch things up in an isolated cabin away from the distractions of modern life in the 90s. Things start easy enough, as the setting opens up and shows you the tension beneath the surface. But as you attempt to patch things up, by watching a movie on the VCR, you start hearing noises, and open some found footage style tapes and then things get really weird.

I won’t spoil the module, but the every choice you make is important here. Who you decide to play in the relationship affects you gameplay experience. This works to make the events of the module more personal to the characters, which helps you to really feel for them when something goes wrong. Also speaking of choices, there are 350+ entries in here – which can lead to hours of immersive gameplay.

Another thing to take note of is the various aids provided, to help you as a player to keep track of your investigations actions. This includes if the investigator is negatively impacted in some way – for example whether they are hungry, cold or rattled etc. This complexity allows you to experience the scenario in a stronger way, instead of writing comprehensive notes. That’s something you often can’t get unless you have a GM running the show.

Overall, Alone Against the Static is a great addition for anyone looking for an awesome horror experience. It contains a lot of twists and turns to keep you guessing what’s going to happen next. And the support provided in terms of resource packs and character checklist make this excellent for both experienced and new players alike. Check it out if you haven’t already!