Depersonalization is a strategy indie RPG with simulation and adventure elements available on PC that draws directly from the Cthulhu Mythos. Players take on the role of an investigator created by Yog-Sothoth, crossing between worlds to repair broken timelines while navigating bizarre and morally complex stories.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on clue collection, dice-based checks, and branching events that push the narrative toward or away from hidden truths. Actions extend beyond combat to include bribery, theft, trading, intimidation, or stealth approaches that can eliminate threats without direct confrontation. Forbidden knowledge unlocks spells that deliver powerful effects but carry side effects that demand careful use.
Character progression relies on inherited experiences from completed modules. These turn into traits that grant specialized abilities across playthroughs. Mythos items provide additional power-ups when collected and applied strategically. Companions join the investigator over time, each bringing unique stories and combat support once unlocked through story progression.
Game Modes
The game organizes content into distinct module types. Exploration modules emphasize open investigation and world traversal. Text modules deliver visual novel style storytelling with heavy focus on dialogue and choices. Rules modules introduce structured mechanics and systems for deeper simulation. The large module Cursenday's Black Carnival expands on these foundations with extensive narrative branches and collectible content.
A built-in creation mode lets players build and share original modules through an editor. This supports text-focused stories, rules-heavy designs, or free-form exploration worlds. The workshop currently hosts over fifty playable modules created by the community, with regular co-creation events adding fresh content.
Collectibles and Progression
Collectible systems reward thorough exploration across modules. Endings unlock permanent traits available to all future investigators. Spells, companions, and mythos items expand options for solving checks and altering story paths. Multiple endings per module encourage repeated play to access every variation and the associated rewards.
Randomness from dice rolls introduces variability that suits both newcomers learning tabletop mechanics and experienced players seeking different outcomes on subsequent runs.
Is It Worth Playing?
Depersonalization suits players who enjoy narrative-driven RPGs with strong writing and Cthulhu Mythos themes. The emphasis on choice-driven storytelling, moral flexibility, and modular content provides substantial replay value through different endings and inherited traits. Very positive review scores reflect appreciation for the writing and unique blend of investigation, dice mechanics, and creative freedom.
Those seeking straightforward action or high player counts may find the slower pace and focus on text and decision-making less appealing. The game remains actively supported with new modules and translations, making it a solid choice for fans of indie strategy RPGs centered on cosmic horror and player-created content.
