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Game Review

3 Kids in a Trench Coat: A Whimsical Dive into Cooperative Storytelling

By February 8, 2024No Comments

In the world of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs), where dragons soar and dungeons await, “3 Kids in a Trench Coat” emerges as a breath of fresh air, offering a lighthearted and imaginative escape into the realm of cooperative storytelling. This game cleverly subverts traditional TTRPG mechanics, focusing instead on the whimsical adventures of three kids stacked atop one another, masquerading as an adult in a comically oversized trench coat. The game’s unique premise serves as the foundation for a narrative experience filled with humor, creativity, and the inevitable chaos of trying to blend into adult society from the perspective of precocious children.

At its core, “3 Kids in a Trench Coat” emphasizes role-playing and teamwork over complex mechanics or combat. Players must navigate the world, solve puzzles, and interact with NPCs (non-player characters) through the collective effort of the kids. Each player controls one of the kids, contributing their unique skills and perspectives to overcome obstacles and achieve their objectives, which range from the mundane to the fantastical. This setup encourages players to think outside the box and collaborate closely, making for a highly engaging and often hilarious gaming experience.

The ruleset of “3 Kids in a Trench Coat” is designed to be accessible and flexible, catering to both seasoned TTRPG veterans and newcomers alike. The game eschews dense rulebooks in favor of simple, intuitive mechanics that prioritize storytelling and improvisation. The character creation process reflects this, focusing on the kids’ personalities, quirks, and imaginative solutions rather than traditional stats and abilities. This approach allows players to dive into the game quickly and keeps the focus on the narrative and role-playing.

One of the standout features of “3 Kids in a Trench Coat” is its potential for endless creativity. Since the game is set in a modern world seen through the eyes of children, the scenarios and challenges presented can be as grounded or fantastical as the players desire. From attempting to purchase a video game without an adult to embarking on a quest to retrieve a lost pet in a mysterious forest, the game seamlessly blends everyday dilemmas with elements of adventure and fantasy.

The game’s emphasis on cooperative problem-solving and the hilarity of its premise naturally foster a sense of camaraderie among players. As the kids (players) navigate their self-imposed missions, they must constantly communicate and strategize, leading to memorable moments of triumph, mishaps, and laughter. This focus on teamwork and shared storytelling makes “3 Kids in a Trench Coat” an excellent choice for groups looking for a game that is as much about building friendships as it is about the adventure itself.

In conclusion, “3 Kids in a Trench Coat” stands out in the crowded TTRPG landscape as a delightful and inventive game that champions creativity, teamwork, and the sheer joy of storytelling. Its light-hearted premise, combined with a flexible ruleset, makes for an accessible and endlessly entertaining gaming experience. Whether you’re a group of experienced role-players looking for a change of pace or newcomers seeking an introduction to the world of TTRPGs, “3 Kids in a Trench Coat” promises a journey filled with laughter, bonding, and the unforgettable antics of kids attempting to navigate the adult world.

By Donaven Craddock