Powered by the Apocalypse is a tabletop role-playing game system that debuted in the 2010 indie hit Apocalypse World. Created by Meguey and Vincent Baker, PbtA offers the familiarity of TTRPGs like Dungeons & Dragons with unique mechanics to create impressive, dynamic stories.
For history nerds looking to immerse themselves in the 1970s or even as far back as ancient Rome, let's breakdown a few PbtA games that have a historical focus.
MASHED
Reminiscent of the TV series M*A*S*H, Mark Plemmons' MASHED explores the lives of Korean War medics. The game focuses on the dramatic events that occur within the surgery tent and outside of it. As the casualties of war pile up, players deal with trauma while falling in love, picking fights and climbing ranks. For easy setup, players can utilize the Casualty Cards deck, the Wound Cards deck and the Instruction Cards to generate random patients and battlefield medics. However, these cards are optional and not required to play MASHED.
Alas for the Awful Sea
Alas for the Awful Sea is described as "a grim world of suspicion, sadness, and desperation." In it, a deadly storm washes the player's ship to shore leaving them stranded in a poverty-stricken town torn apart by crime and greed. Based on the Scottish Hebrides myth, Alas for the Awful Sea forces players and their crew to make deals, find answers and pick sides in a divided town. Due to the complicated nature of the town's politics, it's doubtful all players will choose the same side, making for an interesting dilemma.
Velvet Glove
Velvet Glove transports players to the '70s, where they can step into the shoes of a teenage girl who has become involved with a girl gang on the American streets. This coming-of-age RPG is inspired by exploitation films like Faster Pussycat and Switchblade Sisters. Much like the TTRPG Monsterhearts, players explore topics like drugs, sex and crime with a high school backdrop. Parents aren't cool, and teachers are lame, but the neighborhood streets at least offer excitement for those that can dig it.
RUMA: Dawn of Empire
Set in alternate-history version of the Roman Empire, RUMA: Dawn of Empire is perfect for mythology nerds. The goal is to bring civilization to the uncivilized, and players take on the roles of troops or specialists within the Ruman forces. The options are endless. Become a legendary warrior, a learned mage or an enslaved gladiator who fights their way to freedom. In a world where magic is real, it's expected players will be tasked with investigating any unusual and dangerous obstacles that hinder the Empire's aggressive expansion.
Dream Apart
Developed by Benjamin Rosenbaum, Dream Apart is a Jewish fantasy of the shtetl where you play as a Jew in a market town nestled in the Eastern European countryside. In the surrounding cities, the Industrial Revolution has begun burying the small towns between them. The Jews of shtetl must outwit or outlast those that mean to do them harm in an often hostile Christendom. Among the historical theme, Dream Apart also introduces mythology and drama in a world that contains demons, murder and scandal. It is recommended for three to six players for three or four hour sessions.
Noir World
Noir World is an RPG that is inspired by old school noir-style films. The atmosphere is moody; in this world, it's always raining, and the streets are overcast and gray. Here, the goal is to make a movie. Noir World is a collaborative experience where everyone is a director and actor. There are over 20 roles to choose from, including the classics like the Good Cop, Dirty Cop and the Fatale. Players are in control of the story, and the options are plentiful. In Noir World, players can make some pretty stellar movies, but not all have happy endings.
Spirit of 77
Spirit of 77 is described as "funky high octane action at its best!" In this self-proclaimed role-playing roller-coaster, the focus is kung-fu tough guys, fuel-burning dragsters and red hot mommas. Spirit of 77 doesn't take itself too seriously, focusing on fun rather than historical accuracy. In this world, President Nixon made a deal with aliens to win the Vietnam War and has remained in power for more than a decade since. Big explosions and sticking it to The Man are the central themes of this zany RPG.