Fari RPGs and publisher Mythworks have launched a crowdfunding campaign for Breathless: Frightmare Edition, a remastered and expanded version of the acclaimed survival horror roleplaying game. This new edition transitions the original two-page brochure into a “STORYPAK” format, housed in a nostalgic retro-VHS case designed for immediate, portable play.
To celebrate the launch, the creators have made the original 2022 edition of the roleplaying game free to download on itch.io. This move provides a low-barrier entry point for survivors looking to test the “rules-bright” mechanics before committing to the physical production, which features updated layouts by DNGN CLUB and new gameplay modules.
Mechanical Tension and Fatigue
At the heart of the system is a dice-degradation mechanic that effectively simulates the exhaustion of a zombie apocalypse. Characters assign different polyhedral dice to their skills; however, every time a skill is used, that die steps down in size (for example, from a d10 to a d8). This creates a visceral sense of dwindling resources, forcing players to decide when to “catch their breath.” Resting resets the dice but grants the Game Master a free hand to introduce a narrative consequence, ensuring the pressure never truly dissipates.
The Frightmare Edition introduces “Grit,” a d12 resource that can be used once per session to push through dire circumstances. It also emphasises a “loot, shoot, survive” loop where equipment carries its own durability dice. This focus on tabletop mechanics ensures that survival is a constant calculation rather than a simple power fantasy.
A Modular Apocalypse
The Storypak format is more than a stylistic choice. It contains six reusable player pamphlets and four “Journeys” written by M. Allen Hall. These journeys serve as self-contained scenarios or campaign starters, providing locations, obstacles, and escalation points. Because the pamphlets are compatible with dry-erase markers, the game removes the need for traditional character sheets, leaning into its identity as a pick-up-and-play title.
Breathless is a survival horror roleplaying game where you play as survivors trying to stay alive in a world plagued by the undead. The original game fits on two sides of a letter-sized sheet of paper, making it the perfect game to print at home.
This remastered version maintains that accessibility while offering the depth expected from a full retail release. The inclusion of rules for creating custom “Havens” and “Journeys” suggests a longevity that the original micro-game lacked, anchoring it as a more robust tool for long-term play.
Funding and Rewards
The campaign offers a straightforward path for backers, focusing on the physical Storypak’s utility. The digital tier, priced at $20 (approximately £15), provides the necessary PDF files for those who prefer to print at home. However, the physical Standard Edition at $40 (approximately £30) includes the VHS packaging and the full suite of eleven dry-erase pamphlets. For those seeking a more aesthetic addition to their shelf, the $50 (approximately £38) Special Edition STORYPAK offers limited-edition packaging with the same core contents.
The project is an all-or-nothing campaign with a funding deadline of Thursday, May 7, 2026. Mythworks estimates that the finished roleplaying game will begin delivery to backers in January 2027.
