Review by Frank Plowright

Based on a role-playing game, Crystal Heart is a very literal title referring to a process whereby hunters of valuable crystals must sacrifice their hearts in order to lodge crystals giving them assorted powers. It’s a clever idea, being a form of instruction manual for the world and characters, as an adventure is constructed by four people playing a game. The mysteries of the story, then, are those experienced by the players, who frequently interrupt the game for explanations.

In the interests of fairness, it should be disclosed that your reviewer has never taken part in RPG sessions, so the review is by someone immersing themselves in the world for the first time. Conversely it’s possible more seasoned players will find Crystal Heart too simple. What transmits is that a good game needs an adaptable and creative game master. However, in terms of plot the randomness of adding a die throw means improbable twists, which add to the fun of a game, but which are narrative shortcomings. That noted, whether down to Eran Aviram’s writing or the original game, there are also consistently interesting small moments, such as the town’s crazy woman allowed to voice the feelings of a community no matter how rude or unpalatable.

Aviv Or illustrates in a bright and friendly style adaptable to both the world of the game being played and ‘reality’, with neither world being diminished for switching between them. Her task is more difficult than that of most artists for not only having to incorporate dialogue balloons, but also to show how dice rolls effect outcomes and possibilities.

Confirmed RPG addicts will surely welcome Crystal Heart as both a thorough explanation of a world, and a guide to potential, while anyone looking for an introduction to RPGs should find this user-friendly. Clocking in at over three hundred pages it’s a dense guide at a bargain price.