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Total Recall Image

About the Total Recall TTRPG

Total Recall: Cinematic Adventure is a tabletop role-playing game (RPG) based on the 1990 science fiction film "Total Recall," directed by Paul Verhoeven, which is inspired by Philip K. Highlander TTRPG Image Dick's short story "We Can Remember It for You Wholesale." Set in a dystopian future where advanced technology enables memory manipulation, the game invites players to explore themes of identity, reality, and espionage. In this cinematic adventure, players assume the roles of operatives navigating a complex world filled with corporate intrigue, political conflict, and the quest for personal truth. Participants embark on missions that may involve fighting against oppressive regimes, engaging in high-stakes espionage, or uncovering hidden secrets tied to their characters’ pasts. The gameplay emphasizes narrative-driven experiences, combining elements of strategy and character development. Players can tailor their characters with various skills and abilities, utilizing advanced technology and unique gadgets central to the game's setting. The mechanics of Total Recall: Cinematic Adventure include skill checks, combat encounters, and decision-making that significantly impact the storyline and character journeys. With a focus on immersive storytelling and exploration of philosophical questions about memory and identity, Total Recall: Cinematic Adventure aims to capture the dynamic and thrilling atmosphere of the original film, offering a rich role-playing experience for fans of science fiction and action narratives alike. The RPG encourages players to grapple with the implications of their choices while navigating a vividly realized world inspired by the themes of the cinematic classic.

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About The Total Recall Franchise

The Total Recall film franchise is a science fiction series based on the 1966 short story "We Can Remember It for You Wholesale" by Philip K. Dick. The franchise, known for its exploration of memory and identity, features a mix of action and suspense set against futuristic backdrops.

Total Recall (1990)

Directed by Paul Verhoeven, this film stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as Douglas Quaid, a construction worker
who discovers his life is a fabricated memory implant, uncovering a complex conspiracy on Mars. Highlander TTRPG Image Known for its groundbreaking special effects and thought-provoking narrative, it received critical and commercial success,
becoming a cult classic in the sci-fi genre.

Total Recall 2070 (1999)

This Canadian television series draws inspiration from both the original film and the Philip K. Dick story, blending
Total Recall 2070 elements from the Robocop franchise as well.Set in a dystopian future, it follows Detective David Hume and his android partner Ian Farve as they solve crimes involving memory manipulation. The series was short-lived but praised for its storytelling and thematic depth.

Total Recall (2012)

A reimagining directed by Len Wiseman, this version stars Colin Farrell as Douglas Quaid. Total Recall 2070 Departing from the Martian setting, it focuses more on a global dystopian context, with advanced technology enabling false memory implantation. This film emphasized action and special effects, receiving mixed reviews but achieving moderate box office success.

Future Projects

As of now, there have been various discussions and rumors regarding potential future projects related to the Total Recall franchise. While no official announcements for a new film or series have been confirmed, the following developments have sparked interest: While these potential projects reflect the ongoing interest in the Total Recall franchise, developments remain in the speculative phase. Fans continue to hope for new adaptations that honor the legacy of the previous films while exploring novel interpretations of Philip K. Dick's narrative.

Legacy of the Total Recall Franchise

The Total Recall franchise holds a significant place in the science fiction genre, both for its innovative storytelling and its thematic exploration of identity and reality. The original 1990 film, in particular, has left an enduring legacy due to its pioneering use of special effects and its successful blend of action and thought-provoking narrative. The film's memorable one-liners, iconic scenes, and Schwarzenegger's performance contributed to its status as a cult classic. The narrative's foundation on Philip K. Dick's work has continued to inspire discussions on the nature of reality and the potential for technology to alter human perception and memory. These themes remain relevant in contemporary society, reflecting ongoing advancements in technology and their impacts on human experience. The 2012 remake, while met with mixed reviews, introduced the story to a new generation, showcasing advances in visual effects and deepening the franchise's exploration of dystopian futures. Although it did not achieve the iconic status of the original, it reinforced the franchise's central themes for modern audiences. Overall, the Total Recall franchise is recognized for its significant contributions to science fiction cinema, influencing subsequent storytellers and sparking conversations about the convergence of human memory and technology. The franchise's enduring appeal is evident in its continued cultural references and its influence on both visual and narrative elements in science fiction media.

About the Development Team

Dave Scott

Dave is the CEO and Founder of Evil Genius Games. He has been playing tabletop roleplaying games since he was in 6th grade. Dave built his career creating technology enabled businesses that transform consumer experiences. He was the founder/cofounder of NextPlanetOver (with Milton Griepp CEO of ICv2), Marketfish, and Laughly. He has also worked for large technology businesses such as Amazon, AT&T and Twitter. Mr. Scott is also the author of two best selling marketing books - The New Rules of Lead Generation and the Essential Guide to Small Business Marketing (out of print) - and an award winning podcast called Marketing Superstars. Dave received his Bachelors of Science from The College of William & Mary and his MBA from The Wharton School.

Sigfried Trent

Sig has been playing and designing games all his life. He’s best known as the lead designer and writer of Everyday Heroes (Evil Genius Games), creator of the Advanced Feats series (Kobold Press), and as the lead of the venerable community project, The Netbook of Feats. Sigfried also writes about game design, travel, politics, and philosophy on his collection of blogs: SigTrent Games, Sig’s Thought Dispensary, Trail and Hitch, and 2 Huge In Japan.

About Evil Genius Games

Evil Genius Games, a game publisher, was founded in 2021 to launch the best modern TTRPG system that ushers in a new era in tabletop roleplaying. Its flagship product, Everyday Heroes—the spiritual successor to d20 Modern—is the ultimate, modern-day, gaming platform. Evil Genius Games also brings your favorite action movies to the gaming table with movie licenses from such titles as The Crow, Escape from New York, Highlander, Kong: Skull Island, Total Recall, Rambo, Pacific Rim, and Universal Soldier.

In 2025, Evil Genius Games plans to release Kong: Skull Island Cinematic Adventure Path and Pacific Rim Cinematic Adventure Path. Each Adventure Path promises over 100 hours of exciting gameplay plus the most comprehensive bestiary of Titans and Kaiju ever assembled. Both projects are available for pre-order here.

In the future, Evil Genius Games will unveil three, new, role-playing game lines and one product extension—Intergalactic Heroes (its science fiction system), Everyday Arcana (its urban fantasy system), and the highly-anticipated Military Heroes system. In addition to their thrilling narratives, these new products will provide exhilarating, innovative, and immersive gameplay experiences for everyone around the table.

Evil Genius Games has demonstrated extraordinary resilience and creativity, thriving through the rise and fall of industry trends. Even amidst challenges such as team resignations, a lawsuit against Netflix, and moments of controversy, the company has remained steadfast in its mission to innovate and deliver exceptional experiences to the tabletop roleplaying community, delivering one of the best TTRPG systems, and solidifying its reputation as a leader in the industry.

For more information visit www.evilgeniusgames.com.

What is a Tabletop Roleplaying Game?

A Tabletop Role-Playing Game (TTRPG) is a genre of games where players take on the roles of characters in a fictional setting, with the narrative and actions guided by a set of rules. These games are typically played in person around a table, though digital platforms such as Roll20 and Foundry VTT have expanded their accessibility online. TTRPGs are widely known for their emphasis on creativity, cooperative storytelling, and player-driven narratives, combining elements of improv theater, strategy, and chance.

In a typical TTRPG, one player takes on the role of the Game Master (GM), who is responsible for creating and controlling the world, the story, and the non-player characters (NPCs) that players interact with. The GM also enforces the game’s rules and resolves situations where dice rolls or other random mechanics come into play. The remaining players each create and control player characters (PCs), who are the protagonists of the story. These characters are typically equipped with abilities, skills, and attributes that are used to solve problems, navigate challenges, and interact with the game world.

The heart of TTRPGs is roleplaying, where players use their characters' traits, backgrounds, and motivations to make decisions and interact with the world. Players may engage in combat, exploration, puzzle-solving, and social interaction with NPCs or other players. The actions and consequences of these decisions are often determined by a combination of rules and dice rolls. For example, in Dungeons & Dragons, the outcome of an action might be determined by rolling a twenty-sided die (d20), with the results influenced by the character's stats or abilities.

While the rules are important, TTRPGs are fundamentally about collaborative storytelling. The GM sets the scene, describes the environment, and presents challenges, but the players are the ones who drive the story forward through their choices. This interaction between the players’ actions and the world built by the GM creates a dynamic, ever-evolving narrative that can be deeply immersive.

TTRPGs can span a variety of genres, such as fantasy, science fiction, horror, and historical fiction, allowing players to experience stories in vastly different worlds. Popular systems include Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, Call of Cthulhu, and niche systems like the Highlander Cinematic Adventure. Some systems focus more on combat and tactical gameplay, while others emphasize storytelling, problem-solving, or character development.

Game systems vary in complexity, from straightforward games like Fiasco to intricate rule-heavy systems like Cyberpunk Red or Shadowrun. TTRPGs are highly customizable, with rules often being adjusted or homebrewed to fit the preferences of the players or the GM. This flexibility is part of what makes TTRPGs unique, as each group can shape the experience to suit their style of play.

The social aspect of TTRPGs is a major draw, as they encourage collaboration and communication between players. Many games are designed to foster teamwork, requiring players to work together to solve problems or defeat powerful enemies. This cooperative environment, combined with the creativity required to roleplay and think on your feet, makes TTRPGs a unique and rewarding experience for participants.

Whether played as a one-shot (a single session) or an ongoing campaign (spanning multiple sessions or years), TTRPGs offer limitless opportunities for storytelling and adventure. The combination of dice, imagination, and player agency makes each session an unpredictable and highly engaging experience, where no two campaigns are ever the same.