Alice is Missing

Alice is Missing a fantastic narrative storytelling game where the story is collaboratively created through non-verbal interactions that resemble mobile texting. The players inhabit characters in a small town, living through a crisis when a close friend of the group has gone missing. Through 90 minutes of gameplay, the characters will discover new details about their missing friend and face unspoken truths among themselves. By the end, neither the characters nor the players will ever be the same way. This game captures the imagination of every group I've played it with. Every new experience through the 90 minutes instantly bonds the players to their characters and each other. The elements of the story can be hard to disassociate from, so it's critical to check in afterwards and help anyone process their experience. The game is not for everyone, but if you're brave enough... Alice is Missing will create an unforgettable experience for everyone at your table.

Alice is Missing is a unique, self-contained experience. The core gameplay is in two major sections: setup & worldbuilding, then a timed 90-minute period of only communicating via text messages, followed by a short epilogue & debrief. My group finished our first (in-person) game in a little over 3 hours. The game does not have a traditional game master, but more of a facilitator - you'll have more success playing with a table full of creative people who like to drive the story by jumping into the narrative head-first! The rulebook makes being a facilitator very straightforward, including walking the group through some really helpful conversations and safety tools so that everyone is on the same page regarding topic and themes! The biggest downside is that I would consider the game to have limited replayability. While any ttrpg is replayable if you are imaginative enough, and you'll create a unique vibe with every group, there are only a handful of major events (that are supplied by the game mechanics) and ending states. That being said, even partaking in a limited number of great games from this system is worth it!

There are two major parts to a game of Alice is Missing: world building in the first half and improvisational mystery. The world building is a great opportunity for "Yes and" without limit. Is the nightclub a legit party spot, den of crime, or meeting place for real vampires? If you are playing both parts in a single session, prepare for strong emotional resonance. Player safety guidelines ahead of the game and aftercare are essential.

Alice is Missing is a game with a deceptively simple premise. Play often begins slow at first, but as clues mount, cards are drawn, and the timer ticks down, players come together to craft narratives that are heartfelt, heart-pounding, and sometimes heart-wrenching. Though the PixelTable rollout for virtual games wasn't without bugs, this game is a compelling experience that any fans of mystery, suspense, and thrillers should play at least once.

Alice is Missing is such an interesting and unique game. There are no dice rolls, no skills, and no combat encounters. This game is 100% roleplaying and improv at it's finest. BUT it may not be for everyone. The role of Game Master in ALICE IS MISSING is to help facilitate the world-building experience (the first 60-90 minutes before the game) and breathe life into the environment. Without this critical world-building experience, Alice isn't really missing anything and the players may not feel any need or desire to find her. Players that struggle with improvisational roleplaying, theater of the mind games, or heavy writing may struggle with this game as well since there is no battle map involved. If you've got a great GM and an enthusiastic group of storytellers then ALICE IS MISSING is a fantastic game choice.

I love how immersive this game is. It is quick to set up and play through. It starts slow and builds and leaves you affected. There is always lots of aftercare conversation after Alice is Missing as it is an emotional roller coaster. It does rely on all the players to be creative and assertive and it can take time for some folks to feel comfortable in this format. Everyone starts with some simple roleplay goals and are given prompt cards periodically through the game. It is up to each person to push the narrative forward using them. The facilitator just sort of gets things started and then is basically just another role-player till the end. It can take some adjustment for folks used to games with more structure or being guided by a gamemaster. Also, it is well worth playing the same scenario again. It is different every time.