Description
This is a dark dream of troubled times.
Something Is Wrong Here is a roleplaying game inspired by the uncanny work of David Lynch. It’s atmospheric, emotional, and personal. You play troubled humans who struggle with their dark pasts and inner demons in order to make meaningful connections with each other.
Something Is Wrong Here is a 54-card storytelling game, part David Lynch-flavored immersive theater, part improv exercise. There is a recommended vibe (low lights, kitchy antiques, name tags). There are recommended costumes (Americana, thrifted, “weirdly glamorous”). There is a recommended soundtrack (Portishead, NIN, an “electric hum”). There are even recommended props (a full length mirror, a box with a lid but the lid cannot be clear).
“To Work in a dream. If it’s real, and you believe in it, you can say almost anything.” – David Lynch
Like a director, the facilitator guides the game’s flow – framing, pacing, theme. Scenes are not connected in linear time. There is mystery but there are no explanations. You will experience a thinning of the veil between your character’s feelings and your own. Your character will become scared and unsettled. You will become scared and unsettled.
Jen, watching Eraserhead for the first time: I like how there’s a category of movies that are more “experiences” than stories
Ayo: That’s like Lynch’s entire ouvre
“what if the vibes were so bad you questioned your own vibe”
Our website publisher’s “Readability analysis” for this text says it “needs improvement” (too complicated) and is not “good” (fun and easy to read) and yes. Okay. That feels right.
- MATURE THEMES: identity confusion, surrealism, uncanny, Americana, non-linear, meta, narrative control, bleed, unsettling, emotional, intense, addiction, abuse, suicide, depression
- For 5-6 players & a facilitator, ages 18+
- Play time: 4 hours (one session)
- Includes: 54 cards – game, rules, and safety guidelines – in a storage box
- Required props: character name tags, music, box, mirror (floor length if possible), game cards, drinks & costumes (optional)
