Thalassophobia
A Noir-Lovecraftian Tabletop RPG
(Written/Designed by Max Cronce)
(Title Art by Lukas Cronce)
(Graphic Design contributions from Jake O’Neill and Jihong Min)
Thalassophobia is a pen and paper tabletop RPG where the GM takes on the role of an otherworldly creature known as The Suit.
The presence of monsters, traitors, and personalized sealed envelopes creates a mysterious, tense atmosphere that keeps the players wondering who or what they can trust.
This game is for (4-5) people including the GM. You need at least (6) D6s, paper/pencils, (4) envelopes, and a pair of scissors.
If this sounds interesting to you, feel free to download it and play it with your friends! It requires a little set-up, so I’d recommend reading through the rules ahead of time.
Complete Rules:
Download RulesScenario Guide used at PixelPop 2019, Dreamhack Anaheim 2020, & BostonFIG 2021 Demos:
Download OutlineIn-depth Explanation:
Portfolio
Here’s some examples of my work. Some of it was done for class projects, some was done on my own, and some are a combination of the two.
Thalassophobia
Physical | Solo
Thalassophobia is an experimental, one-shot tabletop RPG where the GM takes on the role of an otherworldly creature known as The Suit.
Can a small party of unlikely allies triumph over The Suit or will paranoia tear them asunder?
It’s free to download & play.
Color Schemers
Digital | Group
Color Schemers is a frantic party game for 2 - 4 players developed in Unity for a capstone project by a small group of UCSC students.
I worked as design lead, level designer, SFX creator, and Co-producer on the project.
Scofflaws!
Physical | Group
A unique 4-6 player party card game about deception, anonymity, and cheating.
Each player assumes the role of a particular criminal, each with their own abilities and goals.
Use your abilities to turn the game in your favor!
Luck is for chumps!
Max’s Minigames
Digital | Solo
Two minigames that I created. They both have the same minimalist style, but play differently.
DodgeBomb is a grid-based infinite runner that I created for a game jam.
Color Castle is a versus multiplayer game that is played using an alternative controller that I built.
Design Videos
Digital | Group
We make essays on game design that particularly interest us.
We also make trailers and explanatory videos for our games.
The Woodsman
Digital | Solo
A noir style Twine game about a murder. There’s a twist though: you control both the killer and the detective.
While a single playthrough might be quick, with 200+ unique nodes, 19,000+ words, and 20+ endings there’s plenty of different paths to explore.