By all means, experience this, the rpg that many are calling the worst of all time (and in an industry that includes FATAL and World of Synnabar, that's quite an achievement). The game system consists of a dice pool system not dissimilar from that found in White Wolf's Storyteller rpg (but with D6 instead of D10 -- ho hum), married to a hilariously inept writing style and a design that claims to be inspired by the works of HP Lovecraft, but which actually reveals that the author doesn't know the first thing about HPL's work or the real meaning behind his stories. Empire of Satanis reads much like the power fantasies of a death-metal worshipping high school freshman who's been beaten up by the wrestling team one too many times. In many ways, it is actually a work of genius, and while reading it I began to wonder whether it wasn't all one big prank on the gaming community, much like the recent fake game "Encounter Critical." When you read it, ask yourself -- can anyone create such an inept, ludicrous and downright hilarious game on purpose? If it is indeed a joke, then its author deserves kudos for excellent work and the sheer chutzpah needed to so ably skewer the black-metal satanist crowd. If Empire of Satanis is truly a real work, intended to be taken seriously, it is even funnier still, though this marks its unfortunate creator as a truly pathetic individual. Regardless, check this game out -- it's easily worth the price!

If the answer to this question for you is 'yes' then maybe you'll get some enjoyment out of this product, and let's face it for a free download you've got nothing to lose. However it has to be said that, while the concept is an original one, the execution leaves a lot to be desired. For example, although there are quite a few different 'playable races' in the product, none is described in more detail than a single short paragraph. the system, while simple, is also vague and may leave you scratching your head a bit. Additionally, once you've swallowed the souls of the innocent and beaten live babies' heads against walls a few times, the novelty is probably going to wear off pretty quickly. There isn't much depth or variety to a game where every character's motivation is going to be cause as much pain and suffering as possible. And speaking of originality, Void Sabres? I hear mr Lucas reaching for his attorney as I type. And as for the game fiction that accompanies the product. Well, owch. Just owch. Nine out of ten for visceral death, zero out of ten for emotional impact. The descriptions are simply too over the top and feel jokey and tasteless rather than disturbing.

Still, like I said, what do you want for free? and at least the author is trying something new, even if it isn't the best of subjects to pick.

Perfect for wannabe satanists, everyone else try the free download before you think of getting a print copy.

It is the natural evolution of most RPG gamers to rise from simplistic dice-heavy rules-laden games to games that require thought, imagination, and the ability to actually play a role. Satanis is one of the latter, using its flexibility and simply elegant rules to foster character developement and great interation.
Starting from humble beginnings as a dream of darkness, the game developed into an entire world in which one must ask the question "What are good and bad? And if being bad feels so good, who would dare try to stop me!?"
Some say that evil is necessary to define good, and thereby try to turn that evil into some sort of noble rogue. Unlike these attempts to lead fairly "light" games down darker paths which inevitably end up with domesticated demons descended from divine dissidents, Satanis embraces the philosophy that evil defines itself.
After all, once you've taken on the role of an other-worldy demonic beast, "good" becomes a disease that must be erased from the universe. And who better suited to the task than You?
Perhaps one of the most entertaining points of Satanis is the motivation: power, horror, control, fear ! It is Your goal to undermine your opponents, establish cults and gain followers who will bow to your will, instill fear in non-believers, eradicate your enemies.
Simple mechanics are truly the driving force by which all these other points become clear. The one draw-back to the simple rules comes in some situations dealing with quanitfying the results of certain actions (just how much damage does a puddle of acid do?) However, this allows the Game Master to add His own flair in describing the result without divulging exact damage numbers. "the foul shambling zombie's left leg melts off in a bubbling puddle, but he's still lumbering towards you." Since players and GM need not worry about cumbersome rules, they have the opportunity to make their character and narrative ability shine.

A great game for slightly more experienced players, as well as for players looking for a quick-to-pick-up game with one of the most unique twists out there!

'Alam Asfar