Classic Korg v1 is such a slight micro-rpg that I can't really share any images of it without potentially giving away too much of it. It is also extremely luck-heavy. You (optionally) print it out on a single Letter/A4 sheet, (optionally) fold it into a booklet, and then pick a location (out of eight). You roll d6 to find your encounter, if you win you get gold and other bonuses, and go through until you either collect 50gp or beat the Quest.

If you prefer, there is a physical copy across six cards. Slightly different art. As far as I know, exactly the same text.

It has a few elements [fire damage, special drops, traps] that crop up and a shop that allows you to upgrade. It is also the sort of game where three or four bad rolls in a row [on a d6] can end a run. It's not a game you play to dominate, but you can win.

Since Caleb Engelke has Classic Korg v2: Pirates coming out soon, thought it might be nice to actually play a few attempts for the blog.

Now, it is really obvious from reading this blog just a short bit that I prefer longer scale games with stacks of oracles and gamemaster emulators, but I do have a soft spot for a few micro-solo and print-and-play solo games. Classic Korg is one, partially because it is so beautifully compact.

There's no good way to tabulate a playthrough with any extreme amount of additional text, so I'm just going to do this in an extended bullet-point list. Breaking out if I feel like adding any notes.

So let's begin Attempt #1, a dive into the "Ancient Runes" [one of the locations you can explore]. I will not be playing any optional rules to start. I will also not be using the boat to change locations, though that is an option.

Ancient Ruins Quest: Retrieve the Cursed Crown, then slay the Wraith. NOTE: The Cursed Crown gives +1 to FIGHT but effectively -2 Armor. I will assume I have to wear the crown.

OPTIONAL: Get 50gp.

I start with 20HP and ARMOR and FIGHT of +0, each.

[X] will be the number I roll on a D6. (Y) will be the "level" of the encounter.

  • [6] Demon (4) >> [6] I slay the demon. 2-in-6 it has the Cursed Crown >> [6] No. +10GP.
  • SHOP: -10GP >> Great Sword [+1 Fight].
  • [5] Ogre (4) >> [5+1] I slay the Ogre. +7GP.
  • [6] Demon (4) >> [4+1] I slay the Demon. [4] >> No Crown. +10GP.
  • SHOP: -13GP (4GP left) >> Ice Armor [-1DMG, Half Fire Damage].
  • [6] Demon (4) >> [5+1] I slay the Demon. [3] >> No Crown. +10GP.

This die, man.

  • SHOP: -14GP >> Map [Roll 2d6 when exploring, choose one]
  • [1] or [1] (nevermind) >> Pit Trap >> -3HP (17hp remaining)
  • [2] or [1] >> [2] Skeleton (2) >> [4+1] I slay the Skeleton. +1GP.
  • [3] or [3] >> Goblin (3) >> [4+1] I slay the Goblin. +2GP (3GP).
  • [5] or [5] (hahah) >> Ogre (4) >> [4+1] I slay the Ogre. +7GP (10GP).
  • [6] or [6] (my word) >> Demon (4) >> [4+1] I slay the Demon. [2] THE CROWN! +1 Fight (+2, total), -2ARMOR. +10GP (+20GP).
  • [1] or [4] >> [4] Wraith (5) >> [1+2] -2-2=-4HP (13HP) >> [5+2] I slay the Wraith (with the crown) >> +4GP. VICTORY.

And that's it. I fought four demons, two ogres, a skeleton, a goblin, and a wraith. I have collected the Crown and am presumably cursed. I just realized I didn't count the armor. Ah, well. A win's a win.

Like I said, very quick, very micro, and very luck-based. The Map barely working was a fun glitch. The Great Sword worked a treat, though. There were several fights where I would have lost at least a round without it, and likely would have died.

Well, since I won right off, don't really need further Attempts. I might still take one or two, though.

Just in case you want a more visual playthrough, Lone Adventurer [LGT: Youtube] has a playthrough of a different location: