If the internet is good at one thing, it is inventing fun ways to waste time. The pinnacle of the genre has to be the Wikipedia Game, a fun game that has been passed around the internet via word of mouth since at least the mid-2000s.
What makes the Wikipedia game such a memorable internet pass time is how simple but varied it is. While playing the game, players must get from Wikipedia page from another by clicking the links on each page. This can often be easier said than done, especially because clicking on random Wikipedia links can lead you down some bizarre rabbit holes.
Descend into Disaster’s Stunning Solo Setup
Descend into Disaster builds a solo TTRPG around this concept, casting you as someone trying to avert a horrible disaster. However, to do this, you’ll need to get from a random Wikipedia page to your threat’s page within six clicks. After each click, you’ll make a journal entry about your adventure and attempts to save the world, using the page you’re on as inspiration.
While playing Descend into Disaster, you’ll quickly realize that the Wikipedia Game is a surprisingly great resolution mechanic for solo games, one that sidesteps issues other solo-game resolution mechanics have.
Why The Wikipedia Game Is The Perfect Mechanic
The most notable thing is its accessibility. Many solo games are built around falling block towers, and while these are fun, they are not suitable for players with dexterity issues. These towers also require the player to have a decently sized flat space, which is not always available.
This isn’t a problem for Descend into Disaster, as clicking links is a very accessible mechanic. Doubly so because Wikipedia can be run on any item with a browser, no matter how old or underpowered meaning that pretty much everyone can try the game.
Plus, the Wikipedia Game has surprising depth despite its simple setup. Players who want to play strategically can spend several minutes deciding their next click. But, due to the randomness of Wikipedia links and the online encyclopedia’s ever-changing nature, it is impossible to always correctly predict your next move, leading to plenty of randomness and memorable moments. This enhances Descend into Disaster’s journaling sections because by having the player use the Wikipedia page as a prompt, the game has a near-infinite amount of options, giving it fantastic replay value.
Descend into Disaster is an excellent game that all solo-journaling game fans should check out. While it may seem simple at first, the game’s unique mechanics quickly become engrossing, meaning you’ll find yourself getting deeply drawn into your adventure as you do all you can to prevent impending doom. Due to this, Descend into Disaster shows stepping outside the box and experimenting with resolution mechanics can lead to fantastic games.
Jonathon Greenall is a freelance writer, TTRPG designer, and visual artist. They love creating and exploring the often overlooked corners of indie media, spotlighting things that dare to be different.