In conjunction with the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, Modiphius Entertainment has introduced “D-Day: The Darkest Day,” a new campaign book for the Achtung! Cthulhu tabletop role-playing game. This release integrates historical WWII elements with supernatural narratives, aiming to deliver an engaging gaming experience.
John Houlihan, who led the development of the campaign, shared that the concept of “D-Day: The Darkest Day” has been a part of the Achtung! Cthulhu series planning from early on. The game series itself alternates between various wartime scenarios to accommodate both newcomers and experienced players, ensuring a comprehensive historical scope.
The campaign draws inspiration from several historical and cultural sources including Stephen Ambrose’s “D-Day” and “Pegasus Bridge,” and well-known cinematic and television productions such as “Saving Private Ryan,” “Band of Brothers,” and “The Longest Day.” The latter—a 1962 film based on Cornelius Ryan’s book—significantly influenced the narrative style and content of the campaign.
“D-Day: The Darkest Day” is divided into two sections. The first provides Game Masters with extensive resources for creating missions centered around the Normandy landings, featuring new vehicles, weapons, and creatures. The second section includes a series of twelve adventures that can be played sequentially for a full narrative experience or individually for shorter play sessions. These missions involve strategic gameplay and role-playing challenges, culminating in a high-stakes finale against supernatural forces and enemy schemes.
Acknowledging the sensitive nature of the historical context, the developers have aimed to balance the inclusion of fantastical elements with respect for the real events of D-Day. The efforts and sacrifices of the Allied forces during the landings are highlighted, and Modiphius has committed to donating a percentage of the book’s profits to veterans’ charities and D-Day related commemorations.
