VHS (Very Horror Story) by Aces Games: The Ultimate Horror RPG Experience
If you love horror movies, adrenaline-pumping tension, and immersive tabletop storytelling, then VHS (Very Horror Story) by Aces Games is a must-own addition to your RPG collection. This innovative horror role-playing game combines the nostalgia of 80s VHS tapes with sleek, modern mechanics that make every session feel like starring in your own terrifying film.
With six unique tapes already available and a growing library of digital downloads to expand the experience, VHS has quickly become one of the most creative and accessible horror RPG systems on the market. Whether you’re a veteran Game Master or a first-time horror fan, this game delivers cinematic thrills, fast-paced action, and unforgettable scares.
What Is VHS (Very Horror Story)?
At its core, VHS (Very Horror Story) is a tabletop horror RPG designed to capture the feeling of a classic horror movie night. Each boxed module — called a “tape” — contains everything you need to play a self-contained story: maps, character sheets, monsters, tokens, and clear, easy-to-follow rules.
Every tape is a complete horror film experience in a box. You can play it as a one-shot session or use it as a foundation for a longer campaign. And since each tape has its own theme and unique mechanics, every new addition feels fresh, cinematic, and full of surprises.
Aces Games has taken the love of old VHS horror classics and turned it into a game you can play with friends, solo, or online. The system’s modular nature also means you can mix elements from different tapes, combine monsters, and create your own custom horror stories.
Aesthetic & Immersion: Retro Horror Perfected
One of the most striking things about VHS is its attention to atmosphere. Every tape looks and feels like an authentic VHS cassette, complete with bold 80s artwork, eerie covers, and spine-tingling titles. Opening a tape is like uncovering a forbidden movie from a haunted video store.
The visual design is absolutely gorgeous — moody illustrations, cinematic layout, and immersive flavor text instantly draw you into the story world. The production quality is top-tier, and every map, token, and insert feels handcrafted to deliver maximum tension.
If you grew up renting horror films or love the grainy aesthetic of analog scares, VHS nails that nostalgic tone while delivering modern, accessible gameplay.
Simple Rules, Deep Tension
Unlike many heavy RPGs, VHS keeps rules intuitive and streamlined so you can focus on storytelling and atmosphere. All you need are a pair of six-sided dice, and you’re ready to roll.
Players create characters defined by a few key Parameters and Traits, with evolving Mental States that shift as terror builds. The result is dynamic, fast-paced play where fear literally changes how your character acts.
The Director (Game Master) controls tension levels, scenes, and monster behavior, building suspense just like in a horror movie. Each turn feels cinematic — will your character explore that dark hallway, or play it safe and risk running out of time? The system constantly forces meaningful, dramatic choices.
It’s lightweight, flexible, and designed for high replayability. Whether you want to recreate classic slasher vibes or dive into cosmic horror, VHS adapts effortlessly to your group’s style.
The Six Horror Tapes: Six Worlds of Fear
One of the biggest reasons VHS stands out is its expanding library of horror genres, each captured in its own tape. Currently, there are six distinct tapes — each exploring a different flavor of terror:
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Bloodlust – The ultimate slasher experience. Chase or be chased in a relentless story of killers, teens, and dark secrets.
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Overplague – A sci-fi nightmare of infection, mutation, and paranoia. Perfect for fans of The Thing or Alien.
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Unchained – Supernatural horror meets psychological dread. Investigate demonic forces and forbidden rituals.
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Deadbreak – Survival horror at its best. Face undead hordes in crumbling cities and fight to outlast the outbreak.
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Remnants – A chilling ghost story that delves into the afterlife, haunted places, and emotional horror.
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Trashbag – Grindhouse chaos meets grim satire. A fun, gory tribute to exploitation horror and cult classics.
Each tape includes unique monsters, maps, films (scenarios), and custom mechanics that reinforce its specific genre. You can play them standalone or mix elements for your own custom cinematic universe.
The variety ensures that VHS never gets stale — there’s always a new story to tell, a new creature to fear, and a new film to “screen.”
Endless Expansion Through Digital Downloads
Beyond the six tapes, Aces Games keeps the VHS line alive with an expanding collection of digital downloads and bonus content. These add-ons include:
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Quickstart Rules – Perfect for learning the basics in under an hour.
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Short Horror Stories (SHS) – Bite-sized “mini-films” ideal for one-shots or online play.
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Cut Scenes – Optional modules and extra monsters that add depth to your tapes.
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Spin-Offs – Unique expansions and bonus content developed during crowdfunding campaigns.
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Free PDFs and extra maps – Small but powerful enhancements to customize your horror sessions.
This ongoing support ensures that VHS feels alive — new content drops frequently, keeping the horror fresh and exciting. You never run out of stories to tell or monsters to face.
Why Players Love VHS (Very Horror Story)
VHS has earned a loyal fanbase because it’s simple, cinematic, and scalable. Here’s why it’s winning over horror gamers everywhere:
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🎬 Cinematic storytelling – Feels like living through a movie rather than reading through charts.
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👻 Authentic atmosphere – The tape packaging and visuals make every session immersive.
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⚡ Fast setup – Get playing in minutes; perfect for one-shots or convention games.
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🧠 Smart tension system – Simple rules that deliver real psychological pressure.
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🔁 Replayable and expandable – Each tape is a new genre, each download a new scare.
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🧍♂️ Solo, duo, or group play – Works perfectly for solo horror nights or small groups.
Even experienced Game Masters appreciate how quickly VHS runs — it’s designed to create big emotional payoffs with minimal prep.
Getting Started with VHS: Step-By-Step Guide
Starting VHS is as easy as hitting “Play” on your favorite horror movie.
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Choose your first tape – Bloodlust or Unchained are great introductions.
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Read the Quickstart guide – Available as a download for fast learning.
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Gather your group (or go solo) – You can run it with friends or by yourself.
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Set the scene – Dim the lights, put on a creepy soundtrack, and unpack the tape.
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Play your first film – Each tape includes several ready-to-run stories.
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Expand your library – Try different tapes and digital downloads to unlock new genres of horror.
The best part? You don’t need an entire evening to prep. Most sessions can be started and finished in a single night — perfect for casual players or horror fans looking for a quick fright.
FAQ: VHS (Very Horror Story) by Aces Games
Q: What makes VHS different from other horror RPGs?
A: VHS focuses on cinematic pacing and modular design, letting you play immersive horror stories without complex systems or dozens of rulebooks.
Q: Can I start with just one tape?
A: Absolutely! Every tape includes the rules, story, and components needed to play. You can expand later by adding more tapes or downloads.
Q: Is it beginner-friendly?
A: Yes. The mechanics are simple enough for newcomers but layered enough for experienced players who want tension and depth.
Q: How long does a game session last?
A: Most “films” can be played in 1–3 hours, making VHS ideal for single-night horror events.
Q: Can I mix content from different tapes?
A: Definitely. The system is designed to be modular — mix monsters, maps, and themes to create custom horror stories.
Q: Does it support solo play?
A: Yes! VHS includes solo-play options for many tapes, with rules for random events and monster behavior that make the experience thrilling even without a Director.
Final Verdict: A Love Letter to Horror Fans
VHS (Very Horror Story) isn’t just another tabletop RPG — it’s a full-blown horror experience in a box. Every element, from its nostalgic VHS design to its slick gameplay and modular content, oozes love for the genre.
It’s the perfect blend of cinema and storytelling, combining simplicity, tension, and creative freedom in one haunting package. With six tapes already available and a steady stream of expansions, VHS is a living, breathing ecosystem of scares that keeps growing with its community.
If you crave the thrill of a slasher movie, the dread of ghost stories, or the unease of sci-fi horror — VHS delivers it all, straight to your tabletop. Turn off the lights, press play, and let the nightmare begin.
