Eyes Unclouded Review
I originally posted this article on A Pawn's Perspective on November 8, 2020. Since the writing of this article a hardcover version of the book has been released.
“You must see with eyes unclouded by hate. See the good in that which is evil, and the evil in that which is good. Pledge yourself to neither side, but vow instead to preserve the balance that exists between the two.” –Hayao Miyazaki
The above quote precedes the introduction to Eyes Unclouded, an anthology of 11 adventures for D&D 5th Edition inspired by Miyazaki’s works. The adventures range from levels 1 – 14 in a beautifully illustrated, 180 page, full-color PDF. Maps and a screen reader-friendly PDF are also included with the bundle, which sells for $19.95. The authors of the adventures are as follows: Tineke Bolleman, Bridie Dutton, Brittney Hay, C. Michael Chase, Anthony Alipio, Amber Litke, Kat Kruger, Sadie Lowry, Toto Joe Sullivan, Jacky Leung, and Collette Quach.
Each adventure is unique, though familiar, and based on studio Ghibli movies. Sometimes they’re loosely based on them, sometimes not so much. There are also plenty of easter eggs and callouts to various classical anime movies. Inside, you’ll find stories similar to The Cat Returns, Castle in the Sky, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Howl’s Moving Castle, Pono, Nausicaa and the Valley of the Wind, and other great movies.
For example, Delivery Witches Apply Within has players making deliveries for a local bakery in town. During their adventures, they’ll encounter a very familiar, dapper cat, deliver a casserole with a fish-shaped crust, and even help a local cabbage merchant. Upon completing their errands, players will be awarded flying brooms for a job well done.
The book is excellent and will bring a smile to the face of most anime fans. Suited for a wide range of levels, each story is also pretty family-friendly and can suit players of most ages. I’ve run a few of the adventures with my 6-year-old and 10-year-old. They’ve had so much fun playing out some of their favorite moments from movies they’ve grown up with. So far, they’ve helped a polluted water spirit, danced with Cinderlings, delivered baked goods, and seen a floating city in the sky.
Even better, Eyes Unclouded includes 8 recipes that call back to iconic characters or foods from Ghibli movies. Cinderling Cake Pops, Eleutherian Jelly Tarts, and a Fish Chowder Pot Pie with a homemade crust are a few of the mouthwatering delicacies you’ll have access to.
There’s only one drawback I’ve found with Eyes Unclouded and that it needs a hardcover release and doesn’t have one yet. There’s a print version in the works, but right now, you can only get the book in PDF format. This probably isn’t a huge deal for most, but I generally don’t work too well off PDF.
Overall, Eyes Unclouded walks through a dense, beautiful forest, flies through sky-pirate filled skies, and jaunts around the countryside in a walking castle. It’s a joy-filled anthology that deviates enough from the source inspiration just enough to feel fresh and original while making sure you know where its roots lie. It’s certainly a product Ghibli fans should pick up, as well as those with younger children who would love whimsical adventures to enthrall and inspire the imagination.
A copy of Eyes Unclouded was provided free for review