NoPro’s 2023 Gift Guide for Immersive Fans & Makers
Because in this day & age, everyone deserves a present
Lo, it is that time AGAIN.
The time when we put aside our own voracious appetites (after sating them with pie) and turn instead to sating the voracious appetites of our loved ones and friends.
The Holidays. When we make lists of things we want and pass them off as a list of things to get other people. No, no. I’m kidding. Mostly.
The NoPro Review Crew has once again come up with a list of gifts that will please many an immersive fan and creator.
This is the FIFTH YEAR of the guide, and you can check out the 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019 editions. And since we are bad at capitalism, what you find below don’t involve any kickbacks or AI generated shill text. We’re shilling by hand for FREE, friends.
THIS YEAR’S CATEGORIES
- EXPERIENCES IN A BOX
- LIVE ACTION AND TABLETOP GAMES
- VR & VIDEO GAMES
- BOOKS
- GIFT CARDS
- JEWELRY
- PRODUCTIVITY
- TOYS
- GRAB BAG
EXPERIENCES IN A BOX
A whole world in a small package.
Trouble In Folklore Falls — The Detective Society
Once upon a time in Noirtown
At Home Escape/Mystery Box
$130.73
Perfect for: Causal Puzzlers, All Ages Fairytales Fans, Detective Noir Fans
Hired by private eye B.B. Wolfe to investigate a series of dognapping incidents, players will quickly find themselves engrossed in a town wide conspiracy that only they can solve. Fans of the comic book Fables or TVs Once Upon A Time will find themselves at home in Folklore Falls, interacting with a slew of iconic fairytale characters. The game’s cartoon-like artwork makes the world feel original and vibrantly magical. Additionally, players must make “calls” to characters, which features great voicework performances to breathe further life into the world. The puzzles are challenging but skew towards beginners, making this a perfect choice for a family game night.
– Patrick B. McLean, Chicago Curator & Remote Experiences Editor
Electronic Games Advent Calendar
A daily, ever-evolving electronic puzzle
Puzzles
$49.99
Perfect for: Dedicated Gamers, Puzzle Enthusiasts, Nostalgic Nerds, Ham Radio Deconstructionists
Cheese or chocolate Advent calendars may have my heart (and stomach), but the Electronic Games Advent Calendar offers up creative, non-edible fun. Each of the 24 windows reveals a different electronic component which creates a new game. Suitable for beginners (recommended for ages 14 and up), the only requirements are three AA batteries (roughly $3) and curiosity (priceless).
— Laura Hess, Arts Editor
LIVE ACTION AND TABLETOP GAMES
Call to Adventure — Brotherwise Games
Craft the narrative
Board Game
$39.95
Perfect for: Board Game Lovers, RPG Fans, LARPers
In this game, one to four players set out to create a hero’s journey of their own design. By picking an Origin, Motivation, and Destiny, each player then builds a narrative through drawing tokens and selecting cards. While there is a scoring mechanic to see who has “crafted” the “best” story, the real victory occurs if all players are willing to take the storytelling mechanic a step further by utilizing roleplaying and improvisation skills. The card titles and their imagery are fantastic storytelling prompts, so players willing to name their characters and describe the events and actions occurring as they select cards are in for a wonderous, creative, and rewarding time.
- Patrick B. McLean, Chicago Curator & Remote Experiences Editor
Coruscant Shift Sabacc Deck — Hyperspace Props
Never tell me the odds
Card Game
$40 w/dice; $25 w/o
Perfect for: Scoundrels, old smoothies, walking carpets, one-eyed jawas
This deck is based on the variant of sabacc — Star Wars’ hybrid of poker & blackjack — that was created for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. With the Halcyon no longer flying thanks to the machinations of the First Order, the gift shop on the Halcyon can’t sell you the decks that had on board. That’s where the couple behind Hyperspace Props comes in. In fact, pretty much whatever version of sabacc you’re looking for is available for purchase. Along with prop recreation credits, phone cases, cosplay bits, and even kits to play pazaak, the card game from KOTOR. If you don’t know what pazaak and KOTOR are: don’t worry about it! If you do: try to limit your time on their site. It can be bad for the wallet!
– Noah Nelson, Publisher & Founder
The Night Cage — Smirk & Dagger
An embodied horror experience in collaborative board game form
Board Game
$40
Perfect for: Board Game Lovers, Indie Horror Fans, Game Designers/Aficionados
2–5 players try to navigate a set of prisoners out of a surreal labyrinth that threatens to swallow them into darkness. Prisoners only have candles to light their path and as soon a part of the maze disappears from view, it changes form. The game is very well-balanced in that you often just succeed or just fail; as a collaborative puzzle, it’s an engaging 30 minutes of play. But I’ve rarely seen a tabletop game mechanic so perfectly capture a tone. There are moments when a monster surfaces from the darkness, a single step causes a hallway to disappear, or your candle is out and all you can do is step into the unknown — the game uniquely embodies the idea of groping in a dangerous and spooky space. Play with the lights down and your favorite creepy music. The Night Cage is a challenging and fun shot of horror.
– Nicholas Fortugno, NYC Correspondent
THE ARKHAM ASYLUM FILES: Panic in Gotham City — Infinite Rabbit Holes
The new award-winning game is a design marvel
Augmented Reality Game
$149
Perfect for: Batman Superfans, Tabletop Aficionados, Tech Buffs
Created by the fine folks at Animal Repair Shop and produced by Infinite Rabbit Holes, The Arkham Asylum Files: Panic in Gotham City is a stunning, novel blend of tabletop game design and AR technology. A free app (for iPhone or iPad) unlocks animated and live-action story scenes. The digital AR effects reveal and interact with the physical game components with magical precision. The game is full immersion — its box contains 100+ elements and the story unfolds over seven chapters — but players can decide if they want to binge or savor the experience in sections.
— Laura Hess, Arts Editor
We’re Not Really Strangers
A purpose-driven card game
Card Game
$25
Perfect for: New Friends, Childhood Besties, Third Dates, Longtime Loves
We’re Not Really Strangers is “all about empowering meaningful connections” through its 150+ carefully crafted questions, wildcards, and Dig Deeper cards. With over 2,200 reviews, it’s evident that the game facilitates emotional reveals in a refreshing way. But the biggest endorsement may be this reviewer headline: “ENTERTAINED SIX TEENAGERS FOR THREE NIGHTS STRAIGHT.” (Special editions & expansion packs for Families, Friendship, Couples, Breakups, Kids, Self-love, and more)
— Laura Hess, Arts Editor
VR & VIDEO GAMES
Pew pew pew
Demeo Battles — Resolution Games
VR/PC Game (Meta Quest, PSVR2, Pico, PC)
$19.99
Perfect for: Sandbox Immersive Fans, Board Game Enthusiasts, Miniatures Strategists
While lacking the fantastic multi-campaign narrative elements from the original game, Demeo Battles is a slimmed down but intensely focused and surprisingly deep spinoff game. Instead of cooperatively working with up to three players to complete a three-level dungeon-crawl campaign, players battle head-to-head against each other, seeing who among them is the greatest tactician to be the last player standing. Players can fight one-on-one, team up against the computer, or (ideally) do a four-player melee brawl, with each combination bringing unique and engaging challenges. The gameplay variety is FAR GREATER than the original game, as what unlocked upgrades each player has and which selection of cards and computer-controlled allies selected ensures no two battles are ever the same. And with cross platform functionality with PCs, Demeo Battles is a must play for gaming enthusiasts of any kind.
- Patrick B. McLean, Chicago Curator & Remote Experiences Editor
Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord — nDreams / Sony Pictures Virtual Reality
Get the crew together to save SF
Meta Quest/PSVR2 Game
34.99
Perfect for: your VR gaming buddies, Ghostbuster fans
A new unearthly menace is threatening San Francisco, and no it’s not an AI or a soulless politician. It’s a powerful ghost who was locked away for years until you, a neophyte Ghostbuster in the company’s latest franchise, accidentally unleashed it. Now you, your friends, and randos from the internet must fight endless waves of ghosts to earn up an enough cash for gear that can help bring the Ghost Lord to heel.
This latest VR adventure does an excellent job of tapping into the fantasy of being a Ghostbuster, although the structure of the game means its better for playing with friends who are interested playing out that fantasy than it necessary is as a story driven experience. Luckily the game nails the details of busting ghosts and for those who don’t have friends with VR sets, or who don’t want to deal with screaming 8-year-olds in matchmaking games, it provides an effective way to solo the experience. It’s much better with friends, so use this as an excuse to buy yourself a copy when you gift it to your Quest or PSVR2 owning buddy. And yes, there IS crossplay, so it doesn’t matter which headset your friends own, you can all play together.
— Noah Nelson, Publisher & Founder
Alan Wake Remastered — Remedy Entertainment
The prequel to the Game of the Year canidate
Thriller (PC, PlayStation, and Xbox)
$29.99
Perfect for: Remote Experience fans, those who like suspense over horror, Stephen King and Twin Peaks fans
Suffering from writer’s block, Alan Wake is dragged to the Pacific Northwest by his wife Alice to jump start his creative process. But when Alice is kidnapped by a mysterious, otherworldly force, Alan’s in a race against time to save her as he fights off monsters…seemingly echoing a new novel he wrote…one he doesn’t remember writing. Immersive fans will thrill at the ahead-of-its-time gameplay mechanics that fuel the narrative. While the flashlight is used to weaken enemies, it encourages players to always be exploring, fostering agency to dive deeper into the world. Also, peppered throughout are fascinating usages of mixed media content, including QR codes that link to videos on YouTube.
–Patrick B. McLean, Chicago Curator & Remote Experiences Editor
CONTROL — Remedy Entertainment
The X-Files of the Alan Wake universe
Action (PC, PlayStation, and Xbox)
$29.99
Perfect for: People who love their action games with a side of weirdness, anyone who wanted Dana Scully to have superpowers
Alternate-reality. Liminal spaces with bigger-on-the-inside vibes. A fully-interactive environment with evolving layers of access and grounded close enough to the real world that you’ll spend your non-gaming hours suspecting there really is a Federal Bureau of Control. With two DLC campaigns and a sequel coming down the pipe, this award-sweeping sojourn into deep government secrets is a perfect pick for the immersive gamer in your life who loves solo adventures, savior scenarios, and questioning reality.
–Shelley Snyder, London Curator
BOOKS
Hallucinate by staring at tree flesh
Star Wars: The Princess and The Scoundrel — Random House Worlds
Novel
$17.99
Perfect for: Those who wished they could have and those who did travel on The Halcyon, Romance Lovers, Star Wars Fans
After the destruction of the second Death Star, Han Solo and Leia Organa’s whirlwind romance is taken to the next level by getting married. Per Mon Mothma’s suggestion, the newlyweds find themselves honeymooning on The Halcyon, the jewel cruise ship of the Chandrila Star Line. It’s the 100 pages of this novel that take place aboard The Halcyon that make this a must-read, as the novel does a wonderful job of being descriptive without being prescriptive. Through Han and Leia, those unable to travel on the ship experience what it’s like to board for the first time, organically discovering all The Halcyon has to offer. And those who did attend will learn more about the ship, adding context to activities, artwork, and crew history.
- Patrick B. McLean, Chicago Curator & Remote Experiences Editor
Takahiro Kurashima’s Moirémotion
Set the pages of this book into motion
$28
Perfect for: Design Zealots, Kinetic Art Admirers, Illusion Evangelists
The pages of this interactive book feature a spectrum of black-and-white graphic patterns. Their composition, however, comes to life with a separate placard. When overlaid on the printed pages, it reveals the moiré effects (“interference patterns produced when an opaque ruled pattern with gaps is overlaid on another similar pattern”). The result is mesmerizing and oh-so-satisfying.
— Laura Hess, Arts Editor
360° books by Yusuke Oono
Collectible books reveal 3D worlds
$24 — $35
Perfect for: Design Zealots, Mavens of Miniatures, Japanophiles
Crafted by artist Yusuke Oono, these compact books possess an outsized reveal. Opening like a spherical accordion, each page is a distinct 2D cross-section of the full 3D image. Both delicate and dynamic, the scenic options include Mount Fuji, Earth, Snow White, a wintery forest, and suzume-odori, a traditional Japanese dance.
— Laura Hess, Arts Editor
GIFT CARDS
Bruce Munro: Light at Sensorio
A night of spectacular art in central California
Admission ranges from $11 to $120 per person
Perfect for: Art Connoisseurs, Adventurous Families, Star Gazers
Sensorio first launched in 2019 with Bruce Monro’s Field of Light, a sweeping display of color set in the fields of Paso Robles. Guests walked through and amongst the installation of 60,000 solar-powered bulbs. Since then, the installation has both expanded (now 100,000 bulbs), and become a permanent fixture. Sensorio also added three more installations by Munro — all colorful and playful light sculptures. With live music, food, and beverage it’s a full evening of entertainment and wondrous spectacle. (Note: For those in or near NYC, a smaller version of Field of Light will be available this winter in Manhattan’s Freedom Plaza.)
— Laura Hess, Arts Editor
Integratron sound bath
A convergence of history, science, and sonic wonder in California’s High Desert
$55 per person (for the public sound bath)
Perfect for: Wellness Devotees, Eclectic Travelers, Area 51 Disciples
This one-of-a-kind domed structure in Landers, California, was built by ufologist George Van Tassel, who claimed it was capable of time travel (among other things). One thing is for certain: its acoustics are incredible. Now owned and maintained by three sisters, sound baths include 20 quartz crystal singing bowls played live. Although time travel isn’t (yet) an option, it’s a definitively relaxing and transportive experience. Make a weekend of it with neighboring Pioneer Town and Joshua Tree National Park.
— Laura Hess, Arts Editor
Headlock Escape Rooms
Their signature online show has puppets (need I say more?)
£75 (currently $91.50)
Perfect for: New & Seasoned Escape Room-ers, Musical Groupies, Diorama-Makers, Puppet Masters
Headlock Escape Rooms is the esteemed creator of The Keeper & The Fungus Among Us, a remote-escape-room-rock-opera-musical… with hand puppets. Delightful doesn’t even begin to cover it. Celebrate the holidays with your nearest and dearest with puzzles, original music, and a plethora of fungus puns.
— Laura Hess, Arts Editor
JEWELRY
Oooh, shiny!
Puzzle Ring
Confound the one you love
$52.00 — $3,895
Perfect for: Puzzle Lovers, Wearers of Unique Jewelry, Insecure Husbands (but please *don’t* use them this way!)
Puzzle rings are comprised of several interconnected rings that, when twisted and positioned together in the correct way, form a single band. The history behind these rings is filled with much myth and urban legend, with theories of their origin ranging from ancient Egypt to Arabia, to China two millenia ago. Some even claim they were originally created by jealous husbands to prevent their partners from removing their rings. There are several puzzle ring creators out there, using everything from $3k+ precious metals and jewels to more cost effective materials. All are a great gift for the puzzle lover in your life!
– Katrina Lat, Toronto Curator
PRODUCTIVITY
Stay on target, stay on target…
Analog Starter Kit — Ugmonk
Aesthetically pleasing to-do list set
Minimalist productivity system
$95
Perfect for: Creators, Producers, friends who keep buying planners & never use them
I’m the kind of person who has tried constant productivity systems and who often needs to shift tools once or twice a year just to keep a sense of momentum. That said, I keep coming back to Ugmonk’s Analog. It’s just cards with spaces for ten tasks on the front and a light writing grid on the back. With a beautiful wooden card holder that keeps a month’s worth of cards close to hand and the one I’m working on for the day propped up and in clear view. They just made a weekly version too, if that’s the kind of line of sight focusing tool that does it for you. Ugmonk makes a lot of wonderful desk tools, and if I ever win the lotto they’re like the sixth place I shopping spree at.
– Noah Nelson, Publisher & Founder
TOYS
You don’t even need an excuse
Meow Wolf Plush
Is it a cat? Is it a wolf? Are you sitting down?
Plushie
$34.50
Perfect for: Meow Wolf fans, Plushie Collectors, Inner Childs and Actual Children
I brought home this four-eyed wolf-cat hybrid after visiting Meow Wolf Convergence Station during last year’s Denver Immersive Gathering. Having spent a full year coexisting with him, I can personally say that he’s incredibly cute, cuddly, and confusing. What more could you ask for in a plushie friend?
– Katrina Lat, Toronto Curator
Giant Rubiks Cube
Not quite as big as your head
Classic Puzzle
$23.90
Perfect for: Physical Puzzlers, Toy Collectors, People Who Like To Show Off How Smart They Are By Memorizing Algorithms
This 18cm cube (roughly the size of my head!) is a great display piece, but also provides a new level of challenge to Rubiks Cube lovers. Once you’ve learned how to solve a 3x3 cube and completed it a handful of times, it starts to become an exercise in muscle memory. I found this out the hard way when I first encountered one of these giant cubes in the lobby of an escape room, and realized the size of the puzzle made it difficult for me to mindlessly twist my way through!
– Katrina Lat, Toronto Curator
GRAB BAG
Because we didn’t want to come up with categories for each of these
ACS PRO Series Custom Earplugs
A perfect fit
£115.00 — £169.00
Perfect for: Live Event Attendees, Music Lovers, Anyone With Ears… protect your hearing y’all!
These soft silicone earplugs are custom moulded to ensure a comfortable fit — so comfortable that I can last an entire day wearing them if needed. They come in a variety of filter options, allowing you to pick the ones that best suit your lifestyle (as a concert photographer, I swear by the PRO27s). Unlike disposable earplugs, they filter only harmful frequencies, ensuring an optimal music-listening experience. I never leave home without these — you never know when you may stumble upon an adventure, and preserving hearing health is integral to ensuring your showgoing days last long into the future!
–Katrina Lat, Toronto Curator
Rabble Wine App — Rabble Wine Company
No, you’re not seeing things because of the wine
App (and Wine Bottle Required)
Free (individual bottles from $19.99 to $24.99)
Based in California, Rabble Wine Company sells both red and white wines where each type’s label depicts either supernatural or historical natural disasters. While each label is vivid, a noticeable intention of color choice at work, it’s when viewing labels through the company’s app that they come to life — literally. The app allows people to watch a volcano erupt or a tornado strike, the sounds of wind and fire crackling as chaos unfolds. It’s a fun conversation starter over a delightful glass of wine (or I can only vouch for the reds currently) that’s also sustainably made through a partnership with 1% For The Planet.
– Patrick B. McLean, Chicago Curator & Remotes Senior Editor
Yes Plz Coffee Subscription — Yes Plz
Go go juice
Fresh roasted coffee beans
Starting at $17 for a bag
Perfect for: anyone who drinks coffee
This is the coffee I start most of my days with. It’s very good. I’m not saying that just because the owner is a friend and they gave us a whole lot of coffee for The Next Stage. No. I asked my friend for a whole lot of coffee for The Next Stage because it’s good. If it wasn’t so late and I didn’t have to be up in six hours I’d make some right now. Maybe I will just go sniff the beans. Ah. Yes. Good. Good little beans. Good. Soon to be ground up and brewed.
– Noah Nelson, Publisher & Founder
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