|
The Zantabulous Zorcerer of Zo is possibly the most useful, inspirational, and gratifying RPG I own. If this one isn't in your collection, you're missing out not just on a brilliant game design (I'm a big fan of the Prose Descriptive Qualities system), but on a book that provides that rarest of feelings: that the author is a charismatic friend sitting next to you and cheering you on as youy read.
Partly it comes from the fact that ZoZ was one of the first products I can think of (and given that we're talking RPGs here, I am sure it will be no more than a nanosecond before some irony-deprived pedant comes along to correct me) to include actual play documents and commentary as an integral part of the game. Indeed, as many reviewers have noted, a huge percentage of the page count is essentially liner notes and director's commentary.
You know what I absolutely love? Good liner notes and director's commentary. I was a pretty seasoned nerd by the time ZoZ came out, but if I hadn't been, this game would have been invaluable in showing me what a GM actually does. I realize that nowadays the answers are no more than a YouTube link away, and that streamers are legion, but in the early 2000s, those sources weren't nearly as thick on the ground.
What's more, Chad Underkoffler has a beautiful knack for communicating clearly, warmly, and engagingly. Finding a balance between those three writerly imperatives is brutally difficult, but Underkoffler is an avuncular master at walking you through his toy chest and showing you how all the cool dolls and puppets can come to life.
I pretty much never say things are not to be missed. But this is a game everyone should own and read, a true gem. If you haven't checked it out yet, you are in for an enviable treat.
|
|
|
|
|
|
I like the system, but it kind of falls into that category of "just a little too much of a toolkit" that FATE Accellerated did for me. I did try to find players for a game but did not succeed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
A great rules light game for fants of general generic roleplaying systems.
|
|
|
|
|
|
I find the PDQ system to be the best rules light system for narrititve adventure gaming, and this is a top contender for the best Superhero game I have eaver read. Also its discussions on the eras of comics up to and including the animated universes introduced int the mid/late 90's is invaluable.
|
|
|
|
|
|
I have to start by saying I am very fond of the PDQ system. Its simplicity and flexibility is something that draws ne back to it tiem and time again.
In many respects Teh Zorcerer of Zo is simultaneously the simplest yet most sophisticated version of the rules, and is very well explained indeed. I would single out the magic rules for particular praise - pretty much anythign can be a magical ability, but every magical effect has both a cost (something that is consumed or damaged to power the magic, such as possessions, relationships, health etc) and a catch (an inherent way of dispelling the enchantment, such as time (it only lasts a day) place (it only affects the village), action (only against Talking Animals) etc).
Wilst not essential to the rules, one of the best parts of hte book is the 150 page campaign write up. It is simply boiling with advice, plot hooks and suggestions, as well as story hooks.
This is a book that really rewards multile readings, and I cant recommend it highly enough
|
|
|
|
|
|
I really liked the simplicity and how flexible the PDQ system is. I also liked it that the characters aren't rewarded only for killing things and swiping the loot from their bodies, but are primarily rewarded for using their brains to come up with clever ways to use the system to get around problems.
(I hate how politically correct that makes me sound. I shall have to slip a dragon into the Atomic Sock Money's bed for that, and also get Undercoffler for spelling his name Vndercoffler on the fron cover.)
|
|
|
|
|
Not bad at all really. It is just that I read the more up to date version PDQ Sharp, and it is better. Also Sharp has illustrations, and more examples.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Without a doubt one of my favourite supers games. If you want a game that helps the gm run the game and explain the reason why spider-man breaks up with his girlfriend.
I had a great time running several campaigns of truth and justice, a recommendation of all fans of supers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
I found it rather different in places than the usual rpg's. Parts like FATE, but I especially liked the damage taken not off abstract hit points, but skills.
|
|
|
|
|
|
We love this game! It is very simple to assemble, and since we are avid gamers we have plenty of dice and counters. You can use coins, glass beads, raisins, whatever. Yes, it is unbalanced (my son ALWAYS wants to be the Cowboy but we mix them up so we get a random choice) but still fun. Even unbalanced, the die rolls don't always go the way of the powerful. Simple to learn and to teach, even for non-gamers. We found a few other character cards on BGG (www.boardgamegeek.com) that we downloaded to expand our game.
|
|
|
|
|
|
This is a great "rules light" game that focuses on storytelling and interesting characters. Characters are described by "qualities" rather than just numbers and this helps to really create interesting personas. There is enough structure to not leave you "up in the air" like some games, but it is still loose enough to let you make it your own.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chad Underkoffler sees gaming through a more unique lens. I've collected just about all his titles, but find that this installment may be a bit too quirky. I recommend going with "Truth and Justice" or "ZoZ" before running with this.
|
|
|
|
|
|
At first I wasn't sure about this game and only bought it because of the recommendation of a friend. I'm glad I did.
The game is simple, easy to learn and great for one-shot superhero games as well as full blown campaigns. For GMs this game is a good way to introduce new, or younger players to rpgs. It is also a lot of fun for more experienced players. Now that I'm older my group doesn't have a lot of time for gaming so a quick system like this that is still able to offer everything we enjoy about RPGs is perfect for us. I can't recommend this game enough.
|
|
|
|
|
|
BEST GAME EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
I am very pleased witht this new adaptation of the PDQ system. The dueling rules (my favorite part of the guide) are smooth and effective. If you liked Truth and Justice then you will like these rules as well.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|