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Modern Havok
Publisher: Rebel Minis
by Ricardo N. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 10/02/2011 11:48:19

This can be seen as a "lite" version of Chain Reaction 3.0, with some added information and three new scenarios. Overall, I'd say that it runs faster than the full CR 3.0 since there are less character states (for instance, no Hunker Down), simplified reactions and a modified melee system. As such, I think that it is worth for introducing the reaction system to new players or playing with larger numbers of figures while maintaining the speed of the game. The scenarios are also nice, especially the two for gangs and police.



Rating:
[4 of 5 Stars!]
Modern Havok
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Terror Network: A Counter Terrorism RPG by Bedrock Games
Publisher: Avalon Game Company
by Ricardo N. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 10/02/2011 11:31:58

Terror Network is a focused role-playing game. Players assume the roles of counter-terrorism agents working together in a variety of operations. Personally, I like games like this, which set out to do one thing well. Everything is tied together: character creation options, action resolution system, even the adventuring system (or operations as they are known in this game.) Furthermore, as another reviewer has already written, the game is to the point. The rules take less than ten pages and give the framework to resolve most situations.

This book is well organized. It starts with the nearly mandatory introduction to role-playing games, with a twist: it includes an overview of the game, with terms that will be used throughout the book. It follows with character creation and equipment and then the game rules. After those, there are background chapters on terrorism and counter-terrorism, ideas on how to run the game and a sample scenario. There is also a useful index at the end.

If there is one thing to complain is that I really liked the concept of the "Character Network" and I wish it could have received some more attention on the rules.



Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]
Terror Network: A Counter Terrorism RPG by Bedrock Games
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Scale D Core Rules
Publisher: Avalon Classic
by Ricardo N. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 10/02/2011 10:49:11

Scale D is a lot more like a combat system for a role-playing game than a miniature skirmish system. It uses square grid-based terrain and an action point system to determine actions that each character can perform on a game turn (characters have a set amount of points and each type of action has a certain cost.)

I can understand that the goal of the authors was to allow a more varied range of actions during the game rather than just moving and shooting, as is often the case. However, the result is a complex system, with a considerable amount of bookkeeping per character in the skirmish. For instance, it is necessary to roll and keep track of initiative for each character on each game turn. Now consider doing this for even a dozen figures on each side of a skirmish, besides tracking their action points and other statistics. There are references in the text that seem to imply that the game is played with one character per player and even a "game master" is mentioned (for instance in pages 6 and 13). These facts made me think that the game is a lot more like a combat-oriented "lite" RPG than a skirmish game.

Information is not well-organized in the book. Character attributes are described right away but then, character creation rules go into the character development chapter (the last in the book.) Rules for movement are spread throughout the book. The long list of possible character actions is not organized in any pattern that I could distinguish. Information isn't complete, either: there are no scenarios and no examples of play besides a few diagrams. The authors mention that "specific books" would supplement these core rules with more detail (for instance in pages 6, 11 and 26) but I suppose that those were never released.

Visually, the book has a readable layout but the authors decided to add a thick black "noisy" border on each page, so that I would never even think of printing it. The whole book is set in black and white and the illustrations follow the same "noisy" style. The diagrams illustrating movement and some other actions are clear and useful.

In summary, I think that for a skirmish game this is too complex without any added benefits. There are other skirmish games with task systems that allow for different actions in more elegant ways. It might appeal for groups of players looking for a "lite" RPG focused on combat but since there are so many combat-heavy RPGs out there with more source material than this, I'm not sure if it would be worth, either.



Rating:
[2 of 5 Stars!]
Scale D Core Rules
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Battle Quest
Publisher: Crystal Star Games
by Ricardo N. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 10/02/2011 09:55:37

A simple encounter-based game that is playable with minimum setup and learning time. I'm not sure if I'm missing something but spellcasting seems a little weak (or expensive, depending on how you view it.) Although the game is playable by 1 to 4 people, I think it really is fun with 3-4 as the tension from choosing between exploring a bit more or trying to complete the game before someone else does becomes greater. For solo play there are other options, including Chronicles of Arax from the same publisher.



Rating:
[4 of 5 Stars!]
Battle Quest
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Shuffler - Modern and Sci-Fi Map Creator
Publisher: Paper Make iT !
by Ricardo N. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 09/24/2011 08:51:27

A great piece of software that can run in different platforms, this allows you to build tiles for indoors and outdoors modern/sci-fi games. The interface takes some time getting used to, especially the keyboard commands for the different operations available on each tile. As it also exports the map images, it's possible to combine it with your favorite virtual tabletop software.



Rating:
[4 of 5 Stars!]
Shuffler - Modern and Sci-Fi Map Creator
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Darkfast Classic Fantasy Set Two: Wood Elves
Publisher: Okumarts Games
by Ricardo N. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 09/24/2011 08:30:42

Another great set of figures, including ranger-like types, and versions using medium and heavy armor. The outlines of the figures are simple to cut for the most part, except around the bows. However, it's possible to make some straight cuts and fill the small bits of white with a black marker pen.



Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]
Darkfast Classic Fantasy Set Two: Wood Elves
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Darkfast Classic Fantasy Set Zero: Basic Adventure
Publisher: Okumarts Games
by Ricardo N. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 09/09/2011 20:05:30

An awesome set (and free!) Includes some staples of old-school dungeon hacking like fighter, magic-user, dwarf and elf, and a bunch of bad guys. Okumart's modern, cartoony style works really well with the classic fantasy references.



Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]
Darkfast Classic Fantasy Set Zero: Basic Adventure
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Darkfast Classic Fantasy Set One: Orc Tribe
Publisher: Okumarts Games
by Ricardo N. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 09/02/2011 15:13:05

Amazing set of paper miniatures. Looking at the cover image I can't help seeing it as a photograph of painted metal minis. Especially the ones standing with the polearms. The bonus miniatures are also very nice.



Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]
Darkfast Classic Fantasy Set One: Orc Tribe
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Factory
Publisher: Finger and Toe Models
by Ricardo N. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 09/02/2011 15:08:05

Awesome modular model, which includes interior walls. It's possible to combine the factory blocks in several setups to obtain different configurations.



Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]
Factory
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Multi-Story Warehouse
Publisher: Finger and Toe Models
by Ricardo N. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 09/02/2011 15:04:02

A very nice model. Easy to build, it includes interior walls too. With a little work it can be built as an exterior-only model if you prefer. Looks really nice along with other industrial and slums models from Finger and Toe.



Rating:
[4 of 5 Stars!]
Multi-Story Warehouse
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The Lost City
Publisher: Finger and Toe Models
by Ricardo N. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 07/30/2011 01:16:11

Excellent value. A modular kit that allows you to build all kinds of temples and ruins of some long forgotten civilization. Great for pulp adventures and should also fit fantasy or post-apocalyptic too.



Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]
The Lost City
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Mutant Future: Revised Edition (no-art version)
Publisher: Goblinoid Games
by Ricardo N. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 07/02/2011 13:45:18

Mutant Future is, in my opinion, one of the great outcomes from the "retroclone" wave of RPGs. It combines OGL rules from older editions of D&D with post-apocalyptic influences from Gamma World and Metamorphosis Alpha. The result is different from any of those considered separately, and a working game system for "old school" post-apocalyptic adventures. I was lucky enough to grab the first free edition, which included pictures, and if the art remains anything like that, I'd recommend the paid version to anyone who feels like playing it, as it matches the style and theme of the book very well (especially the monsters, like the spidergoat or the xenocattle) and is very inspiring.



Rating:
[4 of 5 Stars!]
Mutant Future: Revised Edition (no-art version)
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Dark Dungeon 2, Mini-Game #20, Lair of the Spider Cult
Publisher: Avalon Game Company
by Ricardo N. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 07/02/2011 13:16:31

This adventure for Dark Dungeon includes three additional adventurers, two spells, five dungeon tiles and five new enemies. It is a good addition to the game as the adventure plays very differently from the Goblins Lair (the one that comes with Dark Dungeon.) While that was structured as a dungeon delve, this one has more of a story going, and plays as a mix of "choose your adventure" and tactical, grid-based combat.



Rating:
[4 of 5 Stars!]
Dark Dungeon 2, Mini-Game #20, Lair of the Spider Cult
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The Labyrinth
Publisher: Radioactive Press
by Ricardo N. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 07/02/2011 12:55:19

The Labyrinth is a dungeon exploration (or rather, dungeon escape) game designed for solitaire play. It is easy to set up and plays relatively fast. As for the book itself, the layout is simple and effective and the writing and diagrams are clear. There are a few pictogram-like illustrations that match the suggested setting of a team of archaeologists escaping from mummies in a pyramid. As it is often the case with solitaire-play games, the Labyrinth can be hard and punishing and you will cherish your victories when you achieve them. I have a short play report here: http://fantalonia.blogspot.com/2011/04/escape-from-labyrinth.html that might be helpful.



Rating:
[4 of 5 Stars!]
The Labyrinth
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Qwik - Game of the Wasteland
Publisher: Two Hour Wargames
by Ricardo N. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 07/02/2011 12:35:19

This game is inspired by the post-apocalyptic blood sport that is the theme of the movie "The Salute of the Jugger." I do recommend watching that or at least some trailers for inspiration. You have two teams of five people trying to drive the "bean" (a dog skull) on a stake on the opposing team's end of the playing field. Only one player of each team, the "qwik," may touch the bean; the others are armed with clubs and chains and fight to protect their qwiks and attack the opponents. The game uses a modified version of the reaction system found in other Two Hour Wargames products. The playing field is split into a number of squares or "zones." On each game round, characters may perform some actions based on their role in the team. Some of these actions (especially movement between zones) cause reactions from other characters and the result is a fluid simulation of the match. Besides movement and positioning, there is also a strategy element in the bonus dice that characters may spend on any action -- think of it as their stamina or willpower. Choosing when to spend them can make a big difference. The book includes rules suitable for two players, as well as a complete set of "behaviors" for solitaire play. I have tried them and they do work very well (I have a report here: http://fantalonia.blogspot.com/2011/05/qwik-game-of-wasteland.html) as other THW games. You can play single matches, arrange a tournament between friends or try the campaign from the book -- lots of options and ways to play. The best recommendation I'd have is: watch a trailer from the movie that includes scenes from the game matches. If you find yourself thinking, "I'd like to play a game based on that," then this game is for you.



Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]
Qwik - Game of the Wasteland
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