DriveThruRPG.com
Browse Categories
$ to $















Back
pixel_trans.gif
Other comments left by this customer:
You must be logged in to rate this
pixel_trans.gif
Acirema Dungeons – Player Book
Publisher: Ironspine Press
by Graham R. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 09/11/2016 12:17:42

This is a marvellous little game. On the face of it, it appears to be a minimalist fantasy rpg (one of many), but a deeper look reveals this to be a unique game with an atmosphere all of its' own.

The mechanics are very easy, and require simple rolls of a d12 to beat a target number. Characters are represented by a handful of characteristics (a stamina score and a magic points score, with little else). It's worth having a look at a character sheet to get an idea of how minimally characters are represented.

What truly sets the game rules apart are the various oddities and idiosyncracies, including such things as a zombie character class, and the use of spells by nearly every type of character. It's the little details like these that, in my opinion, will appeal to even the most jaded of gamers, assuming they're able to lift their gaze from the numerous retro clones available at the moment.

The translation from Finnish to English is adequate, and although not perfect does not by any means detract from reading the game. In fact, for me it added to the games charm. And speaking of charm, the artwork in the game is splendid; it's quirky and looks somehow 'Scandinavian', if that's not being stereotypical. It adds immensely to the old school feel of the game. This is, I suppose, Finnish style old school (and all the better for it).

This is an example of how fantasy games can be original, and how they can evoke a retro gaming feel without slavishly reproducing those rules.

I recommend this game for experienced players looking for a new perspective, a game that although 'minimalist', is complete and feels sufficiently different to spark the imagination. For players accustomed to modern rpgs, with little experience of games as they were in the 80's, this will no doubt feel alien. I would still recommend it though, it's worth it for the quirkyness. This would be a marvellous game to use with newbie players, it's simple and gets straight into the action.

Highly recommended.



Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]
Acirema Dungeons – Player Book
Click to show product description

Add to DriveThruRPG.com Order

pixel_trans.gif
Cavemaster RPG
Publisher: UNIGames
by Graham R. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 08/07/2012 14:48:54

A marvellous piece of work. Well researched, without being overly erudite, which makes it a pleasure to read. The mechanics are innovative, simple and genre appropriate. In this last area, other game designers would do well to take note, a well written game can be ruined by mechanics that seem incongruous to the setting. That's not the case here though. The cavemaster mechanics use stones instead of dice, and a character sheet without words. This is evocative of the genre and not at all clunky. The hominins (character races if you like) are presented with a good deal of depth, and enhance the scope of the game nicely. The setting is rich, and well presented, which is a boon in a genre that is perhaps more limited than fantasy settings. This game presents prehistory in an entertaining manner, and the illustrations capture the setting nicely. There are no negatives. Get out of the conventional fantasy rut, and give this a go.



Rating:
[4 of 5 Stars!]
Cavemaster RPG
Click to show product description

Add to DriveThruRPG.com Order

pixel_trans.gif
Maelstrom Classic Fantasy Toolkit
Publisher: Arion Games
by Graham R. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 07/07/2012 06:12:52

Maelstrom is a classic game, perhaps overlooked in the past due to its' relatively realistic historical focus. Indeed, purely historical role playing games are a niche market, and although the Maelstrom core rulebook does contain a hint of fantasy (with the innovative magic rules), it is on the whole very much a historical RPG. It's a shame Maelstrom isn't more widely known, the rules are simple, the setting colourful and when it was released (back in the 80's), the magic system was revolutionary. With the release of the classic fantasy toolkit, Maelstrom may now become a little more widely known and used, broadening its' appeal to those who perhaps steer clear of historical games. In essence, the toolkit does what I suspect many Maelstrom GMs have pondered or attempted; turning Maelstrom into a fantasy RPG. The supplement introduces the standard fantasy elements to the game, such as fantasy races (elves, dwarves and halflings), and the typical classes of classic dungeon delving games (fighters, thieves, assassins, wizards, paladins etc). The information is presented succinctly, and in a useable format, so that it can easily be used alongside the core rules. There's a monsters section which includes details for the 'usual suspects' of a fantasy RPG (goblins etc). Of note is the artwork, which is well executed and evocative of early fantasy RPGs. The supplement is by no means perfect; there's no information on a fantasy setting for example, and an adventure would have been nice. However, for the price, I don't think there's really any cause to grumble. In summary then, for a few dollars, euros or pounds, you get the essentials for creating fantasy scenarios using the splendid Maelstrom system.



Rating:
[4 of 5 Stars!]
Maelstrom Classic Fantasy Toolkit
Click to show product description

Add to DriveThruRPG.com Order

pixel_trans.gif
Displaying 1 to 3 (of 3 reviews) Result Pages:  1 
pixel_trans.gif
pixel_trans.gif Back pixel_trans.gif
0 items
 Gift Certificates