grodog's review of Castle Zagyg: The Upper Works

[RFisher]

I do hate the really "Earthy" names of so many of the NPCs, and I'm a little worried that all my name-changes might get a little hard to track during play, but other than that, this module is a thing of beauty.

To bad he never repeated the brilliance of B2 in that area: Completely leave naming (or not naming) the NPCs up to the DM/group.

 

[Mistwell]

Can I get a cliff notes version of your review?

15 pages for a review says to me "needs an editor"

 

[grodog]

LOL. Well, in addition to the review portions, it also includes info on the history of Greyhawk Castle publishing, and some other contexutal info. So, strictly-speaking, it's probably about 35% essay conent, 65% review content, and of that 65%, probably about 75% is review, and 25% is comparative context of CZ:UW vs. other signature mega-dungeon products.

In any event, here's my summary:

Summarizing Castle Zagyg: The Upper Works

I think that CZ:UW is an a excellent beginning for the core of the Castle Zagyg product line, and am hopeful that the problems that do exist within it can be corrected successfully in future releases---which I am definitely looking forward to reading and DMing!

• Greyhawk Heritage: 7.5
• As a Non-Greyhawk Mega-Dungeon: 8.0
• Adventure Design and Writing: 8.5
• Editing and Proofreading: 9.0
• Layout: 7.5
• Art: 7.5
• Cartography: 6.5

And the summary scores:
• Greyhawk Overall: 7.75 (all scores minus non-GH)
• Non-Greyhawk Mega-Dungeon Overall: 7.83 (all scores minus GH)
• Production Values Overall: 7.63 (drops GH, non-GH, Adventure Design)

That help, Mistwell?

 

[Raven Crowking]

LOL. Well, in addition to the review portions, it also includes info on the history of Greyhawk Castle publishing, and some other contexutal info. So, strictly-speaking, it's probably about 35% essay conent, 65% review content, and of that 65%, probably about 75% is review, and 25% is comparative context of CZ:UW vs. other signature mega-dungeon products.

Best. Review. Ever.

Sir, you do not need to change your review method.

RC

 

[timbannock]

Best. Review. Ever.

Sir, you do not need to change your review method.

RC

The simplified review should read: "I know what I'm talking about way better than you. So if I say 'buy it,' then you should just buy it."

Or something to that effect.

Anyway, judging by how many people are running this thing in C&C, 1E, 1E plus Houserules, 4E, and probably other systems, I'd say it's pretty versatile. I'm chomping at the bit to run it, and converting -- something I've never enjoyed or been very good at it -- has been a surprising pleasure.