Product Review
Product Identity:
Name of Product: Babylon 5: No Surrender, No Retreat
Publisher: Mongoose Publishing
Author/s: Shannon Kalvar
Link: www.mongoosepublishing.com
Artists: Brandon Bray, Kier Darby, Leo Dunin, Dave Hribar, Fabio Passaro, Todd Pederzani, Jeffery C Richard, Matthew Tarling
Stock Number/SKU: MGP 3342
ISBN: 1-904854-11-7
Cover Price: US $24.95
Page Count: 128
Hard/Soft Cover/PDF: Softcover
Color/B&W Artwork: Full color throughout
Date of Review: 7/31/2004
Reviewer: William T “DM5” Blackburn
Scores and Comments:
Features Scores 0-5
Substance: 5 - The writing demonstrates an understanding and flair for language. The artwork was obviously chosen with care.
Style: 5
Innovation: 5 - Game play is enhanced with new concepts and rules.
Story: 5 - The Babylon 5 season 4 story unfolds in the heart of the book. Plot synopsis, setting and timeline are richly detailed.
Setting: 5
NPCs: 5 - Key NPCs are meticulously developed, including necessary stats.
Game Mechanics: 4 - No single place to find all the new rules and equipment- must read full text.
PCs: 5
Classes/Prestige Classes: 4 - Two Classes are presented fully, but seem to go by quickly.
Feats/Skills: 5
Equipment: 5
Tech Items: 4 - 12 new items are offered. Organic Technology is discussed, but not thoroughly enough.
Magic: 4 - Some of the “science fantasy” is glossed over.
Spells/Psionic Devotions: 5 - Powerful telepathic abilities and “Upgrades” are explored.
Creatures: 4 - Stat blocks are missing for newly introduced "life" forms.
Art: 5 - Superbly chosen images from the television series.
Cover: 5 - Full color computer generated artwork of a battle sequence.
Interior: 5
Map/s: 0 - None needed or supplied. Not scored.
Critique:
First Glance
No Surrender, No Retreat describes the events of 2261 as they appear in Season 4 of Babylon 5. It explores in detail the personalities, events, and technology that shape the next million years of civilized evolution. Used in conjunction with the other season books and the core Babylon 5 RPG, No Surrender, No Retreat allows the Games Master to extend his games beyond 2259. Characters can participate in the grand sweep of the Great War, assist the Mars colonists in their bid for independence, or stand firm against the alien influenced Sheridan and his mad war of conquest.
Read-Through
Personalities of 2261
This book begins with a discussion of the main characters of Babylon 5. Major characters from the proceeding seasons also receive a new treatment, reflecting their personal growth over the last year. Complete Stat Blocks round out basic information given for each character. A paragraph addressing roleplaying the NPCs is included for the GM.
The Galaxy of 2261
The heart of the book consists of an episode-by-episode recounting of the television season's events, along with thoughtful analysis and pertinent information about new technologies and trends. The chapter starts off with a potential timeline of events, allowing GMs and players to see what is going on in the galaxy at a given time.
Each episode is broken out in easy to digest sections. A probable game date and short synopsis lead into a scne-by-scene description. Key events or details of the episode are further examined, such as the Telepath Plague and Metacorporation Control. Additional minor NPCs are detailed throughout this chapter. Each episode is further expanded by offering 3 or more Scenarios and Campaign Hooks for GMs to use with their groups.
This chapter is well written and well worth casual reading as well as study for gaming sessions.
Rules Additions
This chapter seemed short, at first. A thorough reading of the preceding chapter will reveal a cornucopia of rules and variations not contained in this chapter. Therefore at 21 pages, this chapter represents only a portion of the new rules presented in No Surrender, No Retreat. Rules for broadcasting, Hitching a ride across the galaxy, Interrogation, new Telepathic abilities and technology, and Organic Technology are presented, followed by 2 new character Classes: the Shadow Servant and the Vorlon Servant.
Equipment and Vehicles
New equipment is presented, including costs and weights. Four new starships are discussed, along with statistical information. I would have enjoyed seeing a picture of each ship alongside its description, as well.
Gamers and fans of the Babylon series will enjoy this book for its comprehensive study of the 4th season and compelling new rules.
Overall Score: 4.72
