Best Layout and Graphics?

[d20fool]

Here's a question that is sure to be devisive?

Which game company has the best layout and graphics? Why do you think so? What products are you thinking about in particular?

In other words, who or what knocks your socks off when you're reading a book?

 

[Cergorach]

Here's a question that is sure to be devisive?

Which game company has the best layout and graphics? Why do you think so? What products are you thinking about in particular?

In other words, who or what knocks your socks off when you're reading a book?

I think that honor would go to privateer press, atleast that's my first thought.

 

[jaldaen]

Privateer Press is the first that comes to my mind as well... but I'm biased ;-)

It was however what brought me to work for them in the first place... so I didn't start out biased ;-)


Thanks to Ghostwind for reminding me of the Lord of the Rings roleplaying books... they are beautiful and quite well layed out... bravo to Decipher!

Joseph Miller
PP Wordsmith (Monsternomicon)

 

[V_Shane]

I'd say Ronin Arts (Phil Reed) and then Monte Cook, and then Heathen Oracle, but then again I'm biased (especially on the last one).

 

[Desdichado]

Privateer Press for graphics, Malhavoc for layout. I really like the AU layout, at least.

 

[Ghostwind]

Have to go with Decipher. Both of their Lord of the Rings and Star Trek RPG lines have some of the best layout and graphics I have seen. It's always easy on the eyes to read those books because the layout is done so well.

 

[The Sigil]

Disclaimer: When I think of "layout" I think of "Visual Appeal" as well as "Ease of Use" - it needs to be interesting enough for me to stay interested but simple and uncluttered enough for me to find what I'm looking for. In other words, I want a layout that's not cluttered, but is not sterile either.

Bad Axe Games does it for me. When I think "great layout" I think of the HoHF series. I also like the layout of the FFG books, though sometimes the amount of white space is a bit excessive.

And while it may start a heated debate, I hate to say it, but Malhavoc probably rates among the WORST layouts for me. For lack of a better way of putting it, Malhavoc's layout is too clean - to the point of being sterilized and positively bland. I have a very hard time keeping my attention on the page because of the intense visual sameness. In my opinion, they've swung the pendulum too far on "clean layouts" to the point where the visual blandness keeps me from being able to read their books... which is too bad, since I really enjoyed the original PDF layouts of the Book of Eldritch Might I and II (the ones done before they settled upon their current signature style).

Malladin's Gate (in PDF) does nice clean work, but sometimes can run slightly to the "too clean" side as well.

--The Sigil

 

[Desdichado]

Not necessarily controversial; I've heard that complaint from a few folks before.

Not that I understand it, mind you! I still think the new Malhavoc layout is my favorite in the industry.

 

[Old Fezziwig]

Ronin Arts and Malhavoc, IMO.

 

[Wulf Ratbane]

Bad Axe Games does it for me. When I think "great layout" I think of the HoHF series.

Cool, thanks. I, umm... I agree.

And to think, it all came together when I learned to stop second guessing Brad. So, really, I deserve the credit.


Wulf