Fast Forward Issues?

[JoeGKushner]

So is it just me or is Fast Forward Entertainment just not getting D20? Almost all of their products have some pretty serious mechanical errors, as well as some fairly bad editing. Art could be much better in many cases and the whole feel of some of their product is well...off.

I'm not saying their bad people or that their products are useless, just that a better understanding and implementation of the D20 mechanics with a sound editor would be nice.

I like the fact that they try different stuff. The props and the spiral binding in Treasure Quests are good examples.

Other opinions?

 

[Kaptain_Kantrip]

Nobody stocks their stuff in my area and the books are all way too expensive to risk a mail order purchase on. I've heard bad things about them (which you expressed above).

 

[trancejeremy]

For better or for worse, Fast Forwards stuff is very reminescent of 1E stuff. Or Judge's Guild's 1e/D&D stuff. So yes, their stuff has something of an odd feel to it.

But yes, they have a poor grasp of d20 as well. I'm guessing it's a combination of things - for one, Jim Ward probably is really really used to 1e or original D&D. For another, Lester Smith has often shown a remarkably poor grasp of rules for systems that he writes for.

 

[Psion]

I've heard secondhand over on Monte's board that when people brought up mechanical issues over email, FFE's rep was rather hostile and fired back retorts to the effect of "we aren't worried about mechanics; we are worried about fun." Ahem. Okay.

Anyways, I did like the research put into Encyclopedia of Demons & Devils, but would really have to revise most of it before I could use it.

I have Treasure Quests, and for the most parts the stats in it are pretty decent. Some of the map scales and keys are a little funky, but overall a useful (if pricey) product. If treasure quests is any indication, I think they may be "coming around." But I really don't think their "items of power" series is worth the money.

 

[trancejeremy]

Well, if you read FFE's message boards you can find Jim Ward getting a bit angry to the extremely accurate comment that the CRs of the critters in Demons & Devils are screwed up (and a lesser extent, their stats).

Another thing that bugs me in retrospect (to a degree) is that while they did do some research, the contents of Demons & Devils closely follows mostly one book. "A Field Guide to Demons, Fairies, Fallen Angels, and Other Subversive Spirits". Not completely, but it's pretty glaring. A lot of the illustrations are taken from it. Not copied directly, but they were used for inspiration by the artists FFE used.

Nothing illegal, but tacky, I think.

 

[Lady Dragon]

I like treasure quests it is an improvement over there previous things but what I am really looking forward to in their upcoming Dungeon world which will have cover art by Larry Elmore so art at least won't be a problem anymore.

I like the idea of a world size dungeon to escape form.

As for the power item books they are more for reading than actual play some of the stories are interesting.

 

[thundershot]

<looks apprehensive>

I was seriously considering buying Treasure Quests and Dungeon World... but... umm.... now I'm not so sure.

Does anyone have any actual reviews of Treasure Quests yet? I was also considering Wonderous Items of Power, but now I think I'll wait for some reviews...

So far, I have almost exclusively FFG and AEG d20 books. Almost...


Chris

 

[johncolossus]

disappointed by Rings of power

I have only bought one FFE product so far.....Rings of Power. I have to say I was originally really looking forward to it......>150 pages on legendary rings with lots of d20 crunchiness. However, I was very disappointed to find that a low proportion of the book was d20 rules (...ish) and the rest was the stories. Most were Ok and readable but quite a lot really did not incorporate any real usages of the rings.....ie once you read the story and then read the ring powers you go....huh? that power is so unconnected to what is revealed. There was no indication to the proportion of story to d20 stuff.....I have to say if had known i would not have bought it. Then as has been mentioned d20 rules grasp for each ring is somewhat suspect....good ideas but will need work to fix. One way which I thought it was going to be like, was a bit like the set up say in Secrets and Societies (S&S)......start with ring stats, then background, then roleplaying notes and any connected guardians or important characters...much better way. The selling of actual rings is a good quirky facet that will appeal to some people.

However, this experience has put me off buying anymore FFE books especially the ...Of Power series (had a lot of potential). BUT....I will give the company one more chance with Dungeon World......now this sounds again something with a lot of potential. I am hoping am not disappointed....I am sure i will not be. If I am FFE will be off my buy list. Roll on 13th May when Dungeon World is released. Just my 2 penny

 

[johncolossus]

disappointed by Rings of power

I have only bought one FFE product so far.....Rings of Power. I have to say I was originally really looking forward to it......>150 pages on legendary rings with lots of d20 crunchiness. However, I was very disappointed to find that a low proportion of the book was d20 rules (...ish) and the rest was the stories. Most were Ok and readable but quite a lot really did not incorporate any real usages of the rings.....ie once you read the story and then read the ring powers you go....huh? that power is so unconnected to what is revealed. There was no indication to the proportion of story to d20 stuff.....I have to say if had known i would not have bought it. Then as has been mentioned d20 rules grasp for each ring is somewhat suspect....good ideas but will need work to fix. One way which I thought it was going to be like, was a bit like the set up say in Secrets and Societies (S&S)......start with ring stats, then background, then roleplaying notes and any connected guardians or important characters...much better way. The selling of actual rings is a good quirky facet that will appeal to some people.

However, this experience has put me off buying anymore FFE books especially the ...Of Power series (had a lot of potential). BUT....I will give the company one more chance with Dungeon World......now this sounds again something with a lot of potential. I am hoping am not disappointed....I am sure i will not be. If I am FFE will be off my buy list. Roll on 13th May when Dungeon World is released. Just my 2 pennyworth

 

[johncolossus]

Ooops sorry about the double post!!!