Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="Greg K" data-source="post: 6067993" data-attributes="member: 5038">For the moment, I am choosing to ignore my main go to games: Mutants and Masterminds (2e), Savage Worlds, Icons, Cortex (classic), Cinematic Unisystem, True20, and  (all of which I, highly, recommend). Instead, I am focus on smaller games that tend to get less publicity.  Since Bedrock Games started the thread, I will begin by listing his products.  Crime Network:Cosa NotraHorror ShowTerror NetworkI have not had a chance to play these games which are among a handful of games in my "To Try" folder (most games do not make it this far). Therefore, the following is based upon a reading of each game rather than play experience. (Note: I received my pdf copies from Bedrock Games. It was, essentially, a thank you for repeatedly directing people to reviews of his products when they inquired about rpgs on one of the genres despite being being laid off and unable to afford the products themselves).  Strengths: 1. They seem well researched (admittedly, I am not all that familiar with the mafia films/dramas or anti-terrorism.  Horror on the other, hand, I am well versed and glad to see reference to movies that the majority of people whom I have met have no familiarity). I think that, even if people were not to find mechanics to their taste, the information and advice in the games will be useful for people (Horror Show, especially, impressed me).  I also like that Terror Network provides a high octane variant for those not wanting something so deadly.2. Character generation: It  reminds me somewhat of White Wolf's Storyteller- you get primary and secondary skilll categories (primary categories are, partially, assigned by roles and the remainder are chosen). The character receives a number of points to assign dots to skills with primary categories getting more points for spending(Unlike White Wolf, there are no standard rpg attributes). 3. I also like that, despite being a dice pool, only the best die is taken and compared to a TN- no counting successes or totaling of dice. This should keep things moving fast.4.  Crammed with material. The games are less than 120 pages and half of it is genre related information, GM advice, scenario suggestions, a scenario and NPCs. 5. Horror Show is, by default, based on one-shots to emulate a single horror movie. However, one can do a movie franchise with reoccurring characters (for those that survive to the sequels).Weakness: Of the following, only one is an issue at all to me (and not a deal breaker since I have no other issues). However, I am listing what I think might be potential issues for people depending upon their tastes in rpgs.1.  Single system: All of these games use the same basic system rather than entirely different systems There are, a few changes to capture the genre (e.g, names or characters in Terror Network receiving more skills to represent intensive training).  This is not an issue for me. However, the single system for different genres is a complaint that I have seen leveled by some people about games like GURPS, Savage Worlds and Cortex (classic)).2.  No Ability Scores: Some people might not like that there are no standard rpg ability scores (e.g, strength, dex, con, etc.) for every character and, instead they are handled by skills (e.g, might).  I thought this would be an issue, but was not since most are covered by skills.3. Lethality: The default for all three might be too lethal for some people.  However, it is within the genre of each game.  Crime Network you are afraid of being "whacked" by someone else. Horror Show is about emulating horror movies and people die in them.  Terror Network assumes death is on the line (but there is the high octane variant).4. Terror Network might have have a list of skill specializations (called Expertise) that are too long for some people. This is not an issue for me since characters are not required to take Expertise and, if one is interested in Expertise, they will only be looking at Expertise areas for skills that they have.5. My only real complaint and it might be a misreading- Expertise is limited to the purchase of one extra die. To be a master in a martial art that focuses entirely on grappling (or includes very limited striking), does not teach weapons, or focuses entirely on a melee weapon, I have to be good in all areas of hand to hand combat (Hand-to-Hand rank 3) and then take an Expertise.(Edit: I moved the listed free games from other companies to another post)</blockquote>

Verification