[RPG]: It's a Dog's Life (2nd Edition), reviewed by NathanHill (3/4)

[RPGnet Reviews]

http://www.rpg.net/reviews/archive/11/11316.phtml

Nathan J. Hill's Summary:

A unusual roleplaying game about prairie dogs in a mythic, wide open Old West

Go to the full review (http://www.rpg.net/reviews/archive/11/11316.phtml) for more information.

[RPGnet Reviews]

Post originally by Simon W at 2005-06-17 12:03:08
Converted from Phorums BB System

Thanks for the review, Nathan. Glad you like the game and sorry the layout wasn't to your taste. I did inlude another pdf with a different layout though (print version) so ay least there is a choice. Also, the pdf is fully bookmarked.

[RPGnet Reviews]

Post originally by Brent Knorr at 2005-06-17 14:11:02
Converted from Phorums BB System

This sounds so odd I might just have to buy it...
Is it simple enough that fairly young children (say 8 -10) would be able to play reasonably well? Likely with an adult running the adventures?

[RPGnet Reviews]

Post originally by Dan Davenport at 2005-06-17 19:23:03
Converted from Phorums BB System

Nice review!

What sorts of enemy critters does the game include, and what are the chances of a prairie dog defeating them? :)

--
Dan Davenport

[RPGnet Reviews]

Post originally by Simon W at 2005-06-18 01:37:16
Converted from Phorums BB System

Well, the enemy critters are things like coyotes, eagles, rattlers and the dreaded black-footed ferret.
Generally, one-on-one a standard prairie dog (not a PC) has no chance.
A tough Brave (one of the PC Roles) has a chance against a couple of the weaker ones, especially if he is a bit of a legend (has some experience) and uses one of his Barks.
In playtesting, beginning characters tended to need at two to work together to defeat the ferret, using Barks and every other advantage they have, like their feathers.
They can draw 'spirit' from their feathers, which gives them +2 to add to a single die roll. Also, some PC's can use the Daubing skill - kind of war-paint that helps out with certain skills, depending on the design. Speakers and Healers can create Dreamcatchers, designed to protect against one certain type of critter.
Ultimately though, some critters are best avoided!

[RPGnet Reviews]

Post originally by Simon W at 2005-06-18 01:49:44
Converted from Phorums BB System

I think it is simple enough for young kids to play and I'm sure it would be fun for them.

[RPGnet Reviews]

Post originally by Simon W at 2005-06-18 06:17:12
Converted from Phorums BB System

I've reduced the price till the end of the month to only $5. Get it now at this price while you can!

[RPGnet Reviews]

Post originally by Nathan Hill at 2005-06-18 06:31:25
Converted from Phorums BB System

Thanks for your comment about the review.

Yeah, Simon is the ultimate source, but I've always had problems with animal games that allow a... uhh... frog for instance to defeat an elephant. But I think the system with It's a Dog's Life answers it very well -- it is possible for a prairie dog with the right skills/abilities/experience and help to defeat a big animal. But for the most part, it sets great boundaries. It's an animal game about prairie dogs -- it shouldn't be about bad ass combat. It should be about small, quick animals working hard to overcome some threat through their craftiness.

So yeah, that's another vote for the game.

Peace,
Nathan

[RPGnet Reviews]

Post originally by Brent at 2005-06-20 13:20:09
Converted from Phorums BB System

Cool, I've picked up my copy. Anyone crazy enough to create an RPG on Prairie Dogs deserves at least that much support :)