[RPG]: Fates Worse Than Death, reviewed by Sean Musgrave (5/5)

http://www.rpg.net/reviews/archive/10/10085.phtml

Sean Musgrave's Summary:

Desperate futures never looked so desperate. Hard Science-driven, amazingly unique update to Post-apoclyptic gaming.

Go to the full review for more information.

Post originally by Buzz at 2004-02-06 11:16:16
Converted from Phorums BB System

...why not just wait and submit the review when you *do* have time?

Post originally by Ralph Dula at 2004-02-06 12:11:17
Converted from Phorums BB System

Thanks for putting up the review. I saw a blurb about the game a few weeks ago, but it didn't give much in the way of details, and the listing I saw said it wasn't be released for another three months or so. It was nice to get some details on it, and learn it's available.

-Ralph

Post originally by Dan Davenport at 2004-02-06 12:44:17
Converted from Phorums BB System

Seems odd that the game would keep psionics low-key for the sake of semi-realism yet allow bizarre abilities like a scorpion vomit attack (which really should be yelled before using).

--
Dan Davenport

Post originally by Tim Gray at 2004-02-06 14:06:53
Converted from Phorums BB System

Yeah... it could have used a bit more care in the proofreading. You're displaying your work to the public, after all.

Post originally by Shion at 2004-02-06 14:39:07
Converted from Phorums BB System

Hey it's free no complaints. Incidentally anything you want to share about the combat and system details for those of us not acquainted?

Post originally by atropos_rex at 2004-02-06 14:53:53
Converted from Phorums BB System

The character in question is one of the top sideshow-performers in the city. If I remember right the scorpions are drugged and swallowed whole. He then vomits them on enemies, not to do damage - but to scare the hell out of people.

Post originally by Pancerni at 2004-02-06 14:54:20
Converted from Phorums BB System

For those of us interested in the setting, where is Ney York located?

Post originally by atropos_rex at 2004-02-06 14:58:09
Converted from Phorums BB System

I just want to add to Sean's excellent review that the company has a lot of cool support for the game on their website. www.FatesWorseThanDeath.com

There's free music, a big city map, character sheets, all kinds of crap. I think the coolest thing is a personality test to tell you what character type you should be.

There's also something called GM Rewards where they claim they'll send you free items just for game mastering game sessions.

Post originally by Sean Musgrave at 2004-02-06 15:27:20
Converted from Phorums BB System

I really wanted to write the review. There's not that many people who have the game and visit RPG.net regularly because it's from a brand new developer. I've been putting the review off for abit, and I was worried it would become one of those things that I'd never get around to.

A more in-depth review is in order, though.

Combat system: Roll iniative. If someone attacks you, select a defensive manuever like Block, Evade, etc. Add two relevant attribuites + skills + modifiers to a d20 die roll, if you win you negate some/all of their damage.

On your turn, you can attack, also selecting a manuever(Vital strike, Hold, Headbutt, Kick.) add two relevant attribuites + combat skills + modifiers to a d20 die roll, if you win and succeed past their defensive manuever, damage based on the weapon and success level.