<p>This limited-run boxed set is an excellent introduction to the Castles & Crusades rules set. It should provide more than adequate support for both beginning gamers and anyone interested in a pick-up game.
Post originally by Dan Davenport at 2004-09-27 10:55:34
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Thanks for the review! I was a little surprised that you didn't cover the attribute rolls, though -- that strikes me as a key point of difference for the system.
As to the product in general, it certainly sounds like a tribute to the oft-neglected arts of efficient game design and location-based adventures.
Post originally by Dion C. Cautrell at 2004-09-27 11:02:56
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Thanks for your comments, Dan. Given how lengthy the review had already gotten, I found the need to omit a good number of things I might have otherwise discussed.
C&C's SIEGE Engine (the so-called 12/18 resolution mechanic) is indeed one of its strongest selling points, but it's also one that's been extensively detailed/debated on RPG.net, EN World, Dragonsfoot, and elsewhere.
Perhaps I'd have done more if I had a second chance, but as it was, I wanted to focus as much as possible on the bits people wouldn't already know from the last year's worth of discussion and buzz.
Either way, thanks again for taking the time to comment. It's sincerely appreciated.
Post originally by Dion C. Cautrell at 2004-09-27 12:16:45
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Thanks, arioch. At the very least, I hope it helps people in their thinking about C&C and/or their deciding whether to purchase the boxed set (or upcoming hardcovers).
Post originally by arioch at 2004-09-27 12:20:32
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Well I liek it because it contains a lot of facts and not a lot of opinion about the game it's self. You tell them what is in it so they can decide if they want to buy it or wait for the PHB
Post originally by Dion C. Cautrell at 2004-09-27 12:28:03
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I'm pleased to hear you say so, arioch. I didn't hesitate to express my opinion when I thought it useful--though some people might question whether that's ever the case --but I also tried to focus as much as possible on the product itself. Either way, thanks again.
Post originally by RG at 2004-09-27 13:11:58
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Hi -
I bought the collector set and I am pleased with it. The last rpg that I bought was over 20 years ago so I am a nostalgia purchaser. I wanted a game I could buy and maybe get some friends to play it or just read for the fun of it. This game would be easy to teach and fun to play and fits into the hero vs. evil/monster genre that I remember as making rpgs so fun. I have been waiting for a game like this. Buying old basic D&D would be expensive (and it's nice to buy a new product), the Decipher LOTR looked too complicated and seems now to be dead, and so many other other rpgs seem to require so much time and money - I have high hopes for C&C. Also, each booklet in the set was signed and numbered by all four writers/artists. That takes time and shows a commitment to the game and gamers - thank you!
Post originally by Buzz at 2004-09-27 13:45:20
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This is a very organized and thorough review. Unfortunately, I don't think you ever explained what this product is, or how any of the game works. At least I know what font it uses, though...
I'm also not sure how a game with half-size staple-bound booklets in a fairly non-descript white box merits a 4 for Style, unless you're giving it cred for the nostalgia factor (which is legit, I guess). And as for 5 for Substance, well, the review isn't giving me a lot to go on.
Post originally by Dion C. Cautrell at 2004-09-27 14:00:20
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Buzz, I apologize if the review didn't meet your needs. Of course, I never expected to please everyone, though I *am* sorry you find so much lacking.
As for my ratings, and given what you've said about the review's other shortcomings, I accept your point. As I said in one of my previous posts, I certainly could have--and perhaps should have--spent more time and space on other things. Either way, I wouldn't argue with your skepticism about the choices I made.
I would only add that this limited-run set is not likely to catch someone's attention unless he's already generally familiar with the discussion surrounding C&C over the last year. (See TLG's boards, RPG.net, EN World, Dragonsfoot and others for *thousands* of posts about the game's mechanics and design.) Moreover, the set's available only directly from Troll Lord Games, so it's not as if a person is likely to pick it up cold.
That said, thanks for taking the time to respond. I *do* appreciate it.
--but I also tried to focus as much as possible on the product itself. Either way, thanks again.
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