The second book in the series fails to redeem the mistakes of the first. Poorly executed game that suffers from being about ten to fifteen years out of date both mechanically, design wise and setting wise.
Post originally by Blue Seraph at 2005-02-28 15:13:29
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But I think you should refrain from mentioning the author by name in future reviews -- it gives the impression you have a grudge. I suggest using "the author" rather than the author's last name. In particular, the following sentences seemed a bit personal:
"James Earwicker hasn't played a roleplaying game published since around the early 1990's."
"But to be honest, Earwicker is not the man to produce such a game if this attempt is anything to measure by."
Post originally by Conan at 2005-02-28 16:52:33
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I followed a standard review writing practice - writing the author's name or "the author" are both interchangeable and have no hidden connotations. I would advise, though, that taking comments out of context is not wise.
Neither of those comments you mention are accurately presented in your post - they both are preceded or followed by clear statements showing that I am expressing an opinion and not making a factual statement about the author
Post originally by Tetromino22 at 2005-03-01 12:54:27
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the cover bothered me too. it said nothing new about the game. however, the final verdict is founded on far too many detials such as this. all that matters (or should matter) is the game. not the crappy art, or the redundant cover...imagination, my friend. simply put, the game was fun.
Post originally by Blue Seraph at 2005-03-01 14:12:13
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The first quote should have been a complete sentence rather than a fragment. My apologies for the oversight:
"The very first impression I had was that James Earwicker hasn't played a roleplaying game published since around the early 1990's."
But that doesn't change anything. I didn't say the quotes were factual statements about the author; I said they seemed a bit personal. As contrasted with "professional." A better word would be gratuitous -- by the end of the two reviews, you were "twisting the knife" more than what was appropriate.
Post originally by Conan at 2005-03-01 14:18:31
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As a reviewer, I have to be considering all the qualities of a book. Nobody is going to be happy paying money for a game that they then have to ignore to run it.
The system is outdated, the books do not contain sufficient setting detail to ensure a consistency of enjoyment among a broad base of gamers, the writing is inconsistent and full of badly organised details.
I held in consideration that it was essentially a one-man job and compared it to such games as Mechanical Dream, QAGS, Cat and The Collectors. It failed on all counts. Poor design, poor writing and poor communication of ideas. Sure, the playtest with a skilled GM might produce a good game - but I'm not reviewing your GM, I am reviewing the game books. And I stand by my verdict. Andromeda 2500 is not worth the purchase.
Post originally by Conan at 2005-03-01 14:23:18
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You are welcome to that opinion. But I don't know James Earwicker at all, the books were sent to me as a reviewer for me to read and critique. I did that, and I expressed my opinion.
I do not at any point make a personal attack at James Earwicker individually - all my comments are in relation to the book and to get across how poorly executed it is.
The occasions that you mentioned clearly state that the book gives a certain impression - and I stand by my comments. If you decide to read more into my review than is there - that's up to you. But I simply don't see any viscious knife twisting - because there is none.
Post originally by Tetromino22 at 2005-03-01 16:54:59
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The game is a closed system. Earwicker isnt essential in spite of the barbarians allegations. a good example of an adventure was provided, which was enough for a moderatly experienced RPGer to extrapolate another game as well as the method of play.
Linear Mode
