[RPG]: a/state, reviewed by Dan Davenport (4/4)

http://www.rpg.net/reviews/archive/11/11642.phtml

Dan Davenport's Summary:

The cover warns that “You will never forget the City… but the City will forget you.” The former certainly holds true for this innovative and immersive game of cyber-Dickensian dystopia.

Go to the full review for more information.

[trechriron]

I have had some questions about the game and your review answered most of them. You are very detailed; I love your layout; and the seperate playtest blurbs were excellent.

It sounds like a/state is a unique setting. Even if you didn't like the system it could serve as a great setting.

Thanks!

[Dan Davenport]

Originally Posted by trechriron

I have had some questions about the game and your review answered most of them. You are very detailed; I love your layout; and the seperate playtest blurbs were excellent.

It sounds like a/state is a unique setting. Even if you didn't like the system it could serve as a great setting.

Thanks!

Thanks to you as well, Trentin. I'm glad the review was so helpful to you. That's always my goal.

And you're absolutely correct in that the setting's worth using with any number of systems. I would recommend systems in which characters can become dangerously competent in order to simulate character types like the Ghostfighter, but in which blows that do land are a very serious matter. Something like the Stormbringer incarnation of Basic Roleplaying might work well, for example.

[Tom B]

Originally Posted by Dan Davenport

And you're absolutely correct in that the setting's worth using with any number of systems. I would recommend systems in which characters can become dangerously competent in order to simulate character types like the Ghostfighter, but in which blows that do land are a very serious matter. Something like the Stormbringer incarnation of Basic Roleplaying might work well, for example.

Agreed...a very well done review.

I'll add that one system that would work extremely well for a|state is CORPS by BTRC. You can become good enough to hit automatically, depending on the skill of your foe, but even a 1 point lethal hit can be deadly if not treated.

I believe that Malcom stated at one point that CORPS was one of the systems he originally used in running games based on the setting...before he developed his own for publishing. (I believe this is correct, Malcolm will likely be along to correct me if not...)

[Malcolm Craig]

Yep, excellent, in-depth review. Much appreciated Dan.

And yes, as TomB pointed out, CORPS was used in the dim and distant past.

Cheers
Malcolm

[Dan Davenport]

Originally Posted by MalcolmCGS

Yep, excellent, in-depth review. Much appreciated Dan.

Thanks, Malcolm! The book really was a pleasure to read.

And yes, as TomB pointed out, CORPS was used in the dim and distant past.

So... just prior to the Bombardment, then?

[Darren MacLennan]

(1) You write reviews much better than any that I ever have.

(2) You've read "Perdido Street Station", right"? 'Cause A/state strikes me as being very much like Perdido Street Station, especially if you look at the Weaver of that particular book as being analogous to the Shifters.

-Darren MacLennan

[Dan Davenport]

Originally Posted by Darren MacLennan

(1) You write reviews much better than any that I ever have.

Whoa. Thanks very much, Darren! Although I really enjoy your reviews. You have a certain style that I'll never match.

(2) You've read "Perdido Street Station", right"? 'Cause A/state strikes me as being very much like Perdido Street Station, especially if you look at the Weaver of that particular book as being analogous to the Shifters.

I have it but haven't read it yet. I've heard it cited as an influence, though, IIRC.

[Asklepios]

Yeah excellent review. I'm not normally sold on buying products on the strength of rpg.net reviews but I'll definitely be looking out for this one.

[Malcolm Craig]

Originally Posted by Darren MacLennan

(1) You write reviews much better than any that I ever have.

(2) You've read "Perdido Street Station", right"? 'Cause A/state strikes me as being very much like Perdido Street Station, especially if you look at the Weaver of that particular book as being analogous to the Shifters.

-Darren MacLennan

Ah, the oft-occuring 'Perdido Street Station' question. I can't deny being a huge fan of Chinas work, he's an immensely creative, talented writer whom I admire hugely. I was about two years into working on a|state when PSS came out and was immediately struck with the thought "Bollocks! This is kind of like some of the stuff I've been working on." Followed by "Man, this guy is good!" Luckily enough, China was kind enough to look over the stuff I'd done and was very complimentary about it, stating that it seems like we were both influenced by the same writers (Dickens, Peake and so forth). He really is a top notch bloke.

Still wish I'd written 'Perdido Street Station' though!

Cheers
Malcolm