The fantasy setting that started it all gets a d20 re-launch! While it does prove to be a decent setting, it fails to use its place in history to its advantage, consisting mostly of more d20 rules than anything else. Also unlike the original Blackmoor supplement for D&D, this is almost entirely frog free.
This is a comprehensive, informative, and fair review of the product, IMO.
I agree that far too much space is wasted on new 'crunch' -- this was the main reason that I didn't purchase this setting, despite being very interested in it. As you point out, there is already more than enough new rules for d20 around -- a classic setting like Blackmoor shouldn't have wasted its space with that stuff. (Also, I'm sure that many people interested in the product play OOP versions of D&D -- those rules are wasted space for them.) The product should have been devoted to setting information. If the folks at Zeitgeist felt the need for new classes, prestige classes, etc., that could have been included in a separate product (or pdf download).
The black & white map is also irritating.
Anyhow, good review!
__________________ Akrasia: literally, "lacking command over oneself," the Greek term for the character flaw of weakness of the will.
My 'Old School' Fantasy Role-Playing Games Blog: Akratic Wizardry!
Supporter of, and contributor to, the 'Old School' FRP magazines KNOCKSPELL and FIGHT ON!
Re: [RPG]: Dave Arneson's Blackmoor, reviewed by NPC Jeremy (4/4)
Quote:
Originally Posted by tetsujin28
I am greatly disappointed in the lack of giant frogs
Kinda like fish without the chips.
__________________ Akrasia: literally, "lacking command over oneself," the Greek term for the character flaw of weakness of the will.
My 'Old School' Fantasy Role-Playing Games Blog: Akratic Wizardry!
Supporter of, and contributor to, the 'Old School' FRP magazines KNOCKSPELL and FIGHT ON!
Re: [RPG]: Dave Arneson's Blackmoor, reviewed by NPC Jeremy (4/4)
Quote:
Originally Posted by tetsujin28
I am greatly disappointed in the lack of giant frogs
Agreed... I mean, what the hell else am I going to do with all those stupid Giant Frog miniatures from Deathknell?
-Jeff
(Deathknell: 1 Giant Frog per booster, guaranteed!)
__________________
"What they say: Contains rules for martial arts!
What they mean: Contains rules for Eastern martial arts that are magically somehow superior. We did no research whatsoever and assume that Europeans, whose entire economy was based on warfare for centuries, did not ever actually develop fighting styles of any kind." - Halloween Jack
Linear Mode
