[RPG]: Boomtown Planet, reviewed by Dan Davenport (3/2)

http://www.rpg.net/reviews/archive/12/12450.phtml

Dan Davenport's Summary:

Players take on the roles of hard-nosed reporters determined to publish all the news that's fit to print about a 1930s world overflowing with pulpy weirdness. The game needs work, no doubt about it... but in one way, it's the most unique and wonderful game EVAR!

Go to the full review for more information.

[Richard Parkinson]

Thanks Dan,

Great review as always.

Unfortunately, all your criticisms hold true with respect to the system failures of the book. I guess that's my bias as a guy who enjoys his rules light, real light. I am working on a second edition which incorporates a new mechanic that will hopefully address all the points you mention. Chargen will be included - although all the familiar Planet staffers will be available for quick play. A detailed combat system will also be provided (NO, you can't Dodge bullets - sorry ). And, yes, of course, the game will boast the one and only, legendary Dan Davenport.
MY BIG HOMER MOMENT (slap hand on forehead and yell, "Doh!") - Another thing people asked for is tips on how to write stories for experience. I'm sorry I overlooked that because it was the perfect opportunity to describe the newspaper world to the layman. Rest assured, this will be rectified in Boomtown Planet - Extra Extra (or whatever the second edition is called).

I expect the second edition to available in '07. Currently, I am working on a large (and secret) RPG project that demands all my spare time.

Thanks again.

[C.W.Richeson]

Great review, Dan!

[Dan Davenport]

Originally Posted by Richard Parkinson

Thanks Dan,

Great review as always.

Unfortunately, all your criticisms hold true with respect to the system failures of the book. I guess that's my bias as a guy who enjoys his rules light, real light. I am working on a second edition which incorporates a new mechanic that will hopefully address all the points you mention. Chargen will be included - although all the familiar Planet staffers will be available for quick play. A detailed combat system will also be provided (NO, you can't Dodge bullets - sorry ). And, yes, of course, the game will boast the one and only, legendary Dan Davenport.
MY BIG HOMER MOMENT (slap hand on forehead and yell, "Doh!") - Another thing people asked for is tips on how to write stories for experience. I'm sorry I overlooked that because it was the perfect opportunity to describe the newspaper world to the layman. Rest assured, this will be rectified in Boomtown Planet - Extra Extra (or whatever the second edition is called).

I expect the second edition to available in '07. Currently, I am working on a large (and secret) RPG project that demands all my spare time.

Thanks again.

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Class Act personified.

To clarify the story-writing issue (pardon the pun), however: it wasn't so much the actual writing that had me wondering so much as the adventure structure leading to the story in the first place. You've got characters in this world filled with action and adventure... but their job isn't to save the day, just to tell what happened. I guess I'm just wondering how you'd handle the "reporters becoming part of the story" angle.

Hmmm... You know, on second thought, I guess it <b>is</b> sort of a question about the writing of the story. I've seen reporters get involved in the weird stories they're covering and save the day in shows like <b>The Night Stalker</b> and <b>The Chronicle</b>... but I don't recall ever actually seeing the stories they wrote about their experiences.

[Dan Davenport]

Originally Posted by C.W.Richeson

Great review, Dan!

Thanks, CWR! (And thanks with the proofing help on it, too! )

[Richard Parkinson]

Originally Posted by Dan Davenport

I guess I'm just wondering how you'd handle the "reporters becoming part of the story" angle.

If you are worried about "ethics", the "objectivity" of the media, "good journalism", etc., etc., &c., toss all that out the window. This is the Planet we're talking about. Becoming part of the story is an everyday occurrence for Planet reporters.

[Simple Man]

If I ever write a setting, Dan, you'll be in it. In black n' white.

Probably Levi Kornelsen too, as a mystical master of Turtle Kung Fu. Or perhaps just a Ninja Turtle.

[flyingmice]

Dan:

Awesome review, as always! I agree with your summation entirely. This game would probably rock in Rich's hands, but the system isn't there enough to work for me. I could care, personally, as I can run with the tres cool setting in another system or plug the holes myself, but not all GMs are willing to do the extra work.

To Rich:

Dang it Rich! This game deserves a new edition! You want my help, you got it! AFTER you finish that super secret project, of course...

-clash

[Richard Parkinson]

Originally Posted by flyingmice

Awesome review, as always! I agree with your summation entirely.

Yes sir!

Originally Posted by flyingmice

This game would probably rock in Rich's hands, but the system isn't there enough to work for me.

What's that say about me? Yes, I rock. HA! Yep, you know me and my early systems. Sparse as deserts in July. A major oversight on my part - but I'm still learning. I've only had a year or so in this biz. Gimme some time. Not all of us are crusty, experienced, battle-hardened, seasoned, veteran/grognards like yourself.

Originally Posted by flyingmice

Dang it Rich! This game deserves a new edition! You want my help, you got it! AFTER you finish that super secret project, of course...

Sir, yes sir!
First things first though - the super secret project. And then a 2nd edition for Boomtown. Maybe, it can be the first setting for Marco's new Jags rule-set . . . Who knows?

[flyingmice]

Originally Posted by Richard Parkinson

What's that say about me? Yes, I rock. HA! Yep, you know me and my early systems. Sparse as deserts in July. A major oversight on my part - but I'm still learning. I've only had a year or so in this biz. Gimme some time. Not all of us are crusty, experienced, battle-hardened, seasoned, veteran/grognards like yourself.

Bah! I've only been doing it a few years myself, I'm still learning too!

Originally Posted by Richard Parkinson

Sir, yes sir!
First things first though - the super secret project. And then a 2nd edition for Boomtown. Maybe, it can be the first setting for Marco's new Jags rule-set . . . Who knows?

Indeed! The Super Secret project must always come first! But then... THEN we take over the world! THEN Boomtown Planet 2E!

-mice