[RPG]: Hollow Earth Expedition, reviewed by Dan Davenport (5/5)

http://www.rpg.net/reviews/archive/13/13893.phtml

Dan Davenport's Summary:

This is not the best all-purpose pulp game out there. That is because it does not try to be. But in its wonder-filled Hollow Earth filled to the bursting with dinosaurs and other megafauna, ancient miraculous technologies, Nazi occultists, pirates, Amazons, and beastmen – just to scratch the surface (pardon the pun) – it may well be the best simulation of a specific pulp <i>genre</i> since <b>Call of Cthulhu</b>.

Go to the full review for more information.

[C.W.Richeson]

A very thorough and well written review, Dan!

I agree with you that HEX doesn't enable default characters to be quite as kick ass as the characters it draws inspiration from.

[John Aynge]

Dan, a great review, and very fair.

I'll also point out that Exilegames.com has a LOT of extra free material that goes right along with the game itself.

[bluejay]

Thank you for this excellent review Dan! I realise now that this is the kind of game my players would be very interested in.

[Lemony_Fresh]

Awesome review, makes me feel better about buying this game on a whim. One request however, could you detail the process you used to create the more powerful characters used in your group?

[capnzapp]

Hi Dan, what is your relation to the designer/publisher?

[Dan Davenport]

Originally Posted by C.W.Richeson

A very thorough and well written review, Dan!

I agree with you that HEX doesn't enable default characters to be quite as kick ass as the characters it draws inspiration from.

Originally Posted by John Aynge

Dan, a great review, and very fair.

I'll also point out that Exilegames.com has a LOT of extra free material that goes right along with the game itself.

Originally Posted by bluejay

Thank you for this excellent review Dan! I realise now that this is the kind of game my players would be very interested in.

Thanks for the feedback and kind words, guys!

[Dan Davenport]

Originally Posted by Lemony_Fresh

Awesome review, makes me feel better about buying this game on a whim. One request however, could you detail the process you used to create the more powerful characters used in your group?

Thanks, Lemony!

And sure, I'd be glad to explain. If you look on page 72, you'll see the description for the Allies Resource. In column 2, paragraph 3, you'll see the point breakdown for Allies of each level. I replaced the standard point allocation with the point allocation for a level-5 Ally and removed any started experience points. This results in characters who are no less than above average in every respect and quite likely the pinnacle of humanity in several respects.

[Dan Davenport]

Originally Posted by capnzapp

Hi Dan, what is your relation to the designer/publisher?

Well, I really did meet Jeff at GenCon '05, and it's my understanding that he took some of my suggestions to heart as he finalized the system for publication. At GenCon '07, he was nice enough to cover my ticket to the show, which I greatly appreciated. Basically, I do consider him a friend, albeit an online one.

That said, I made it clear to him (as I do to everyone offering me review copies) that I judge a game on its merits, my goal being fairness, not fanfare. So, my hope is that you found this to be a balanced review that ended up solidly on the positive side because the product earned it.

[capnzapp]

The reason for my asking that you say (or seem to say) you played the game prior to its publication. Standard practice in such a case is to begin your review with a disclaimer, detailing your relation with the publisher.

The fact I did not find any such notification, coupled with your high grade, prompted my question - and yes, I have purposefully disregarded the fact you are a prolific and appreciated reviewer, as well as a forum moderator.

I honestly think your review would be much better off with you disclosing the nature of your friendship with the author at the beginning.

Best regards,
Zapp