[RPG]: Necropolis 2350, reviewed by verdantgreen (3/4)

[RPGnet Reviews]

http://www.rpg.net/reviews/archive/14/14280.phtml

Jason Duncan's Summary:

Gothic military-science fiction in a highly focused setting.

Go to the full review for more information.

[bigsteveuk]

Hi,

Nice Review.

Can it be played as a true RPG or do you really need to run it with some sort of visrep (like a miniatures wargame, I noticed a lot of paper miniatures are available?).

Cheers,

BigSteveUK

[REZcat]

Thanks for this review. I've seen & looked through this book before & always set it back on the shelf with a resounding "meh". I don't know what it is about this review that sets it apart from any other, but for some reason, this one made me want to take another look at it. Who knows, I might end up with this book in my collection yet...

[verdantgreen]

Thank you guys for the feedback. This is only my second review, so pointers are appreciated.

Some things in the game do beg for miniatures. To be specific, artillery and some edges that improve the area of flamethrower attacks. However, none of these elements absolutely do not function without miniatures. As a GM, I feel confident in my ability to make sure a player benefits from such things without resorting to the little pewter heroes.

In my playtest game the GM only used a map for a fight where position was suddenly very important.

The bottom line: if you can run Savage Worlds without minis normally, then you will be able to run Necropolis without them too.

[wiggy]

A very fair and balanced review, which is much appreciated. You gave your points clearly and without devolving into waffle for the sake of waffle, which makes it very easy to read.

BigSteveUK: The core book is set up to focus on the military side of things, since that's what the heroes do for a living. However, the free material on our website (www.tripleacegames.com), the PDF adventures, and the 2351-55 Update provide much more material for true roleplaying as opposed to pure set 'em up and shoot 'em down action and also show the game can be used away from the battlefield.


Wiggy
TAG Creative Director
Necropolis 2350 author

[capnzapp]

The flechette gun story made me laugh. Yeah, lots of games have wrestled with the question on how to get the heroes into manly brawls instead of girly sniping!

Why not simply say "all ranged weaponry does half damage vs undead" and be done with it? A ridiculous backstory is neither needed nor wanted!

[A. Asohan]

Just one more "me-too" -- good review.

You listed and discussed all the salient points in a concise fashion. It told me enuff about the game -- it has cool concepts; it may not be something I would appreciate running now, but sounds like a game I wouldn't mind playing in.

[Calculon]

I'd already purchased the book, but I like reading reviews of books I've picked up.

I like how you've teased out the essential structure of this book: as a focused militant-crusade campaign resource, rather than as a general exercise in world-building and politics.

I'm going to see if I can find a handy way to use this in the next little while. (Hint: it will probably involve Therians from AT-43 and Marines from WH40k.)

[tylermo]

Nice to see some Savage Worlds-related reviews. I've been playing the system since 2004. As for Necropolis 2350, I've owned all related material for that setting. Including, the original pdf-only rules. This setting deserved a hardcover release, and it eventually got one. I have yet to play the entire plot point, but have played some scenarios. Wiggy's right(no I'm not a Triple Ace Employee) when he says the 2351-55 update pdf(or print product) is a nice addition. Allows for roleplaying possibilities, if you're looking for that mix of rpg'ing and table top combats. The reviewer made mention of the artillery support tables. Those are great. As I recall, those types of tables go back to another Savage Worlds setting called Tour of Darkness(sort of Vietnam war mixed with supernatural elements, creatures, etc.) Good stuff either way.

One thing I can't say enough about Necropolis(and a great many other Savage Worlds products-official or licensed) is the tremendous amount of support products. Necropolis 2350(Triple Ace Games) is no exception. Print and pdf rulebooks, and expansions. Not to mention, 5 or 6 collections of printable figure flats and vehicles. I've constructed two of the vehicles, and they're a great addition to the table top especially if you can't afford Warhammer vehicles. They've even got 3-5 pdf adventures to use in addition to those offered in the main book.

I realize millitary settings may not be for everyone, but I highly recommend Necropolis, and the related support products. Necropolis, along with the Savage Worlds Explorer's Edition rpg, keep things from getting too crunchy, and bogged down. Triple Ace's forums are also at your disposal for advice from the author. If the website hasn't been shared on this forum already, this fan boy will happily post it... tripleacegames.com

[Raven Bloodeyes]

I'm really curious about the vehicle rules you mentioned... and how they are so well integrated into the game. How is this done? What are the mechanics for it? This is kinda a selling point for me on the system, so any details?