[RPG]: HackMaster Basic, reviewed by James Gillen (4/3)

RPGnet Reviews · #1 07-03-2009, 01:00 AM

http://www.rpg.net/reviews/archive/14/14349.phtml

James Gillen's Summary:

This is not The Greatest Game in the Wo-orld, no-oh-- this is just a Tribute.

Go to the full review for more information.

memorax300 · #2 07-03-2009, 06:59 AM

I'm going to wait for Advanced Hackmaster. It offers the same thing as basic and more. It seems almost pointless to buy a product that has only levels 1-5 with a similiar product that allows you to play to level 1-20. As for the Hackmaster books being expensive. Gamers need to learn basic economics. Books that cost x amount of 10 dollars 10 years ago are not going to be the same 10 years later. If a book cost 10$ before chances are it's going to cost 20-30$ now. Things such as paper and ink and having the book printed and other costs do not stay stactic. They unfortunately go up not down. It really hard to take a review seriously when the person doing a review starts complaining about the cost of a product when compared to an older product which you can't get anymore. Have you seen the prices of most hardcover rpgs lately. Between 40-60$. They days of 15-20$ are gone. There never coming back.

Hogscape · #3 07-03-2009, 08:28 AM

What an outstanding review. Probably one of the best I've read... I really feel that I know what this game is like - great stuff. Very well written and thoroughly entertaining. Thanks.

I guess by 'basic' the publisher means 'limited to low levels' because very little of what you describe sounds basic. Perhaps I'm getting too old.

As for the mention of pricing, I would certainly buy a book for pure entertainment value if it was darn funny. Of course if that's all it was, I'd expect it to be priced accordingly (cheaper). If I'm buying a game that will probably be referenced for some years to come, I'll pay more. Quite often heaps!

Thanks again.

James Gillen · #4 07-03-2009, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by memorax300

I'm going to wait for Advanced Hackmaster. It offers the same thing as basic and more. It seems almost pointless to buy a product that has only levels 1-5 with a similiar product that allows you to play to level 1-20. As for the Hackmaster books being expensive. Gamers need to learn basic economics. Books that cost x amount of 10 dollars 10 years ago are not going to be the same 10 years later. If a book cost 10$ before chances are it's going to cost 20-30$ now. Things such as paper and ink and having the book printed and other costs do not stay stactic. They unfortunately go up not down. It really hard to take a review seriously when the person doing a review starts complaining about the cost of a product when compared to an older product which you can't get anymore. Have you seen the prices of most hardcover rpgs lately. Between 40-60$. They days of 15-20$ are gone. There never coming back.

Possibly, but the days when a gamer could piss away $60 like pocket change are gone and I don't know if they're coming back either.

JG

memorax300 · #5 07-03-2009, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James Gillen

Possibly, but the days when a gamer could piss away $60 like pocket change are gone and I don't know if they're coming back either.

JG

If I decide to get the PFRP core book that is 60$ right there. Anima Rpg is as expensive. The hobby is expensive and unless the box is really expensive say 50$ or more 30-40$ for an rpg today is pretty standard. You pretty much have to have a job to get into this hobby.

James Gillen · #6 07-03-2009, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by memorax300

If I decide to get the PFRP core book that is 60$ right there. Anima Rpg is as expensive. The hobby is expensive and unless the box is really expensive say 50$ or more 30-40$ for an rpg today is pretty standard. You pretty much have to have a job to get into this hobby.

I HAVE a job. Like I said, for ME the days when I could piss off $60 on a book every month, or $60 on an MMORPG, or x amount on comics, are gone, and I don't know when they're coming back.

JG

Gannd · #7 07-03-2009, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James Gillen

I HAVE a job. Like I said, for ME the days when I could piss off $60 on a book every month, or $60 on an MMORPG, or x amount on comics, are gone, and I don't know when they're coming back.

JG

How often do you spend $60 on a book every month?

I think the fact that HackMaster was born in the comic doesn't discount the game at all. I think too many people use KODT as a crutch to attack the game, being a fan of KODT has really nothing to do with the game.

Evan Waters · #8 07-03-2009, 01:38 PM

Wait, Gary Jackson?

He's not dead? I AM out of the loop.

Droogydroog · #9 07-03-2009, 08:30 PM

Quote:

He's not dead? I AM out of the loop.

It was revealed in issue #150 that he faked his death. They actually left several clever clues about it. It's sort of impressive that it's lasted this long.

If I had a qualm, James, it's that I can't tell at times whether you're being snarky or are generally clueless about some parts - like the alignment system or WotC's "generosity" (honestly, I thought everyone had heard about the Dragon Magazine Archive brouhaha story at this point).

memorax300 · #10 07-03-2009, 09:57 PM

The irony is that after spending sometime at the FLGS looking through HB I found myself wanting to buy it less and less and felt like getting my 2E D&D books again. I just might if I can spare the cash later. HB just des not grab me as a player or DM either. Even Hackmaster 4E did not interest me either. Yet I feel like getting an older version of D&D.It's hard to explain. I guess if the game offers me something that I can already do with a previous game I'm not interested. In this case I can easily use 1E or 2E D&D.