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Palladium Fantasy, 2nd Edition

Author: Kevin Siembieda
Category: game
Company/Publisher: Palladium
Line: Palladium Fantasy
Cost: $24.95
Page count: 336
ISBN: 0-916211-91-6
Capsule Review by Steven M. Marella on 05/03/99.
Genre tags: Fantasy
I have always felt that Palladium Fantasy has been a very underrataed game. The setting is interesting and fun while the mechanics actually runs smoothly. The 2nd Edition adds a lot more flavor and upgrades the system to be compatible with the entire product line of Palladium. It doesn't hurt that this book is jammed packed with information and source material that few RPG companies even come close to doing.

The system in essence is based on AD&D with a heavy variation. The system uses a point based spell system, point based psionic system, combat that uses a blend of dodging, striking, and parrying that represents a strong cinematic feel. Character creation can be time consuming depending on what you are. A fighter might can take twenty minutes to make while a Wizard could easily take up to forty-five minutes, but the great detail involved with skill selection, powers, and bonuses are quite impressive. The details involved with wards, rune language, and symbols for the Summoner and Diabolist are very intricate.

One thing this book is loaded with is options. The main book has over twenty-five character classes, over three-hundred spells, over fifty psionic powers, stats for demons and devils, magic items, rune weapons, ton of character races, and world information. I would've I liked more setting details then that were represented in the book, but then again it might've pushed the page count up three-hundred and fifty pages. There is enough world information to get by with.

Some people are turned off by Rifts because of the power and confusing system, but Palladium Fantasy is well-balanced and the system is very clear and enjoyable. With Palladium starting to support the line with great sourcebooks like Western Empire and Baalgor Wastelands this is a perfect time to jump into a great fantasy game. Even if don't wish to learn a new system, the book is a great for source material. Overall, I'd suggest serious fantasy fans and those who are looking for something different to give it a try.

Style: 5 (Excellent!)
Substance: 5 (Excellent!)

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