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Inferno is an RPG set in the traditional Christian Hell. And it's really good. The game I mean, not Hell. Players take on one of a number of races and possible professions as they make their way through Hell. There are even rules for getting into and out of Hell. The world has 13 levels and has an archfiend that presides over each level. All of these levels except one are descibed briefly, and the last one is described in detail allowing the GM to throw the characters right into the thick of things.

Inferno uses a D20 based system that is pretty simple at its core. The system not only rewards good roleplaying, but also rewards good dice-rolling. Using a combination of random stats (easily changeable at the GM's discretion) and skills, you are given a chance to create characters that are tailored for you. Once you are done with creating your character, you only need to know two formulas to play most of the rest of the game. Inferno looks like a college attempt at an RPG. In fact, it just might be, but if you can get past the mediocre art there is a decent little game sitting underneath. The art is typical of the genre with succubi and goat headed gods prancing around. The cover is single color with a brilliant red and a drawing of Satan on it.

This book gives enough the GM enough information to start his campaign. Seeing as how this product will probably not receive much more support than that which it already has (2 other supplements, look for them in later reviews) means that the GM will have to kick start some of the stuff in the game. There is background in here, and plenty enough for the creative GM to get started with and do several adventures for a couple of months, but there is only so much you can cram into 136 pages.

Inferno's writing is something I appreciated very much. It is written much like any other RPG and does not try to get all "goth" on you and use overly descriptive phrases for each denizen of Hell. As you read along, the writing tells you what you need to know and keeps moving. May sound rather plain to some readers, but I appreciate a rulebook that is written as such instead of a descriptive embellishment of the authors last weird dream.

Inferno is probably out of print, but can be had through some online stores still. At $13.00 it is a steal and is a worthhwhile addition to any GM's library. It has a wealth of information usable in any campaign that may involve the members of Hell, and even has a playable and well done RPG inside. I would recommend this book to players and GM's who are interested in the genre and maybe even to GM's who are looking to switch things up a little. For $13.00 you're still getting a complete RPG for less than half of what most new RPG's cost. Not a bad deal.

Style: 3 (Average)
Substance: 5 (Excellent!)

Inferno
Author: Gabe Ivan Category: game Company/Publisher: Death's Edge Games Line: Inferno Cost: $13.00 Page count: 130 Capsule Review by Paul Franklin on 05/07/99. Genre tags: Fantasy Historical Horror	Inferno is an RPG set in the traditional Christian Hell. And it's really good. The game I mean, not Hell. Players take on one of a number of races and possible professions as they make their way through Hell. There are even rules for getting into and out of Hell. The world has 13 levels and has an archfiend that presides over each level. All of these levels except one are descibed briefly, and the last one is described in detail allowing the GM to throw the characters right into the thick of things. Inferno uses a D20 based system that is pretty simple at its core. The system not only rewards good roleplaying, but also rewards good dice-rolling. Using a combination of random stats (easily changeable at the GM's discretion) and skills, you are given a chance to create characters that are tailored for you. Once you are done with creating your character, you only need to know two formulas to play most of the rest of the game. Inferno looks like a college attempt at an RPG. In fact, it just might be, but if you can get past the mediocre art there is a decent little game sitting underneath. The art is typical of the genre with succubi and goat headed gods prancing around. The cover is single color with a brilliant red and a drawing of Satan on it. This book gives enough the GM enough information to start his campaign. Seeing as how this product will probably not receive much more support than that which it already has (2 other supplements, look for them in later reviews) means that the GM will have to kick start some of the stuff in the game. There is background in here, and plenty enough for the creative GM to get started with and do several adventures for a couple of months, but there is only so much you can cram into 136 pages. Inferno's writing is something I appreciated very much. It is written much like any other RPG and does not try to get all "goth" on you and use overly descriptive phrases for each denizen of Hell. As you read along, the writing tells you what you need to know and keeps moving. May sound rather plain to some readers, but I appreciate a rulebook that is written as such instead of a descriptive embellishment of the authors last weird dream. Inferno is probably out of print, but can be had through some online stores still. At $13.00 it is a steal and is a worthhwhile addition to any GM's library. It has a wealth of information usable in any campaign that may involve the members of Hell, and even has a playable and well done RPG inside. I would recommend this book to players and GM's who are interested in the genre and maybe even to GM's who are looking to switch things up a little. For $13.00 you're still getting a complete RPG for less than half of what most new RPG's cost. Not a bad deal. Style: 3 (Average) Substance: 5 (Excellent!)