The Inside Scoop on Gaming

After my review of Expendables, I felt I should give Stellar Games another shot.

Nightlife is a modern urban horror game that does an excellent job of providing the right "feel" of how a horror game should be played. The style rating reflects the good job the writers have done in creating an atmosphere that is appropriate for this game. The artwork isn't terrible but it isn't great either.

The rule system is well laid out. Everything seems to work well. A ten sided die is the only standard die needed in this game which helps to simplify things. Combat is fairly simple which is a relief when one considers how complicated some horror rpg systems are.

The characters in this game play the roles of "monsters." There are seven different classes to choose from. Each character types has specific advantages and flaws. The flaws seem to help add realism to game. The characters don't get to be omnipotent.

The bestiary is quite good in that it includes several monsters that are not included in other horror or fantasy games. Several typically fantasy based monsters are brought to this urban horror setting as well.

The background information gives a lot of good insight into New York City, where the game is based. In addition, the "underground" of the city is revealed with good coverage of bars, bands and other places and people that a character may encounter. The NPC section is especially good as the various personages described really add to the flavor of the game.

The bottom line is try the game. For the price, Nightlife offers a solid background and characters. The game could have been developed a little bit more but for the price it's well worth a look.

Style: 4 (Classy and well done)
Substance: 2 (Sparse)

Nightlife
Author: Bradley K. McDevitt et al. Category: game Company/Publisher: Stellar Games Line: N/A Cost: $12.95 Page count: 96 Capsule Review by Todd Cross on 05/27/99. Genre tags: Modern_day Horror Vampire	After my review of Expendables, I felt I should give Stellar Games another shot. Nightlife is a modern urban horror game that does an excellent job of providing the right "feel" of how a horror game should be played. The style rating reflects the good job the writers have done in creating an atmosphere that is appropriate for this game. The artwork isn't terrible but it isn't great either. The rule system is well laid out. Everything seems to work well. A ten sided die is the only standard die needed in this game which helps to simplify things. Combat is fairly simple which is a relief when one considers how complicated some horror rpg systems are. The characters in this game play the roles of "monsters." There are seven different classes to choose from. Each character types has specific advantages and flaws. The flaws seem to help add realism to game. The characters don't get to be omnipotent. The bestiary is quite good in that it includes several monsters that are not included in other horror or fantasy games. Several typically fantasy based monsters are brought to this urban horror setting as well. The background information gives a lot of good insight into New York City, where the game is based. In addition, the "underground" of the city is revealed with good coverage of bars, bands and other places and people that a character may encounter. The NPC section is especially good as the various personages described really add to the flavor of the game. The bottom line is try the game. For the price, Nightlife offers a solid background and characters. The game could have been developed a little bit more but for the price it's well worth a look. Style: 4 (Classy and well done) Substance: 2 (Sparse)