The Inside Scoop on Gaming

"Return to Cat's Eye" is the third of Dream Pod 9's storyline books for the Heavy Gear setting, preceded by "Crisis of Faith" and "Blood on the Wind".

"Return to Cat's Eye" adopts the same coffee table look of "Blood on the Wind", and confines itself to black and white artwork, unlike the first storyline book. However, it is larger, and fits more conveniently on one's bookshelf. The layout is generally up to DP9's usual standards but I was greatly disappointed with the art contained in this book. The same talented artists as usual, but many of the images are of a simpler, grainy, sandy appearance, which may appeal to some, but I found to be a letdown after the much lauded sharp anime-style artwork one is accustomed to. This is supposed to be more of a luxury rpg supplement/coffee table book rather than main supplement, and so I think the standard of art should be that much higher.

Now to the plot of the story. I won't reveal too much, as the storyline IS excellent, and well written. I love the way the storyline books present the events from different personalized accounts, which makes for a much less dry read than most sourcebooks - even other DP9 books. The book covers the years from Summer 1939 to Autumn 1941 as we continue former master spy Nicosa Renault's investigation of the plots behind the Interpolar war and the destruction of Peace River. As has been hinted at, and was glaringly obvious to all from the very beginning, much of the blame can be laid at the feet of the NEC, and Nicosa's investigation seems less and less of an investigation and more of an account of history as Terra Nova finally starts to wake up.

Obviously this book will not be of much interest to those that have not read the preceding two storyline books, but for those that have I must recommend it just for the continuing excellence of the story. If you are looking for some closure (as I was), look elsewhere, as "Return to Cat's Eye" ends on yet another cliffhanger and the ominous words 'End of Part One'. I wasn't sure whether I was happy about this or not - much as I love DP9s products, I seem condemned to collect more and more HG supplements for the rest of my days.

Anyway, a good book, but let down by good (as opposed to great) artwork.

Style: 3 (Average)
Substance: 4 (Meaty)

Heavy Gear: Return to Cat's Eye
Author: Marc Vézina and Hilary Doda Category: game Company/Publisher: Dream Pod 9 Line: Heavy Gear Page count: 80 ISBN: 1-896776-59-0 SKU: DP9-056 Capsule Review by George Phillips on 04/10/00. Genre tags: Science_fiction Far_Future Anime	"Return to Cat's Eye" is the third of Dream Pod 9's storyline books for the Heavy Gear setting, preceded by "Crisis of Faith" and "Blood on the Wind". "Return to Cat's Eye" adopts the same coffee table look of "Blood on the Wind", and confines itself to black and white artwork, unlike the first storyline book. However, it is larger, and fits more conveniently on one's bookshelf. The layout is generally up to DP9's usual standards but I was greatly disappointed with the art contained in this book. The same talented artists as usual, but many of the images are of a simpler, grainy, sandy appearance, which may appeal to some, but I found to be a letdown after the much lauded sharp anime-style artwork one is accustomed to. This is supposed to be more of a luxury rpg supplement/coffee table book rather than main supplement, and so I think the standard of art should be that much higher. Now to the plot of the story. I won't reveal too much, as the storyline IS excellent, and well written. I love the way the storyline books present the events from different personalized accounts, which makes for a much less dry read than most sourcebooks - even other DP9 books. The book covers the years from Summer 1939 to Autumn 1941 as we continue former master spy Nicosa Renault's investigation of the plots behind the Interpolar war and the destruction of Peace River. As has been hinted at, and was glaringly obvious to all from the very beginning, much of the blame can be laid at the feet of the NEC, and Nicosa's investigation seems less and less of an investigation and more of an account of history as Terra Nova finally starts to wake up. Obviously this book will not be of much interest to those that have not read the preceding two storyline books, but for those that have I must recommend it just for the continuing excellence of the story. If you are looking for some closure (as I was), look elsewhere, as "Return to Cat's Eye" ends on yet another cliffhanger and the ominous words 'End of Part One'. I wasn't sure whether I was happy about this or not - much as I love DP9s products, I seem condemned to collect more and more HG supplements for the rest of my days. Anyway, a good book, but let down by good (as opposed to great) artwork. Style: 3 (Average) Substance: 4 (Meaty)

Heavy Gear: Return to Cat's Eye