The Inside Scoop on Gaming

People who buy Rifts books are looking for certain things. One of the most popular attractions are new O.C.C.s. Free Quebec delivers them in spades.The Descended Glitter Boy Pilot is a rare breed, one who has come from a line of Glitter Boy Pilots and has a greater understanding of his machine. The Glitter Girl pilots, while having a silly name, are a formidable force in their own way. Unlike the stand and fight Glitter Boys, the Girls are often used for more stealth based missions. The Side Kick and the Reloader help fill gaps in a military based on stand and fire tactics. Both provide support to the GBs in combat situations that call for some versatility.

Another reason players buy Rifts books is for new toys. Free Quebec has tons of 'em. A fair warning to those who hate tech books though, this book is filled with them. Consider this book on the same level as the Coalition War Machine or Triax and the NGR. Great books with a focus. There are several new Glitter Boy armor types, but players and GMs will be pleased with the new cyborg systems as well. Some of the GB tpes look like they came right off a Robotech series like the Taurus GB or the Silver Wolf. Stylish.

There are pages of illustrated weapons like the Q4-40 "Mule" Assault Rifle, and the Q1-02 "Stopper" Ion Pistol. In addition, Quebec sports its own style of body armor. Ramon Perez does an outstanding job of illustrating the different styles of armor, while Breuax does his standard high quality work on ships and aircraft.

Strangely enough, the true strength of Free Quebec isn't truly its GB legions. Free Quebec shines strongest in its navy department. This is good news as it gives GMs another excuse to whip out their Coalition Navy book.

The third reason people purchase Rifts books is the great art. Kent Burles manages to convey the high tech feel of Free Quebec on page 134 with a style all his own. Other great illustrations include a two page spread of a Super Sam on page 168-169 by Johnson, and a sky battle between Coalition Sams and Free Quebec Sams. by Ramon Perez. The only problem I see here is that there is too much art and too much full page art. I love the different styles that Palladium has been able to draw upon, but I would prefer to see less art and more text. Still, at 192 pages I can't complain too loudly.

One of the last reasons people buy Rifts books is for the plot. The Coalition has been on the verge of war for years and this book starts the ball rolling. There are many different types of NPCs that GMs can use to in their own campaigns, as well as pages of Hook, Line and Sinker to quickly get the players moving.

More importantly however, are the two locations, Free Quebec and Old Bones. The latter is a vital area to many GMs because of the 'freedom' its inhabitants hold. Aliens rub shoulders with magi, and magi rub shoulders with military. The maps are a little too small for my taste, and not enough detail, but hopefuly, Palladium will do a book focused entirely on Old Bones.

Free Quebec doesn't surprise its readers. It's a solid piece in the Palladium tradition. New O.C.C.'s, new equipment, great art, and the storyline advancement that players and GMs have been waiting years for.

Style: 4 (Classy and well done)
Substance: 3 (Average)

Free Quebec
Author: Francois DesRochers & Kevin Siembieda Category: game Company/Publisher: Palladium Line: RIFTS Cost: $20.95 Page count: 192 ISBN: 1-57457-030-7 SKU: 837 Capsule Review by Joe G Kushner on 06/03/00. Genre tags: Post-apocalypse sponsored by	People who buy Rifts books are looking for certain things. One of the most popular attractions are new O.C.C.s. Free Quebec delivers them in spades.The Descended Glitter Boy Pilot is a rare breed, one who has come from a line of Glitter Boy Pilots and has a greater understanding of his machine. The Glitter Girl pilots, while having a silly name, are a formidable force in their own way. Unlike the stand and fight Glitter Boys, the Girls are often used for more stealth based missions. The Side Kick and the Reloader help fill gaps in a military based on stand and fire tactics. Both provide support to the GBs in combat situations that call for some versatility. Another reason players buy Rifts books is for new toys. Free Quebec has tons of 'em. A fair warning to those who hate tech books though, this book is filled with them. Consider this book on the same level as the Coalition War Machine or Triax and the NGR. Great books with a focus. There are several new Glitter Boy armor types, but players and GMs will be pleased with the new cyborg systems as well. Some of the GB tpes look like they came right off a Robotech series like the Taurus GB or the Silver Wolf. Stylish. There are pages of illustrated weapons like the Q4-40 "Mule" Assault Rifle, and the Q1-02 "Stopper" Ion Pistol. In addition, Quebec sports its own style of body armor. Ramon Perez does an outstanding job of illustrating the different styles of armor, while Breuax does his standard high quality work on ships and aircraft. Strangely enough, the true strength of Free Quebec isn't truly its GB legions. Free Quebec shines strongest in its navy department. This is good news as it gives GMs another excuse to whip out their Coalition Navy book. The third reason people purchase Rifts books is the great art. Kent Burles manages to convey the high tech feel of Free Quebec on page 134 with a style all his own. Other great illustrations include a two page spread of a Super Sam on page 168-169 by Johnson, and a sky battle between Coalition Sams and Free Quebec Sams. by Ramon Perez. The only problem I see here is that there is too much art and too much full page art. I love the different styles that Palladium has been able to draw upon, but I would prefer to see less art and more text. Still, at 192 pages I can't complain too loudly. One of the last reasons people buy Rifts books is for the plot. The Coalition has been on the verge of war for years and this book starts the ball rolling. There are many different types of NPCs that GMs can use to in their own campaigns, as well as pages of Hook, Line and Sinker to quickly get the players moving. More importantly however, are the two locations, Free Quebec and Old Bones. The latter is a vital area to many GMs because of the 'freedom' its inhabitants hold. Aliens rub shoulders with magi, and magi rub shoulders with military. The maps are a little too small for my taste, and not enough detail, but hopefuly, Palladium will do a book focused entirely on Old Bones. Free Quebec doesn't surprise its readers. It's a solid piece in the Palladium tradition. New O.C.C.'s, new equipment, great art, and the storyline advancement that players and GMs have been waiting years for. Style: 4 (Classy and well done) Substance: 3 (Average)