The Inside Scoop on Gaming

As I went to look at the second edition of my favourite game I was slightly sceptical as to why I should buy £40 worth of books for something I already owned. Indeed, looking at the credits page the "sections of this book were first printed elsewhere" section was huge! But then I noticed I was getting a free set of L5R travologues so I bought it.

At first glance, the differences between first and second edition seem small - but there is actually much more. There is a brand new school for each clan and Naga are included in the main book. Also, summaries of all the clan books are included, also with one of the schools from that book. This means there are two more schools per clan compared to the first edition. This results in the game not appearing to be combat orientated at first glance as the first edition was.

The rolling mechanism has changed for the better I believe. Where we used to roll trait+skill and keep skill, we now roll only skill and keep trait. This can be confirmed in playtesting, but does take the emphasis of traits.

The background is now post-Scorpion clan coup. This may mean nothing to newbies, but offers something to veterans of the game. It is also less confusing and more accessible.

Therefore, I would recommend this games to newbies because it is so excellent. However, those who owned first edition should think before shelling out as to whether the new schools are worth £20. David Sammels

Legend of the Five Rings:Players Guide, 2nd Ed
Item type: RPG Product Name: Legend of the Five Rings:Players Guide, 2nd Ed Author: - Company/Publisher: AEG Line: Legend of the Five Rings SKU: Cost: £20 Page count: 356 ISBN: Genres: Ratings: Style: 4 (Classy and well done) Substance: 5 (Excellent!) Review type: Capsule Review Genre tags:	As I went to look at the second edition of my favourite game I was slightly sceptical as to why I should buy £40 worth of books for something I already owned. Indeed, looking at the credits page the "sections of this book were first printed elsewhere" section was huge! But then I noticed I was getting a free set of L5R travologues so I bought it. At first glance, the differences between first and second edition seem small - but there is actually much more. There is a brand new school for each clan and Naga are included in the main book. Also, summaries of all the clan books are included, also with one of the schools from that book. This means there are two more schools per clan compared to the first edition. This results in the game not appearing to be combat orientated at first glance as the first edition was. The rolling mechanism has changed for the better I believe. Where we used to roll trait+skill and keep skill, we now roll only skill and keep trait. This can be confirmed in playtesting, but does take the emphasis of traits. The background is now post-Scorpion clan coup. This may mean nothing to newbies, but offers something to veterans of the game. It is also less confusing and more accessible. Therefore, I would recommend this games to newbies because it is so excellent. However, those who owned first edition should think before shelling out as to whether the new schools are worth £20. David Sammels

Legend of the Five Rings:Players Guide, 2nd Ed