The Inside Scoop on Gaming

Deadlands is a welcome addition to the RPG market. Set in the mid-1870's, this game meshes the classic (and somewhat intentionally cheesy) "Old West" with the more recent dark horror, in a style reminscent of Briscoe County Junior meets Evil Dead.

The system uses the dice pool popularized by Shadowrun and White Wolf but mixes in multiple die-types and a very simple overriding system to resolve combat, athletic, and social tests. Unlike Earthdawn the die type doesn't change with success, only the number rolled, which greatly simplifies the system. Amazingly, the rules actually manage to create a simple, easy to use system that is much more realistic than most on the market. The use of a deck of standard poker cards ($0.75 at your local store) adds a completely new form of randomness and speed to play.

The setting is historically sound, within it's concept. The release of evil spirits coincided with the start of the Civil War, completely redefining the playing field (Not to mention shattering the California coastline). Bolstered by the return of their magic the Indians took back areas of the country and have managed to hold it against the few buffalo soldiers sent to take them back.

As if it wasn't enough that you have a "six-guns and sorcery" setting, you have the added bonus of steampunk technology. Hidden within the decimated California landscape lay Ghost Rock, a jet-black stone that burns several times hotter, and several thousand times longer, than coal. In the hands of a scientist inspired by the potentional (although some say it's the devil), Ghost Rock can provide enough power to make steam-powered jetpacks, gatling pistols, and even steam powered robots.

To top it off, Pinnacle has posted modules, supplements, and links on their web page. New material is added constantly for both players and Marshals.

All in all, Deadlands will bear much watching to see if future supplements continue the excellent quality of the main book.

Style: 4 (Classy and well done)
Substance: 5 (Excellent!)

Deadlands
Author: Shane Lacy Hensley Category: game Company/Publisher: Pinnacle Entertainment Group, Inc. Reviewed by James McPherson on 06/23/97. Genre tags: none	Deadlands is a welcome addition to the RPG market. Set in the mid-1870's, this game meshes the classic (and somewhat intentionally cheesy) "Old West" with the more recent dark horror, in a style reminscent of *Briscoe County Junior* meets *Evil Dead.* The system uses the dice pool popularized by Shadowrun and White Wolf but mixes in multiple die-types and a very simple overriding system to resolve combat, athletic, and social tests. Unlike Earthdawn the die type doesn't change with success, only the number rolled, which greatly simplifies the system. Amazingly, the rules actually manage to create a simple, easy to use system that is much more realistic than most on the market. The use of a deck of standard poker cards ($0.75 at your local store) adds a completely new form of randomness and speed to play. The setting is historically sound, within it's concept. The release of evil spirits coincided with the start of the Civil War, completely redefining the playing field (Not to mention shattering the California coastline). Bolstered by the return of their magic the Indians took back areas of the country and have managed to hold it against the few buffalo soldiers sent to take them back. As if it wasn't enough that you have a "six-guns and sorcery" setting, you have the added bonus of steampunk technology. Hidden within the decimated California landscape lay Ghost Rock, a jet-black stone that burns several times hotter, and several thousand times longer, than coal. In the hands of a scientist inspired by the potentional (although some say it's the devil), Ghost Rock can provide enough power to make steam-powered jetpacks, gatling pistols, and even steam powered robots. To top it off, Pinnacle has posted modules, supplements, and links on their web page. New material is added constantly for both players and Marshals. All in all, Deadlands will bear much watching to see if future supplements continue the excellent quality of the main book. Style: 4 (Classy and well done) Substance: 5 (Excellent!)