Note: While some might question reviewing such an old line as the Robotech RPG, I felt it was an unfilled gap in Rpg.net’s review database. Also I believe that now was a good time to pay tribute to the game that convinced me RPGs were more than the stereotype of Dungeons and Dragons fantasy and actually got me into gaming, seeing that after 14 years Palladium has decided to not renew the RT license.
The REF Field Guide is the only Robotech RPG book released that directly linked with The Sentinels. Written from the point of view of a Soldier’s Manual, it details much of the equipment and tactics of the Robotech Expeditionary Force and their main foes. Instead of providing background info, it just goes more in-depth into what was covered in the Sentinels book.
One of the REF Guide's main claim to fame and of interest to even non-RPG players is the large amount of Genesis Climber Mospeada and Robotech II: The Sentinels animator model sheet within its pages. The things covered are highly comprehensive, from pocket knives and eating utensils to detailed all angle shots of the battle armor and mecha, including step by step diagrams of how the mecha transform. To those with only vague childhood memories of Robotech, this alone will provide a great help in visualizing the action.
Floor plans of typical REF bases follow from the tiny outpost to the gigantic Military complex all based off the bases seen in the Southern Cross section of Robotech. NPC stats for the characters from the series ranging from updated Sentinels era stats for Rick Hunter and various Macross regulars and the main Sentinels aliens.
The book then goes and provides the detail treatment for the REF’s enemies, clearly favoring the main foes the Invid.
Detail is also given on the Robotech Masters and Zentraedi, though the Masters get just five pages and the Zentraedi just two, one half page of text and a full page of art.
Other sections of more use to Role Players are included in the form of two linked adventures are included that take place within the bowels of a Robotech Factory (moon sized automated manufacturing plant). The final GM section includes rules on how to update Macross era characters to fit inside the REF, notes on Mospeada (the original Japanese version of Invid Invasion), record sheets and the infamous examples of SDC madness. Players rushing gunman without terror and leaping on grenades without worry as their SDC can take the full damage without fear of even Hit Point damage. And they wonder why Palladium is often derided as the game system of munchkins…
The REF Field Guide is a pretty picture book to be sure, but it certainly helps set the theme and mood of the Sentinels and Invid Invasion settings’ mecha much better than the previous books. Those desperately seeking background info to Sentinels races and the series will find nothing more than the barest taste. Those wanting RPG stats to steal for other Palladium games will find little of interest.
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