The Inside Scoop on Gaming

Once I finished both these books it became apparent to me that to review one was to review the other. While there are some different authors involved with each book, they have the exact same layout and structure as well as quality. Now, before I go any further I would like to mention that contrary to what many people may think, I like the In Nomine setting. The game itself is great and has a lot of scope. Unfortunately it is let down by a series of particularly bland and poorly executed books. These two books are somewhat different though - they actually help flesh out the game and are for the most part interesting to read.

History

Both books begin with a small fiction section that helps get the reader into the mindset of the book's focus. Much like a lot of In Nomine fiction, this is actually quite atmospheric and well written. The History sections are quite informative and contain a lot of information that really ought to have been in the main rulebook. However, providing the same information from the two skewed perspectives helps add to the setting's feel.

Roleplaying

Next comes a great pair of essays about the mindset of Celestials and how to roleplay them effectively - and comfortably. Unfortunately the individual Band/Choir sections are mixed in regards to their quality of writing. While they all contain useful information, some of the writing is just so boring to read that it defeats the purpose.

Meeting the Boss and Interventions

Again, this section contains a lot of useful information - but it all seems so dull to read. I suspect part of this is due to the layout. I have said it before, and I'll say it again - SJG! Learn to use empty space effectively! Page after page of writing without gaps is very hard on the eye and make it difficult to single out vital information from the morass of blather.

Different Drummers

Both books then look at alternate types of Celestials. Young Angels/Demons or Mixed parties. These are somewhat useful - although the material once again suffers from the bland "Stereo manual" feel that a lot of In Nomine books seem to have. It just lacks any guts.

Falling/Redemption

What should have been the most useful section of the book seems to get lost in a pile of metaphysical, occult and moralistic rambling. While there is some useful information to gain, there is little of actual game value here. Its all setting specific material that misses out on decent roleplaying tips - most of this has already been mentioned elsewhere.

Creation Guides

This is possibly the most useful section of the book - step-by-step guides for character creation, with references. The problem I have with this is simply... WHY WASN'T IT IN THE MAIN RULEBOOK?! Something so vital, especially considering how difficult it was to read the main rules, should have been implemented from the get go. Furthermore, the layout of this section is brilliant. Unlike the 110 pages which preceed it!

Summary

So to sum up, these two books are full of useful information and - despite a couple of poorly executed segments - is fairly well written. If only SJG would get their writers to be more interesting when they write instead of so clinical - then this would be a perfect read.

Angelic Player's Guide/Infernal Player's Guide

Contents

Angelic Player's Guide/Infernal Player's Guide
Angelic Player's Guide/Infernal Player's Guide Capsule Review by Conan McKegg on 18/12/01 Style: 3 (Average) Substance: 4 (Meaty) Two vital additions to your In Nomine Collection. More useful information than you can shake a relic at... Product: Angelic Player's Guide/Infernal Player's Guide Author: James Cambias, Sam Chupp, David Edelstein, Matthew Grau, Steve Kenson, Mike Nystul, Derek Pearcy, S. John Ross, G.R. Cogman, Elizabeth McCoy, Walter Milliken, John Tynes Category: RPG Company/Publisher: Steve Jackson Games Line: In Nomine Cost: Page count: 128 each Year published: 1997 ISBN: 1-55634-340-X / 1-55634-344-2 SKU: 3307 / 3309 Comp copy?: no Capsule Review by Conan McKegg on 18/12/01 Genre tags: Fantasy Modern day Historical Horror Comedy Superhero Other	Once I finished both these books it became apparent to me that to review one was to review the other. While there are some different authors involved with each book, they have the exact same layout and structure as well as quality. Now, before I go any further I would like to mention that contrary to what many people may think, I like the In Nomine setting. The game itself is great and has a lot of scope. Unfortunately it is let down by a series of particularly bland and poorly executed books. These two books are somewhat different though - they actually help flesh out the game and are for the most part interesting to read. Contents History Both books begin with a small fiction section that helps get the reader into the mindset of the book's focus. Much like a lot of In Nomine fiction, this is actually quite atmospheric and well written. The History sections are quite informative and contain a lot of information that really ought to have been in the main rulebook. However, providing the same information from the two skewed perspectives helps add to the setting's feel. Roleplaying Next comes a great pair of essays about the mindset of Celestials and how to roleplay them effectively - and comfortably. Unfortunately the individual Band/Choir sections are mixed in regards to their quality of writing. While they all contain useful information, some of the writing is just so boring to read that it defeats the purpose. Meeting the Boss and Interventions Again, this section contains a lot of useful information - but it all seems so dull to read. I suspect part of this is due to the layout. I have said it before, and I'll say it again - SJG! Learn to use empty space effectively! Page after page of writing without gaps is very hard on the eye and make it difficult to single out vital information from the morass of blather. Different Drummers Both books then look at alternate types of Celestials. Young Angels/Demons or Mixed parties. These are somewhat useful - although the material once again suffers from the bland "Stereo manual" feel that a lot of In Nomine books seem to have. It just lacks any guts. Falling/Redemption What should have been the most useful section of the book seems to get lost in a pile of metaphysical, occult and moralistic rambling. While there is some useful information to gain, there is little of actual game value here. Its all setting specific material that misses out on decent roleplaying tips - most of this has already been mentioned elsewhere. Creation Guides This is possibly the most useful section of the book - step-by-step guides for character creation, with references. The problem I have with this is simply... WHY WASN'T IT IN THE MAIN RULEBOOK?! Something so vital, especially considering how difficult it was to read the main rules, should have been implemented from the get go. Furthermore, the layout of this section is brilliant. Unlike the 110 pages which preceed it! Summary So to sum up, these two books are full of useful information and - despite a couple of poorly executed segments - is fairly well written. If only SJG would get their writers to be more interesting when they write instead of so clinical - then this would be a perfect read.