The Inside Scoop on Gaming

Disclaimer: I was invited to preview this book before it was released by Manticore Productions and as such had input to some of the ideas within. However, whatever minor ideas I did suggest, I have no idea if they were implemented or dismissed. Either way, there is a slight bias for this review.

Hydra is the second sourcebook for the Waste World RPG by Manticore Productions. I received a copy from RPG.Net which I playtested with my group and here's what we had to say.

Get this book.

If you play Waste World, or any other sci-fi Post-Apocalyptic RPG, get this book. You won't regret it.

This book is full of information on the Metrozone of Hydra, one of the last remaining Metrozones on the surface of Avernus, the Waste World game world. It contains detailed descriptions of the different genclans, and a detailed description of the city itself.

It has a host of new Psyker powers, new diseases (yeah!) and new equipment. It even has a little more information regarding the infamous Swarm. Can't get enough of those giant Psyker bugs. It has more Powers (mutations) and a handful of skills. It has a sizable list of character templates (which work pretty well) for Hydran characters.

One of the best features is the very detailed armor creation rules and bio-genetic rules. Both of which can be a bit thick at times, but are well worth the read for both GM's and PC's. PC's will benefit from this book almost as much as the GM. There are sections on playing a Hydran and of all the different genclans, allowing the players to choose some pretty wild genclans to belong to (some of which I could never figure a PC picking, but you never know).

One downfall to all the Waste World sourcebooks (both of them, and the main sourcebook) is the lack of even roughed-out maps for the Metrozones. These would be really handy for GM's trying to get a bearing on these massive city-states.

All in all, this book is an excellent resource for PC's and GM's alike, bringing detailed information about one of the most interesting Metrozones in Avernus. The descriptions and stories bring the metrozone to life and give you a good feel of what Hydra is supposed to be about. I highly recommend this book for all Waste World players and also for Post-Apocalyptic RPG GM's.

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

Hydra
Author: Bill King, Colin Chapman Category: game Company/Publisher: Manticore Productions, Limited Cost: $20 Page count: 167 ISBN: 1-901621-03-0 Playtest Review by Paul Franklin on 07/07/98. Genre tags: none	Disclaimer: I was invited to preview this book before it was released by Manticore Productions and as such had input to some of the ideas within. However, whatever minor ideas I did suggest, I have no idea if they were implemented or dismissed. Either way, there is a slight bias for this review. Hydra is the second sourcebook for the Waste World RPG by Manticore Productions. I received a copy from RPG.Net which I playtested with my group and here's what we had to say. Get this book. If you play Waste World, or any other sci-fi Post-Apocalyptic RPG, get this book. You won't regret it. This book is full of information on the Metrozone of Hydra, one of the last remaining Metrozones on the surface of Avernus, the Waste World game world. It contains detailed descriptions of the different genclans, and a detailed description of the city itself. It has a host of new Psyker powers, new diseases (yeah!) and new equipment. It even has a little more information regarding the infamous Swarm. Can't get enough of those giant Psyker bugs. It has more Powers (mutations) and a handful of skills. It has a sizable list of character templates (which work pretty well) for Hydran characters. One of the best features is the very detailed armor creation rules and bio-genetic rules. Both of which can be a bit thick at times, but are well worth the read for both GM's and PC's. PC's will benefit from this book almost as much as the GM. There are sections on playing a Hydran and of all the different genclans, allowing the players to choose some pretty wild genclans to belong to (some of which I could never figure a PC picking, but you never know). One downfall to all the Waste World sourcebooks (both of them, and the main sourcebook) is the lack of even roughed-out maps for the Metrozones. These would be really handy for GM's trying to get a bearing on these massive city-states. All in all, this book is an excellent resource for PC's and GM's alike, bringing detailed information about one of the most interesting Metrozones in Avernus. The descriptions and stories bring the metrozone to life and give you a good feel of what Hydra is supposed to be about. I highly recommend this book for all Waste World players and also for Post-Apocalyptic RPG GM's. Style: 4 (Classy and well done) Substance: 5 (Excellent!)