The Inside Scoop on Gaming

As nearly as I can determine, this game appears to be an attempt at a "transitional" game between the deep, dark pit of collectible card games and the even deeper and darker pit of role-playing games. Unfortunately, it fails in that attempt. Note, however, that it is not a CCG; all cards are included in the game... thankfully.

Despite being marketed as a role playing game (that does not require a game master), I find it to be an RPG in only the broadest sense. The games basis is a series of cards that are randomly arranged to form a game board. The players maneuver their characters around the board, encountering the cards one by one. There is some provision for player interaction, but the characters start as separate entities.

The encounters on the cards are pretty standard early AD&D module encounters. But there is a flaw: most involve player choice, but the cards lists a complete set of possibilities for all choices. In at least a few, the choice seems blindlingly obvious knowing the results, but might be very much a tough decision if the possiblities were not right there on the card. This does not support good role-playing.

Further, if this is an attempt to be a "transitional" game, then the rules are far too complex. There are several rules, such as those concerning hiring of mercenaries and ascendant deities, that are rather complex for the presumed intended market. They are not presented as optional rules; they are part of one core system.

An experience system is included; characters can develop from session to session. This is a nice touch for what is largely a board game; however, the fact that some cards can result in an XP loss might be confusing to inexperienced players.

As far as sheer production quality is concerned, its seems rather good for a (as far as I know) new company. The cards, especially, are printed very nicely, although the art seems too heavily inspired by Image Comics. This might go over well with the apparent target audience, though.

This game might be enjoyable for a quick evening of board gaming when you're not playing your regular RPG. However, I cannot recommend it as an RPG. But if you're getting tired of playing Talisman every time one of your players is out of town, it might be fun.

Style: 3 (Average)
Substance: 3 (Average)

Quest for Power Starter Set: Darkness in the Light
Author: Douglas Schonenberg & Thomas Gobuzas Category: game Company/Publisher: Infinite Imagination, Incorporated Reviewed by Arthur C. Adams on 08/04/97. Genre tags: none	As nearly as I can determine, this game appears to be an attempt at a "transitional" game between the deep, dark pit of collectible card games and the even deeper and darker pit of role-playing games. Unfortunately, it fails in that attempt. Note, however, that it is not* a CCG; all cards are included in the game... thankfully.* Despite being marketed as a role playing game (that does not require a game master), I find it to be an RPG in only the broadest sense. The games basis is a series of cards that are randomly arranged to form a game board. The players maneuver their characters around the board, encountering the cards one by one. There is some provision for player interaction, but the characters start as separate entities. The encounters on the cards are pretty standard early AD&D module encounters. But there is a flaw: most involve player choice, but the cards lists a complete set of possibilities for all choices. In at least a few, the choice seems blindlingly obvious knowing the results, but might be very much a tough decision if the possiblities were not right there on the card. This does not support good role-playing. Further, if this is an attempt to be a "transitional" game, then the rules are far too complex. There are several rules, such as those concerning hiring of mercenaries and ascendant deities, that are rather complex for the presumed intended market. They are not presented as optional rules; they are part of one core system. An experience system is included; characters can develop from session to session. This is a nice touch for what is largely a board game; however, the fact that some cards can result in an XP loss might be confusing to inexperienced players. As far as sheer production quality is concerned, its seems rather good for a (as far as I know) new company. The cards, especially, are printed very nicely, although the art seems too heavily inspired by Image Comics. This might go over well with the apparent target audience, though. This game might be enjoyable for a quick evening of board gaming when you're not playing your regular RPG. However, I cannot recommend it as an RPG. But if you're getting tired of playing Talisman every time one of your players is out of town, it might be fun. Style: 3 (Average) Substance: 3 (Average)

Quest for Power Starter Set: Darkness in the Light