Review of Opifex Bi-Monthly: Random Universes

As a small disclaimer, I should first say that I regularly publish reviews and articles in this e-zine. Now, with that out of the way, let's jump to the review.

Opifex Bi-Monthly: Random Universes (OBM:RU) is a free e-zine run by Dr. Michael C. LaBossiere that covers gaming in general, with a focus on original roleplaying scenarios. The e-zine is distributed in PDF format and usually has from three to five scenarios, most (if not all of them) written by Michael himself. The systems these adventures cover are quite varied, with some of them being Marc Miller's Traveler, Dark Conspiracy, Call of Cthulhu, Cyberpunk 2020 and BattleTech. It usually contains reviews and tips for computer games, articles about gaming and reviews of roleplaying supplements and systems.

The scenario quality ranges from average to quite good, with an excellent variety per issue. They all include statistics and background information for NPCs, playing guidelines, maps and in some cases handouts. Most of these scenarios can fit quite well in a larger campaign or work as one nighters. The map art is functional, which means that they may not be the most beautiful maps but are good enough for playing. The e-zine is sparsely illustrated, concentrating mainly on the scenarios and not in dazzling art.

If compared with some professional zines and e-zines like TSR's Legends of the Lance or Pagan Publishing's The Unspeakable Oath, you'll notice that OBM:RU doesn't have the polished feel these do. Then again, you have to take into account that it's the work of just one man from cover to cover and he's not doing it for profit but just for the fun of it.

Since OBM:RU is a free e-zine, contributions are accepted but there will be no monetary reward for them. Nevertheless, it is a good way to regularly get your scenarios and articles out there to a established base of subscriptors.

Bottom line, OBM:RU is at least worth checking out if you're looking for scenarios for your games. Considering that some of the games covered (like Dark Conspiracy) are out of print OBM:RU may be one of the few places where you can get new scenarios for them. Since it also includes some amusing articles you may want to subscribe (hell, it's free) just for amusement value. You may get quite a few ideas anyway.

I'll leave you with a quote from an compilation of interesting quotes that appeared on issue #12:

From an adventure involving some nasty undead and an alien stone:

Player: "I check my pulse."

Keeper: "You don't have one."

Player (very quietly): "I don't tell anyone."

Style: 3 (Average)
Substance: 4 (Meaty)