Review of Quicksilver RPG

The first I noticed about the Quicksilver RPG was its distribution method. It comes in a PDF file that you can print out to hardcopy at your leisure or leave strictly electronic. If you have a color inkjet (I don't) you can even print out some of the cool artwork in the game in color. Anyway, on to the actual game.

Quicksilver is a Fantasy RPG based in the world of Seloria. This is a world created and designed by Jeff Dee of Villians and Vigilante's fame. There are three main races: humans, goblins, and elves. There are different subraces of goblins and elves, and of course the ever present humans. There are some differences between the races, and it is sort of refreshing to be able to play goblins for a change.

The background is fleshed out, but not enough in some areas. Particularly with reference to the elves of the setting. There is no background information as to why they are here, how they got here, or why they would want to stay. Their astral realm is mentioned a bare few times, not really enough to even whet the appetite.

Character creation is pretty straightforward using a point based system to tailor your character to your needs. Each character has five stats including a stat for Psychic Ability (PSYC). It also uses an advantages/disadvantages system to help flesh out characters. All in all, the system is very similar to the GURPS character generation system.

Combat is somewhat refreshing in that it uses a modified part of their skill check system to determine chances to hit. However, when it comes to damage there may be a little confusion as to how to handle armor. Beyond that, there is nothing notable about the combat and skill check system.

The magic system is slightly unique in that it is more based on psychic powers than actual magic. Utilizing an interesting progression system for magic, this is one place where I thought that Quicksilver was actually a pretty decent game. The system is point based (so many points for so much power type spells) and also a logical progression from lesser powers to better powers make this a good part of the system for Quicksilver. Otherwise the magic is unremarkable, having nothing terribly new about it, nevertheless, still worth the time to read through a few times.

Quicksilver is the basis of the role-playing game and therefore has an entire chapter devoted to it. Whether or not it warrants an entire chapter is debatable. The idea is intriguing, not enough thought has been given to this "rare and valuable" metal. While this is supposed to be the basis for the entire RPG, apparently a handful of the stuff will make you rich beyond dreams of avarice. Yet our characters are supposed to have weapons made of the stuff.

Unfortunately, this game is just another entry into the fantasy RPG genre. With the potential of electronic distribution, I would have taken the advantage to flesh out the world and perhaps give more options for skills, however this game falls short in too many areas and fails to stand out in a genre already inundated with some vastly superior games.

Style: 3 (Average)
Substance: 2 (Sparse)