Epitaph Studios, 1995

Age of Empire, $18.00

Billed as "a role-playing game of mad Victorian fantasy", Age of Empire is set in the late 19th century. There's a slight twist, however - if it appeared in Victorian genre fiction, or should have, it's in this game! Things like secret societies, bizarre technology, alien invasions, and criminal masterminds run rampant through the cities! "I say old chap, bit of a sticky wicket, eh, wot?"

Eight points are split amongst three stats of mind, body, and spirit. For each point allocated to a particular stat, the player then picks a "Defining Trait", which specialize said stat. Skills are then purchased, each stat giving points for a certain number of skills. Finally a profession is chosen, each of which are granted a special ability and specific amount of starting funds. Easy character creation to hop strait into gaming.

Performing actions, or "Derring Do", has a slight twist compared to other games. The player rolls the same number of dice (six-sided) as his pertaining stat and skill, and the GM (or Author as the game would have it) rolls the number of dice as the difficulty level, the player must attempt to beat the Author's roll. So a target number may be lower or higher the next time the same action is performed. While this wouldn't work in a "realistic" campaign setting, Victorian genre is anything but realistic.

Everything is neatly compiled into this 108 page booklet, without sacrificing detail. A commendable job! Only one small problem... no index!

Highs - Simple system without too much padding. Humorous quotes for each profession.

Lows - System can get a bit too simple for complicated maneuvers. Limited appeal.

Final Call - Good little system, right up there in the "beer and pretzels" game department!

-Shadow Sprite