TSR, 1993.

Amazing Engine, $9.95

Amazing Engine is TSR's answer to omniversal games. No matter how many failed attempts I see at this, I still love the concept of learning just one system to cover all my gaming needs!

Four primary stats (or ability pools) are prioritized. A 4d10 is then rolled for four of the eight attributes, with a 3d10 being rolled for the remaining four. Each ability pool is then given an amount of points to spend for bettering the two attributes beneath it. TSR just can't seem to break away from random stats. Basic characteristics are then chosen (handedness, gender, etc.). Following that skills are learned. An interesting system is used here. Skills are arranged in ever-smaller steps of specialization, before a skill can be learned, the character must know all the preceding steps (i.e. blunderbuss cannot be learned until Antique weapons are learned, which can't be done until firearms are learned). Unfortunately, very few examples are given of this learning system.

Skill checks are done fairly simply. On 1d100 the player must roll below their character's attribute score (with minuses given for each lack of skill sub-level) Unfortunately the highest attribute a character can start out with is 55, leaving a starting character with only a 55% chance to perform any action that they have the skill for!

When initially looking over the book, I was surprised that the authors could fit everything into a mere 32 pages, after all, it's not TWERPS! Then I discovered that they couldn't. Very little is done to describe the system, and character generation. I was left with a hollow feeling after reading the book.

Highs - Hard to find on store shelves. Thin enough to roll up and swat bugs with!

Lows - Really, really sparse! Beginning characters have slim chance of succeeding in skill checks.

Final Call - If you're going to create a universe from scratch, you might as well create the system, too! (or use GURPS, CORPS, or even TWERPS!)

-Shadow Sprite