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Unless you have been living in a cave you are probably well aware that the current trend in pop culture involves aliens, government cover-ups and secret organizations devoted to keeping us mundane types happy, safe and totally unaware of what is going on in the "real world." "Black Ops" is the latest entry in the gaming industry for this genre and it pretty much delivers what is expected from Steve Jackson Games. Like most of their sourcebooks this one is well written, fun to read and gives lots of ideas for GMs. Its greatest failing is the timing of the release, had "Black Ops" come out before "Delta Green" it would be a much stronger product. As it is, parts of it seem less well done when compared to "Delta Green."

About half the book is devoted to the genre without relying on explanations through the GURPS rules system which makes it useful for those who use other systems. Even the parts that are rules oriented are written up well enough to allow easy conversion to the system of choice. A GM will find plenty of sections for his players to read in order to become more effective Black Ops types with details ranging in skills, monsters, academy training and how each division sees the others. All in all this book has lots of useful information for the players and GM.

Style: 4 (Classy and well done)
Substance: 4 (Meaty)