GURPS Vehicles 2nd Edition 2nd Printing
GURPS Vehicles is a 208-page
book devoted to a vehicle construction system. The 1st Edition was published
back in 1993. GURPS Vehicles 2nd Edition is a redesign and much-improved
version of the 1st Edition.
So, book strives to serve two purposes. First, it is a comprehensive design system for
vehicles of all types and technology. Second, it is a set of rules to use vehicles in the
GURPS RPG system. The book does a good job as a vehicle design system. It covers all major
technologies and construction options. The main drawback of the construction rules is its
complexity. The design process requires a heavy amount of simple mathematics, which can be
tedious just for the sheer volume of calculations that are required. Using a spreadsheet
(in the design process) is a must on all but the most simple vehicles. Also, the design
system has a fair degree of rules to follow, some of which are obscure and difficult to
find. So, what does this mean? Well, GURPS Vehicles is a favorite for gearheads
(you know who you are). Those who have a lesser interest in the specifics and micro-detail
of vehicles will not enjoy the design system.
The vehicle action section of the book covers all the movement and combat rules to use
your designs in a campaign. There are basic and advanced rules. The basic rules are more
friendly to tabletop role-playing. The advanced rules are very similar a wargame. Both
versions work fine, but, overall, seem clumsier than the construction rules. The rules are
scattered over two chapters and are a little disorganized. Yet, these rules are very
important to complete the GURPS Vehicles system. What good is a design system if there are
no rules to use the designs in the game? None, I say.
The end of the book has a small section on maintaining a vehicles and a few sparse
ideas on Vehicles in GURPS campaigns. I would have liked more ideas concerning campaigns,
but I guess the other rules didn't leave much room for it- even thought it would have been
nice.
Overall, not a bad supplement for gamers interested in the details of vehicle
construction and operation. There's a lot of rules packed into this book. I'm surprised it
works as well as it does considering the complexity of the subject matter. These rules
provide a unparalleled degree of detail and options. And, they compare very well with
other RPG rules of a similar nature. But, it does take a little determination to design
vehicles using these rules. Using a spreadsheet helps to simplify the process, but it
still takes time and patience.
So, it this product worth $24.95 of your money? It is if you're interested in this type
of stuff. If not, don't bother buying it.
