The premise behind Stock Ships is a good one: provide Star Wars
players and game masters with a number of new ship types, complete
with deck plans, stats, and examples of use. Unfortunately, I found
myself wanting more information than this supplement provided.
Each has a short description of its class, including its manufacturer
and use in the Star Wars universe. This is followed by some rather
nice deck plans and the usual game information. Finally, an example of
a modified version of the ship is provided, complete with a history
and a list of the modifications made. This last section does provide
for some nice color and could serve as the inspiration for an
adventure or two.
Rounding out the book is a collection of perforated cards illustrating
each ship and including statistical information on the back side. West
End has been including these cards in a lot of their supplements
lately. I have mixed feelings about them. In some cases (as in this
supplement), they provide useful information. In others, they just
seem like window dressing.
Perhaps I am overly harsh in my criticisms. Stock Ships is a very good
idea. I simply wish that more information had been provided on a
smaller number of ships. Many of the vessels included in this book are
of somewhat limited utility in most Star Wars campaigns.
Nevertheless, Stock Ships is not a bad supplement. It simply feels
incomplete. That, and its rather uninspired layout, explains its
mediocre rating.
Style: 3 (Average)
Substance: 3 (Average)
