I guess I will add my own review of
Archipelago. This is coming from someone who doesn't know Blue Planet, the game. So I totally don't know what the controversy of Blue Planet is all about. I'm on neutral grounds.
So, that said, I am going to review this book. I have been bothered to buy this book for one reason: I immediately recognized it as a sourcebook for a science fiction game. In fact, I thought that I could, and I can, use it in my Spacemaster or Star Trek: TNG game. That, and I am seeking a Marine Biology major (in Utah, of all places).
The first thing I noticed about Archipelago is its cover. Full color, photorealistic in all things. Some people don't realize how important the cover is on a book. It really establishes the mood of the product.
As I was looking through it, I was baffled, to say the least. The people working on it had done their homework. The World of Poseidon is wonderfully realized, and how it is connected to Earth.
The alien species in Archipelago are realistic from a biological point of view, and they make a world covered with water work (I estimate that Poseidon is 85%-99% covered with the wondrous chemical).
I have more than enough detail to make it work in one of my Science Fiction campaigns.
However, coming into Archipelago without reading Blue Planet has made me get the feeling that I'm missing something. Do I want Blue Planet? No.
Can I still use this? A resounding yes.
I believe that, with work, I can fit this book into any Science Fiction campaign: from Alternity to Star Trek: TNG to my own SpaceMaster: Homefinders.
Although I am still awed by the style work done in the Sea Devils supplement for AD&D, the content of Archipelago has been presented in a professional format for everyone that is easy to read. And a very important feature was placed in the back of the book: an Index.
I recommend this book for anyone. It is a very good sourcebook that is part of a world that has been lavishly created. Get just it, use it, and you won't be disappointed. Who knows? You might find yourself working to recreate the attention to detail on your own worlds.
Style: 4 (Classy and well done)
Substance: 5 (Excellent!)
