Deadlands is a welcome addition to the RPG market.
Set in the mid-1870's, this game meshes the classic (and somewhat
intentionally cheesy) "Old West" with the more recent dark horror,
in a style reminscent of
Briscoe County Junior meets
Evil Dead.
The system uses the dice pool popularized by Shadowrun and
White Wolf but mixes in multiple die-types and a very simple
overriding system to resolve combat, athletic, and social tests.
Unlike Earthdawn the die type doesn't change with success,
only the number rolled, which greatly simplifies the system.
Amazingly, the rules actually manage to create a simple, easy to
use system that is much more realistic than most on the market.
The use of a deck of standard poker cards ($0.75 at your local
store) adds a completely new form of randomness and speed to play.
The setting is historically sound, within it's concept. The
release of evil spirits coincided with the start of the Civil War,
completely redefining the playing field (Not to mention shattering
the California coastline). Bolstered by the return of their magic
the Indians took back areas of the country and have managed to
hold it against the few buffalo soldiers sent to take them back.
As if it wasn't enough that you have a "six-guns and sorcery" setting,
you have the added bonus of steampunk technology. Hidden within the
decimated California landscape lay Ghost Rock, a jet-black stone that
burns several times hotter, and several thousand times longer, than
coal. In the hands of a scientist inspired by the potentional
(although some say it's the devil), Ghost Rock can provide enough
power to make steam-powered jetpacks, gatling pistols, and even
steam powered robots.
To top it off, Pinnacle has posted
modules, supplements, and links on their web page. New material is
added constantly for both players and Marshals.
All in all, Deadlands will bear much watching to see if
future supplements continue the excellent quality of the main book.
Style: 4 (Classy and well done)
Substance: 5 (Excellent!)
