I bought this publication because it offered four things I really like: Sidetreks, adventures, pirates and ninjas. Given the $3 price tag, what could I really expect?
Well...I got pirates and ninjas...but I wanted something more. For instance, I wanted a useable scenario that could be plopped into a campaign. I didn't get that.
I wanted a useable map that could easily be incorporated into my game. I didn't get that...I got a map that does not print out well and was not really useable. (Hint: See Oone Games for their Blueprints! That is how it is supposed to be done!)
Nothing about the Sidetrek Adventures could be termed a "sidetrek." What they are is a serial release of yet another large-scale adventure strand...with a much overall higher price tag than just buying the whole thing at once. The "sidetreks" add up to a linked campaign in a highly specific and quirky game world that is anything but "side."
I'm actually not knocking the product....Sidetrek Adventure Weekly #1 delivers what it promises. It just isn't something that I can really use.
What I expect to get in a set-piece side encounter is a LOCATION. (Monster stats are cool, but anyone can get that anywhere...who cares?) So, for instance, give me a map of a building, tower, temple, house...whatever...just so long as the map is much better than what I could have drawn in 10 minutes before the guys show up. Give me some value for my money...time saved...campaign enhanced...something.
Give me the map in a black and white or blueprint form so I can actually print it out and use it. Give me both players maps and a GM map...anything but a color map that is already marked with all the secret locations and cues.
I like the general direction Louis Porter Jr. Design is taking. I just wish this series was less text and more map.
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