What the Maelstrom Companion does is try to fill gaps in the original Maelstrom game. Maelstrom is the kind of game that is open enough in design that you can plug in pretty much any mechanic and get a desire playable effect; that is to say if you want very heroic action and cinematic play styles you can plug a rule in. The Maelstrom Companion takes a lot of the "homework" out of this for you. The firearms rules are very good, playable and will work. The added character "livings" are a nice touch. The additional adventure background is very good for those who hate to pick up a history book. You get a lot for your money in this book and it makes Maelstrom a lot more playable. I hope that there will be more to come!