You'd be remiss to miss this GEM of a print 'n play. I had a fun afternoon printing everything out and making all the cars. We had a group of 4 pick up the game in less than 5 minutes and had to keep coming back for just one more run down The Stretch. Put on the Mad Max Fury Road soundtrack for an epic play session. Also, buy everything else from Runehammer. It's awesome. Junk'd made a great warm-up for diving into a session of Index Card RPG.

I was listening to a Podcast that referenced the RUNEHAMMER youtube channel for running D&D games like a Badass. I looked into it and found myself really enthralled by the writer and his enthusiasm for the hobby. He explained some great rules and ideas that he had written in ICRPG. I had heard of this game before and heard it had a heck of a following. I bought it on Amazon, but then after I had it in physical form and ingested all of it, I bought it on PDF here.

This game has allowed me to run hard and fast games for my players using an OSR style of thinking with a LOOT based milestone system! The simplicity of HARD and EASY rolls and having a ROOM difficulty instead of individual stats: It was just all so logical and it got me super-pumped about running an old school dungeon romp! I ran some one-pagers I found online using this system to great success! I just finished running a Fire and Ice Spire that was directly inspired by one of the creations from the Author, and not only did it feel ultra-dangerous going through the dungeon, but the players felt like badasses when they completed it and stopped an otherworldly Dragon Tyrant from entering their world! However, they had failed to stop this monstrosity from entering, but the priest had a spell that allowed him to rewind time to a few rounds earlier and they were able to do it! They failed and then succeeded by literally going back in time mechanically and thematically!

This game has a goal of making you feel awesome in a very dangerous world and has also taken the time to explain that mechanical rules feed to narrative rules that feed to mechanical! I love this game and I've only had it for a few months, but it's my GO-TO for dungeon story arcs or One-Shot adventuring!

Strength and Honor!

Played JUNK'D today with two friends — we had an absolute blast!

It took us two or so games to fully understand the mechanics, but once we got going, we got going. Cars were smashed, legends were made.

As an Australian, having played this game in Australia with the Mad Max soundtrack going full blast, I do solemnly pronounce JUNK'D to be an absolute ripper!

We tend to start a lot of rpg reviews by saying the game is impressive and/or outstanding, The Index Card RPG 2nd Edition lives up to that standard and more. It’s not just a remarkable starter game. It’s not just a good generic RPG engine. It’s also packed with unique concepts, print-and-cut minis, and functions as a plugin to other RPG’s. The thing I like the most is- it’s a world designer’s dream come true. It might not be the greatest system ever invented, but it is ridiculously useful.

I can’t remember the last time I was this excited for a new game. Although I was shocked a second edition followed so closely on the heels of the first one, I was pleasantly rewarded once the waiting was over. It reminded me a little bit of opening that certain red box all those years ago. The funny thing is, there really aren’t any startling new concepts, genres or worlds in this game. Originally, when it was first released, I glanced at it, scoffed and moved on. It wasn’t until I downloaded the free QuickStart that I saw how ridiculously flexible the system is and how it could fit with several pre-published worlds.

ICRPG breaks several tried and true game designer rules when it comes to organization and layout. It wastes no time teaching you how to jump right in and make the most of your game using its very simple rules. It threw me off slightly when I went digging for the standard indices of character creation, races, combat, vehicles and spells. While all of those things are there, they are scattered throughout the book, especially the vehicle rules. As a writing teacher once told me, “do it all wrong.” The approach this game has to layout and organization is unique and wonderful. Please, keep it up. I am thankful the PDF is fully indexed and searchable, though.

I like how combat in this game has the potential to be an impeccably bloody affair if the GM so desires. The character death rules are even very well spelled out early on in the book. A solid hit or two from a weapon or monster and you could find your character down for the count. It definitely makes you think before you act.

That brings me to my next point. I love, love, love the turn taking and initiative mechanics in this game. If I come away with nothing else, I’m likely going to adopt this part of ICRPG for many of the other games I run. Not only does it cut down on cross-table chatter, but it makes people think before they act. The other amazing thing is the timer system. This game puts the clock into play for the characters any time the GM deems it necessary and there’s potential for a lot of heart-pounding, intense rounds with timers winding down.

ICRPG tends to be very medieval fantasy/sci-fi oriented. That’s not intended as disrespect, but just an honest statement of fact. Nor is this the time and place for a lengthy debate about whose genre is better. In fact, some of the world’s best, most well played, well loved rpg’s started out this way, or just doing one or the other very well. While the rules allow for kit-bashing almost any genre together, it just doesn’t seem suited very well toward non-magical modern espionage or modern warfare types of games. The skill system, turn-taking and timers work well. But, I'm still working out how a loot progression is going to work with an espionage or WW2 game.

I love the DIY attitude of this game. It took me a while to really grasp it and get behind it. (My apologies, Sensei Ferinale, I had not received your wisdom yet.) Your character in this game is pretty much defined by history, personality and, in terms of statistics- loot. Loot is the key to this game. It truly makes more sense this way. Screw big, chunky lists of feats, spells, and level bonuses.

The skill system in this game is just ingenious. No long list of skills to look up. No complex cross-referencing. And the best part is- complex skills are a matter of time and skill. Need to decipher a musty tome? It might take a few rounds. Need to disarm a bomb? You’ve got three turns. Better make them count. If it’s reasonable that your character might know what he’s doing, you can roll for it. If not, it might be a Hard roll and only a d4 Effort, but go for it.

Another advantage ICRPG has, as do many simpler games, is the ability to bring in creatures or characters from other games. Monsters convert in mere minutes. Other character classes with GM approval, are a simple matter of starter abilities and loot. Converting a race to your ICRPG bioform takes a description and some vague idea what they’re capable of. Role-playing games like Star Wars, D&D, Mech Warrior, and Deadlands are easily brought in. In fact, there are already examples within the ICRPG book for some of them. Of course, D&D or any other fantasy genre game is pretty easily emulated with ICRPG. A campaign world somewhat similar to Deadlands actually appears in the ICRPG Worlds book (sold separately, but well worth the investment.)

ICRPG is an amazing game to start kids on. I’m pretty sure this is going to be my own kids’ first experiences in role-playing. It’s what I would refer loosely to as a gateway game. If you can grasp the basic concepts of ICRPG, you can move up to any d20 based game easily. It covers the basic concepts of die rolling, skills, combat, gear, minis, and so on so much better than any game I have owned prior to this. I wish I had taken first ed more seriously.

Another thing I would like to point out is that my physical copy of the book came to me printed very poorly. It was lopsided within the binding. I hope this was an isolated incident. However, the nice folks at DrivethruRPG need to be commended for a prompt response and replacement of the book. Awesome job, guys!!!

The last thing I have to show a ton of praise for is the fan base for this game. It reminds me so much of the early days of D&D when a small but devoted cadre of game nerds sprouted up in Lake Geneva WI and blossomed from there to places like Des Moines, IA and all the way to California, and then the rest of the world. ICRPG has a remarkable fan following on Google Plus, Facebook, and even on DrivethruRPG itself. I see new posts every day on Google Plus that reminds me of my enthusiasm of being a new gamer, drawing maps for minis on brown paper grocery sacks in my parents’ dining room. I love the dedication and comradery shown even in the GM section of the book itself. It has brought back the love of the game and what it means for me to be a GM.

Thank you so much for the Second Edition Core Rulebook! You’re doing a great job with this game. Keep up the good work!

I was skeptical about Iron Heart when I saw that it was a 'draw a card; play a card' game. However after a few games under my belt, I have to admit it is a really good game.

Pros 1) The primary mechanic keeps the learning curb low. Allowing people who're not familiar with designer games to have a firm understanding of what's going on at all times. 2) The special abilities allow for some lite tactics and introduces enough differences in kinds to give each card a bit of flavor and allow them to feel different enough to keep me both interested and invested in the game. 3) Iron Hearts resolves it's interplay conflict resolution (in the form of attack and defending) with dice. This mechanic appeals to me as it makes every conflict exciting. 4) While there is little offered in the ways of dice control. Some cards allow a level of dice meditation.

Cons 1) Iron Hearts resolves it's interplay conflict resolution with dice. If you don't like losing because of a bad die roll, this game isn't for you. 2) I feel some of the cards special abilities could have been better worded. Such as a card that prevents you from losing if don't roll all misses. O.o Does that mean I win? Do I not lose, but they don't win? In the case of a monster attacking multiple players. If more than one player defeats the monster, who scores the monster in their vault? And if a hero with a card(s) equipt to them is defeated; are the equiped treasure cards discarded with them? or do the treasures remain in your play area to be equiped to another hero at a later time? I think these things could of been better addressed in the rules.

In the end I fell in love with the game. And would suggest it to anyone as a filler game. Iron Heart can be played with 2 players, but it really begins shines with 3-4 players.

Literal. Instant. Buy.

And the awesomeness of the varied and evocative art exceeds my already high expectations.

I'm chomping at the bit to get these cards out on the table and start my players down a dark and danger-filled Weird West trail!

What jumped out at me the most is how good this RPG would be for introducing people to TTRPGs. The system is reminiscent enough of a board game that peoples minds can make the leap from playing board games to TTRPGs. Mechanics like always being in turn order, having the target number for players rolls clearly displayed and having all character progression bonuses condensed into loot (items) make things easier for new players to pick up. Probably my favourite mechanic is the "effort" system, where any task that takes more than one roll (killing a monster, picking a challenging lock, running an long distance race) is assigned so many "hearts" of effort (each heart being 10 points). You 'attack' this effort with the appropriate skill, succeeding if you beat the clearly displayed target number and getting to 'damage' the effort, gradually reducing it to zero. when you succeed. This unified system that treats monster battles and a negotiation the same, along with the games simple mechanics, means that new players won't be left going "uhhhh... what do I roll to do this" that you see in other systems (5e).

The book itself is very short, stylized and engaging. An entire system, plus adventure seeds, two settings and a bunch of monsters in under 220 pages. Not a burden on prospective players to read. I did find some small issues with the document structure though. In some places mechanics were mentioned but not explained (and no page reference for where they could be found). If you kept reading you would eventually find them but a reference e.g. "SPELL BURN (p.80)", would have been helpful as I kept finding myself searching the page to find where I had missed the explanation.

One thing I do not so much criticize as point out is that this is a devil-may-care system designed for fast paced play. People who enjoy slower and more crunchy systems might not like it as much.

I would highly recommend this to anyone wanting to get their friends into TTRPGs.

Just received my complete Iron Heart bundle today. This is amazing. The fit and finish of these cards are awesome. The art and design from Runehammer is top notch as always. Can't wait to get this to the table.

In my quest to find a great rules-light, but with some nice crunchy edges, and a flexible non-genre specific rules system for one-shots or short campaigns, I really wish I had found ICRPG much sooner! This is simply download, read, and go. Everything I needed all bundled into one nice little package. It even encourages the use of make it your own style house rules; whatever works for you. Perfect way to get the busy lads and lasses from the days of old back into beer and pretzel RPG nights and to teach n00bs and kids the ropes. Keep it coming Runehammer!

I really love these! I have many of the previous Index Card volumes printed out on plane basic paper and these are so much easier to flip through and sort. The only issue I have is the number of them. I want more... More. More! MOOOOOOAR!!!!

A great resource that's also fun to read. It's so packed full of ideas and advice that it's well worth purchasing even if you've no intention of using the system.

Ever bought a setting book or supplemement and been so excited to crack it open, only to discover an hour later that under all the maps of places no player will ever care about and paragraphs of lore trivia no player will ever know, you've bought about 3 total pages of table-ready ideas?

This is the complete opposite of that. It's ALL table-ready content. Nothing but the good stuff.

Are you still here? Must buy, Regardless of whether you own the ICRPG Core book or even intend to ever run ICRPG. Are you a DM of tabletop games? Buy it.

Simple but not limited rpg book, finaly a book that i can use to improve my dming. ^^

The writher is very dedicated to his work, there is a great community around his creation (https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/113794869422304907451 , https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCh5vto8JFstb9Sma9zV25g) , if you decide to buy this book you won't regret it. But, if still you hesitate just dawnoald the free quickstarter. ^^

These cards are great. My daughter and I love the artwork ,and she loves playing card games. We both love the role-play / story-telling aspect as well. I highly recommend this deck.

A very fun and fast-paced D20 system. Great for New and Old Players who get bored with the long turns and complicated systems of other TTRPGs.