Note: This is for the PDF itself, not for the core game. The core game itself is great I would rate it a 4 at least, maybe even a 5 though I have yet to play it.

This PDF itself is quite poor. It is poorly optimized, especially with the full page images. The program I use (Adobe Acrobat Reader DC) freezes up for a good while before showing the image. This was tested on two different computers, but that being said your millage might vary. Though this is mostly a minor quibble, as there are only a handful of pages like this in the PDF.

The main problem is that there is no internal bookmarking of any sort. This is a 468 page book and navigating it is a pain. Add on to that this is a $10 pdf that is in the effect a game aid (I say that because you have to own the core set to be able to play) just adds insult to injury. If we get bookmarking that alone will instantly make it a 4 star.

The last minor thing is a reason given to buy this is so you can print parts of it out, and that is true you can do that. However because of the way it is formated the margins are huge! They are about 2 inches though I don't have a tape messure handy so I can't give you a exact number. Again mostly a minor quibble, but it is quite a bit of wasted space. Note the document itself is formated so that the PDF itself has normalish margins, it is just when you print it. Just seems to be a issue with how the PDF is set up.

Again what the other reviewers said about the system/setting is very true! I really enjoy the setting, and from what I have read about the system seems solid. I am just sad to say that the pdf isn't as solid.

A new style RPG that plays in a very satisfying way at the table. Keith Baker is an absolute master of setting design, so even if your not interested in trying a card based RPG this book will be a value to you. A dark, early apocalypse is a world that seem to take inspiration from Roman and Japanese myth and history.

Phoenix: Dawn Command is an excellent RPG that I highly recommend. It takes a typical RPG and changes a number of factors to create a truly unique experience.

You know that campaign where the apocalypse is coming and only a huge epic sacrifice might save the world? In Phoenix: Dawn Command, each adventure is one of those epic moments! The PCs are heroes who died in a memorable way, and have been reborn as Phoenixes. They can die a total of seven more times and have superhuman capabilities – they would barely take a scratch from fighting off threats that would fell a mortal. However, they face the supernatural and overwhelming threat of the mysterious Dread. Nearly each adventure features challenges so epic that one or more PCs are likely to die. Instead of worrying about whether you might die, here you worry about making each death truly change the course of the apocalypse.

PC death is built into the game. With each death, you level up. The game is, interestingly, played with cards. Each character type has rules for the types of cards you can use and the benefits you gain with them. Special cards are chosen as you level. You get stronger until you reach your final death and are no more.

Phoenix feels different than most RPGs, even while it has some familiar aspects. It isn’t about the cards (these tend to quickly become second nature as you play) as much as it is about the story aspect of the game. Each adventure is a vital mission with important choices. Adventures are written to highlight these and create a strong collaborative narrative. Players are often asked to define aspects of the adventure so as to make them memorable. The game box includes an absolutely incredible campaign, where the secrets of the apocalypse and how it might be stopped are slowly revealed. So much of this game is groundbreaking and amazing, and well worth checking out. Check out my full review and how to use Phoenix's ideas in any RPG.