This book is fantastic. Even though it ostensibly contains options for expanding the Advanced Fighting Fantasy game, I would consider it an essential addition to the core rulebook. It manages to make various aspects of combat in the AFF game much richer and more engaging, while still retaining the simplicity that is fundamental to the system.

In addition to providing more choices to players in desgining and playing their characters, this book contains a lot of information useful to Directors in planning and running games, such as will help to keep even experienced players a little more on their toes.

I was also pleased to see material applicable to characters other than 'pure fighters' - for example, the inclusion of rules for combat magic, and mounts of various kinds.

Finally, the appendix at the end indexing rules and options from all the rulebooks published so far is extremely useful.

In summary, if you're a player, get this book even if you're not playing a straight fighter. It will enhance many aspects of your game, whatever your character. If you're a Director, just get this book - you absolutely will not regret it.

I really love this book. Just like in the Fighting Fantasy series of gamebooks on which Advanced Fighting Fantasy is based, this addition to the ruleset begins to open up the genre-crossing beauty of the game. No longer do AFF adventures need to be confined to fantasy only - now whole worlds and everything in between are available for exploration. And the sheer breadth of possibilities is really impressive. Stellar Adventures maintains the elegant simplicity of Fighting Fantasy itself, but still manages to give you tools for a wide variety of styles of 'sci-fi' play, especially when combined with the standard AFF rulebooks. Want a post-apocalyptic, Mad Max style adventure, where you can battle bandits in high-speed armoured vehicles? Or Star Wars-like space opera, with android characters and strange mental powers? Cyberpunk technology? Star Trek style planet hopping, where you can encounter civilisations from medieval to futuristic? Stellar Adventures has got you covered on all these counts. If you are in the least bit interested in sci-fi play of any kind, DO NOT MISS THIS BOOK!

Graham Bottley's update to a classic RPG from my childhood does not disappoint in the least. He has managed to retain the simple effectiveness of the system, while also making a number of significant improvements. More importantly, it still feels like the old Fighting Fantasy books, which is definitely a good thing. Fighting Fantasy used to be marketed as "The Introductory Role-playing Game", but this system now stands on its own two feet. I'm quite happy to make this my system of choice.

Of the three 'Pit' books of monsters published for this system, this one is far and away the best. In addition to really well-written monster entries that still retain the unique feel of Fighting Fantasy, there is a host of additional material that makes this book absolutely invaluable. There is enough detail to use the monsters well in a game, without detracting from the intrinsic simplicity of the Advanced Fighting Fantasy system. For anyone running an AFF game this book is obviously a must-have. But even for people running other games, it can be recommended for some very interesting takes on a few of the classic monsters.