The Heroes & Hardships core rulebook has exceeded my expectations. I've followed the project for some time and the finished product is the nicest I've seen from a small, independent publisher. I don't have my hands on a physical copy yet, but have seen pictures of the proofs and I suspect its production quality will match the PDF. The same printer works with Free League and I've always been impressed.

As a GM, my favorite thing about H&H is its flexibility. Of course you expect flexibility from a universal RPG system, but the options in question aren't hard to remember. Since the roll-and-keep core mechanic is intuitive, it's easy to modify skill checks by adding or subtracting rolled or kept dice. I've had the pleasure of running an entire campaign as a playtester and even when I couldn't remember a particular rule, more often than not I found that my "best guess" was in line with the rules-as-written.

As a player, I've enjoyed both the character generation process and the initiative system, which employs Action Points (APs) rather than a single initiative roll. The skill list hits the sweet spot: Not too many, not too few, and I've yet to create a character, of my own imagination or a beloved IP, that can't be birthed via the H&H ruleset.

The art, layout, and writing quality could easily pass for, and sometimes SURPASS, a larger publisher. It's clear that Earl of Fife spared no expense and H&H was a labor of love. I believe all (or nearly all) of the art is commissioned (no AI art!) and it shows among the many pages of vibrant images that range in style from cyberpunk to fantasy to science fiction. Scrolling through the PDF is a visual treat.

In conclusion, you should support independent publishers and pick up Heroes & Hardships. I gaurantee that you'll be impressed and if the CRB is any indication, forthcoming works will be just as outstanding.

In addition to a few new classes, the DemonGate Companion adds a complete Life Path system to character generation. This optional component to chargen can really make your campaign shine.

A setting like DemonGate thrives when relationships, geography, and history is integrated into your character concept and the Life Path system makes this happen.

Moreover, it's not mechanically just fluff. Based on your life path, your skills, attributes, or more may be altered (usually improved!) and you may gain an NPC ally or arch enemy.

All this is really fun stuff and I highly recommend the DemonGate Companion.

My group has played DemonGate for a few years now and completed more than one campaign. We play many systems, but it's consistently one of the most requested and generates the most excitement.

With the addition of the DemonGate Companion (reviewed elsewhere), DemonGate is a game that can be large and sprawling and grand (after all - you can play an angel!) or small, gritty, and private (the combat can be bloody and lethal).

The options at character generation are limitless and the production and feel of the book, coupled with the races and cultures that populate the world of DemonGate, makes it a very immersive game.

I suggest you put down D&D for awhile... try this one on for size.

The Quickstart Guide itself is immense. Nearly 100 pages and an index? And great art? As Elaine Benes would say, "Get outta here!"

I've had the chance to play H&H several times, first in a Western-themed campaign and second in a cyberpunk-esque one shot. The system handled both settings well and is easily customizeable.

Combat can be brutal, dangerous, and add real weight to your roleplay. I have it to thank for my character's rapid promotion from deputy to sheriff ;)

The full game will be something special.