This rule set is exactly the kind of thing that I like. The task resolution system is simple and fast, but not so simple as to completely lack granularity. It is universal enough to handle most genres pretty well, but not so generic that everything feels the same with a different skin. I'm planning on using this to run a campaign for a group of RPG newcomers. I enjoy certain other games that are more complex, but I dislike using complicated rules to introduce newbies as it can really cloud the real goal of a tabletop game.

The core of the system is so simple that very few references to the book will be required. Task resolution works like this: Ability Score + Skill Score + Misc Modifiers + 1d6 vs. Difficultly Number or opposed roll. Environmental modifiers and skills are hard capped at a value of 3, so the numbers are small and simple to calculate. Most d6 rolls can explode and are rerolled on a 6 then the sum is used. Only one explosion per roll is allowed. Health works on a hit point system, but even a very tough fantasy hero might have merely 24 health points. Hit rolls are opposed rolls against the target. Criticals exist, but are equally simple to handle.

There are sections for Fantasy, Horror, and Pulp/Supers. These sections provide just enough to get started, but not quite enough in my opinion. The fantasy section is the largest with lots of spells and creatures. The horror, sci-fi, and supers sections are notably smaller (or at least it seems that way.) I believe that these portions of the book could really have been fleshed out a bit more. For example: The sci-fi section contains ships and mecha, but they get not much more than one page each. This is nice in its simplicity, but I do wish there had been a little more meat on the bones here.

That said, it is remarkably easy to create what you need with a game this simple. I created a more fleshed out starship combat system in my head in about 30 minutes, so, the bare bones nature is kind of a mixed blessing. I also don't agree with all of the spell difficulty numbers in the fantasy section, but that is also super easy to customize by just increasing the difficulty on the flasher spells.

If are looking for an RPG that hits about a 3/10 on the complexity scale with plenty of room to customize, this will scratch the itch. If you like a more tactical, complex, or more fleshed out game you will not be satisfied. As for myself, I like light to medium complexity games with room to build and tinker. So, I'm kind of the target audience of this product. Your milage may vary.

For anyone interested in an original and extremely well made fantasy RPG, grab this. Many people call it a light game, but in reality it is actually a medium complexity game that is written so intuitively that it feels rules-light. It is almost as complex as Savage Worlds, but it is more compact and excellently organized.

The system itself is a straightforward, but unique, roll under d% game. The unique part is that classes (warrior, cleric, spellcaster, etc.) are skills. In order to be better at fighting, you raise your warrior skill. In order to learn more spells, raise your spellcaster skill. It is quite ingenious and a hell of a lot of fun.

The magic system is also unique. There are only a handful of spells, 17 I believe. However, each spell is flexible in effect based on the caster's desires. Spells also increase in power and effectiveness as the caster gains levels in his spellcaster (or cleric) skill. Another unique touch is the enchanter class/skill that allows you to make potions, magic items, and use rune magic.

The races are the standard Tolkien inspired Human, High Elf, Halfling, and Dwarf. Their statistical adjustments have a moderate impact on the character and an important choice during character creation. There is another book for this game, called Flesh and Blood I believe, that has many more races if you need more.

To top it off, the book contains a random idea/adventure generator and the skeleton of a setting for GM's to use as the frame work for a campaign. There is a separate setting book that expands it a bit further if you find it to your liking. The monster section is fairly small, but it covers all the basics and gives some templates to help create some critters if you need more. Monster stat blocks are not complicated.

All in all, it is an excellent book for a decent price. It has just pushed out Savage Worlds for my favorite in the fantasy genre. I must note, that due to how print-on-demand books are produced I would recommend the softcover rather than the hardcover version.

This is a book of potential that was never realized. It suffers in structure and ease of use, but the concept is sound and the game is playable. I used it many years ago, it worked but was rather dry. It really should have contained more genre specific rules and options. This product could really have been so much more.

A solid and very playable game. It takes a lot of tinkering to get it just how you want for a particular game, but it is worth it. Unfortunately, it does suffer from some balance issues in their advantage/disadvantage system. Even with those problems, it plays very well and was greatly enjoyed by my group.