TL:DR: Get this all-in-one rpg. I have been looking for a d20 rpg-lite system to run a Westmarch style homebrew campaign, but still close enough to re-skin some of the classic DnD modules. There And Hack Again (TAHA) is a fully fledged rpg that can be played right out of the box. Between the character Archtypes and the Boons, any sort of classic Tolkein character can be played, with options allowing GM-approved characters such as a Spellsword, or DEX-based Warriors, Champions or Rangers. Note there is no classic "Cleric" class in TAHA. The Druid class can heal in a pinch, but there are many other sources of healing that a party without a Druid would not be penalised. The absence of a "healbot" class allows for deeper roleplay and wider tactical considerations. The Faith, Dread and Despair mechanics are a highlight, as players must now consider their mental resilience when facing terrible foes, or dealing with the elements, such as snow storms. This system is simple enough for a one-shot, but also has the meat and potatoes for a fully-fledged campaign. I would encourage the author to consider a version 2 with a comprehensive example of play and a starting adventure, as this would make it more accessible to those with little or no knowledge of OSR-style games. I would personally appreciate the author's take on Character Origins. Publisher follow-up notification clicked for version 2 ;-)

Can't say enough good stuff about this game! It hits all the right notes for me. Went out and got By This Axe and its companion.   Both just as good.

These games need more love!

The design is smooth and light while still managing to have depth. The rules are easy to learn and they do a very good job at emulating the high fantasy/fairy tale fantasy genre. The fonts are nice(especially in the headers) and I loved the art. I was a little disappointed by the lack of art in some places (such as the bestiary),but that's because the art that is in here is fantastic. I would suggest this for anyone who wants an old school classic fantasy feel along with smooth, concise rules.

The system here is on the rules light end, yet complete in what is needed to run any of the MERP modules of old or the newer The One Ring/Adventures in Middle Earth Adventures. If you want to just run your own Middle Earth or Middle Earth like games or just need a faster paced and more fade into the background system for the adventures above, this game will work great for you. With little work you could add the Author's By This Axe I Hack game to have Conan, Kull, Fahrad and the Grey Mouser and Elric join Froto, Aragorn and Bilbo on a quest to fight Thulsa Doom, Smaug and the Ringwraiths if you like. All this with a complete yet light game.

Excellent blend of easy play combined with comprehensive rules make TAHA awesome. You can quickly whip up some characters, then go adventuring, battling a rogues gallery of Tolkienesque villains. Tons of fun!

I picked this and By This Axe, I Hack up last week and have been spending the last several days reading through them. Both games are simple, easy to understand and, most importantly, extremely evocative of the worlds being emulated. All this is done in a short, cohesive ruleset.

You won't find a lot of Lore and Backstory here; what you will find is classes/archetypes that evoke the characters from Lord of the Rings and Conan (respective to the game) while providing solid amounts of variation. Combat resolution isn't complex, yet has enough depth to have the different character types feel different.

Overall, highly recommended.

I really enjoy this book and series. The fact that this is a small fraction of the size of other table tops, makes it easier for introducing family and friends to the genre. I'm really looking forward to running a game of this in the near future.