A "must-have" addition if you're playing Outgunned! Not only does the book manage to capture the essence of the "flicks" it portrays, it's also a treasure trove of examples for those looking to tweak the game to their tastes (read: setting). Just borrow what you like in each genre to make up your own! I mean, Ghost Hunters + Great Powers/Midnight Wars + Killing Aliens = Alan Wake, no? I mean, we all know we shouldn't cross the flicks, but...

Outgunned is one of the smartest RPGs I've ever played. If you're looking for a system that doesn't impede storytelling without sacrificing the rules, and that requires little prep, then Outgunned is probably for you. The whole book is an homage to what action heroes used to be: a celebration of decency, empowerment, and gallantry (to paraphrase John McTiernan). The first and foremost rule of the game is "don't let the rules bully you", and that on top of a system that really favours bold moves and crazy stunts guarantees you'll leave the table with stars in your eyes. May I suggest you get your hands on some movie scores now? John Barry. Jerry Goldsmith. David Arnold...

Bubblegumshoe is advertised as an investigative and social game. And, for once, the talk walks the walk! Ironically, for a game that focuses on teenagers, BGS feels very mature. Instead of confusing social for asocial violence, it forsakes combat for drama instead. Here, clues are your swords, reputation is your shield, and self-perception is your "healthbar". BGS is all about the story, the characters and the setting, not your ahem "sword"... Very refreshing.

Tons of interesting prompts and idea, garbage ideology - unless you support the far right. Welfare state as a nefarious plot against humanity? Since when do megacorporations support a system that undercuts their ability to hold workers by the balls with wages?? Atheism as a dark ploy to destroy society? Yeah, because the Church never commited genocide in North America, South America, Central America, South Africa, West Africa, East Africa, Central Africa, Eastern Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific. Atheism is responsible for Salem, the inquisition, the crusades, and 9/11... You forgot: "a movie megacorporation is scheming to overtake basic white brithrights and turn real men into homosexuals slaves." Fascist prick.

A missed opportunity. The system is quite good - versatile, straightforward, and blending character-scale "micro" and battle/kingdom-management "macro" with seamless ease. A rarity.
However, 70% of the rules are written for classic grimdark trash - i.e., glorified narcissistic perverts, pseudo-medieval warfare based on machine-gun tactics, and other popular delusions passed as "combat realism". A treat for abusive players, sunday warriors, and closeted Nazis. Others? Not so much... Shame.