I bought this game on a whim, feeling a bit nostalgic for the old GURPS and Rolemaster games of my youth. I like this rules set! The author clearly has a similar appreciation for the simplicity of old school gaming, informed with a streamlined sensibility for character creation and world-building that only a veteran GM can boast.
The first thing that may strike you is bang for your buck. 452 pages for a $20 USD pdf is really a rather good deal. For that you get a totally inclusive rules-set including basic mechanics, character creation, a choice of more than twenty-five classes, more than ten playable races, numerous dynamics for travel, dungeon-crawling, life in the setting, wealth, social standing, equipment, treasure, magical item compendium and, of course, combat. There is a bestiary included as well, covering a good many of the creatures one might expect out of a classic D&D adventure plus more than a few concocted solely for this setting.
Expect lots of tables! This game is definitely for those people who have an appreciation for plenty of information laid out in concise format. Even so, the system is easy to grasp and not at all full of complex rules or excessive crunch. Think the love-child AD&D 1st edition/ Unearthed Arcana meets GURPS (4th edition) and you have the general idea. One of the aspects of Epic Fantasy I like is the capacity to run it in solo mode for those looking to throw something together for giggles on a rainy Monday evening. I've yet to test this but look forward to doing so.
Mechanics and resolutions are simple. Each player selects abilities and skill ranks, arriving at a certain percentile proficiency level within a number of criteria along typical RPG lines: Strength, Agility, Fighting Prowess, Psyche, etc. The only dice required are a pair of d10s, as all actions are resolved via percentile chance modified by skill ranks, abilities, and situational modifiers. Quite simple, even elegant.
Artwork is a mishmash of styles ranging between line art to digital, with due credit given to artists as might be expected and appreciated. My instinct is that much of it was selected for similarities to the style of Erol Otis.
I give Epic Fantasy five stars out of five. It's worth your hard earned treasure!
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