Excellent product, just as other models from Dave Graffam. Simple to build, uses a single sheet of cardstock, lots of options for colors and details on the outpost.

From my first read of the book, the game didn't look promising: "i go, you go" mechanic, card-based (which seemed to make solo play more difficult due to hidden information) bookkeeping for wounds, ammunition and other effects.

Then I played a solo test match based on the first scenario and was pleasantly surprised. The game flows quickly -- it was over in less than 30 minutes, and that was my first play after one read of the rules. Much of the bookkeeping can be simplified once you notice that many characters are built simple. Playing solo is possible -- just try to make the best use of all cards that are drawn.

The book has well-written, clear text that includes an index (always good, even if the page count isn't that high.) A quick reference sheet would have been useful too. The grayscale illustrations are nice and match the theme; the scenario flats that are provided are also good. I only wish they had included some counters for the characters too.

To be honest, when I bought this book I was afraid that it might either replace my other Song of Blades and Heroes (SBH) books, or be redundant. Still, I bought it, attracted by the game setting (which, from other reviews I'd read over the 'net, sounded quite unique) and the new magic system, which I hoped could be adapted back into SBH (by the way, it surely can.)

That fear proved to be unfounded -- even though Shadowsea is also a fantasy skirmish game (like SBH), the authors have done a good job of making it into a distinct game. The core rules feel like a revised edition of SBH with some stuff added from the supplements, but on top of that there is a lot of new material -- special abilities, rules for non-combat actions, interactive scenic items, magic, technology, and so on. The book includes six pages on background and over thirty pages of force rosters and creature stats, but the whole text is permeated by the flavor of the game setting. I think that maybe it's this blending of setting and specific rules that gives it the distinct feel.

Regarding the presentation, the text is well-written and includes some rulings and clarifications that appeared in FAQs or in the discussion group for SBH. The book also contains many beautiful illustrations that help set the theme and mood of the game. The layout is clean and functional. The detailed table of contents doubles up as an index, although some would prefer a "real" index at the end of the book.

One thing to note is that many units from the rosters have from three to five special rules, besides special items that also modify gameplay. This means that they require more attention from players, but also increase the strategy involved in warband construction. Players new to miniature wargaming or those who intend to play with their children, for instance (as I have seen in some battle reports and blogs on the 'net) may find Song of Blades and Heroes a better starting point. On the other hand, the book does include rules for point-based creation of new units, so it is possible to create simpler units if one wishes (or adapt the game to other settings).

So, to sum it all up, Shadowsea feels, to me, like a more sophisticated Song of Blades and Heroes created with a specific setting. To me, it was a worthy purchase.

This is a very good supplement for Song of Blades and Heroes (SBH). The rules on terrain and weather effects, and the new scenarios gave me ideas for setting up different battles. It also brings new special rules (I find Drain, Running Blow and Standard Bearer particularly useful). Since SBH is a simple and coherent rule set, you could make up your own rules but if you don't have the time to do that (and playtesting house rules also takes a lot of time) or if you prefer to stick to the official rules, this supplement is well worth its price.

I learned about this product on the Song of Blades and Heroes forum. Then I looked for reviews and found so much praise, that I had to check it out. Turns out that it really works for playing RPGs solo; I've just tried it last night with good results -- an interesting story with a couple surprises.

The mechanics of the "emulator" are actually very simple to learn, but I have to wonder how much playtesting was necessary to build them -- as well as the tables (which are few, and ingenious). I mean, there's so much interesting output from them, that it's not like a bunch of random roll tables. The text is clear and well-written, and there are lots of examples.

Even though I still have to try using the emulator for GM-less play with more people, I consider that this title was well worth its price.

Song of Gold and Darkness is an expansion for the miniature skirmish game Song of Blades and Heroes. It adds a number of new abilities, new creatures, rules for terrain and a new "game mode": dungeon exploration. If you liked the basic game, I believe that this book is worth, even if you don't plan on playing in dungeon maps. The only down side are the solo dungeon rules, which I think could have been a little more detailed.

This is a really good set of rules for fantasy miniature skirmish battles. The rules are simple to understand and apply, and the "activation" mechanic adds another tactical element to the game.

Even though there is a point-based system to create new units -- check the download section of the publisher's site for a calculator -- the authors note that it is possible to abuse it and create unbalanced units. Personally, I like the freedom to create my own troops (even if they need some sanity checks) rather than being limited to "official army lists" from other games.

Overall, I was very satisfied with this purchase. The simple rules and unit creation allow the use of pretty much any miniatures (or paper figures, which I tend to use) to play. Games I've played have taken about 30-60 minutes.

While I liked the "basic" Quick20, I think Modern Adventures is where the system really shines. The rules for reloading and vehicles seem well-tuned for an "action movie" feel and, like the rest, they are fast and simple. What you get is a clever, light framework with no specific game setting -- personally, I think it is well-suited for one-shot adventures, since you can combine the rules with references from movies and TV and get a game running with very little preparation.

This game cuts down the d20 system to its essential elements and the result is good. It also adds some nice ideas like the "pools" that diferentiate the classes, the simple skill bonuses and the damage system. The only thing to note is that although it is a simple system, I'm not sure it would be suited for RPG newbies. Anyway, given the book's title, I suppose most of the readers who get this will be familiar with the d20 system.