The Gaming Den

This thread is for the collected in-depth Den reviews of published works. Expect a lot of snark and vitriol.

Anatomy of Failed Design dissects the failings of a particular subject and tries to put a finger on Where It Went Wrong, as a lesson in "How Not to Do It".

Old-School Sourcebook Reviews (OSSR) take a gander at the stuff that got published in yesteryear. The tentative benchmark for an OSSR is "10 years" but it varies, really. Stuff that's aged enough and has enough comparisons to give it a gimlet eye.

Drunk Reviews are (usually) for subjects so bad the reviewer has to have a good drink to make the world hurt less. A lot of times, there's overlap

Anatomy of Failed Design
Anatomy of Failed Design: 2e by Roy
Anatomy of Failed Design: Exalted by FatR
Anatomy of Failed Design: Cthulhutech. by Avoraciopoctules (with a special second-page Drunk Review by Frank Trollman).
Anatomy of Failed Design: Skill Challenges by Frank Trollman
Anatomy of Failed Design: Treasure Parcels by Lago Paranoia
Anatomy of Failure: Maiden Saga by Koumei
Anatomy of Failed Design: A Time of War by Juton
Anatomy of Failed Design: Vampire by Frank Trollman
Mostly Not Broken: After Sundown by Lokathor


Old-School Sourcebook Reviews
What're You Supposed To Do? Frank's account of a playthrough of Red Hand of Doom.
OSSR: Nightlife By Frank Trollman
OSSR: Deities & Demi Gods by Ancient History
OSSR: Street Samurai Catalog by Ancient History
OSSR: Dragon Kings by Frank Trollman
OSSR: Encyclopedia Magica, Vol. 1 by Ancient History
OSSR: Encyclopedia Magica, Vol. 2 by Ancient History
OSSR: Encyclopedia Magica, Vol. 3 by Ancient History
OSSR: Encyclopedia Magica, Vol. 4 by Ancient History
OSSR: Shadow Beat by Frank Trollman
OSSR: AD&D 2e Complete Psionics Handbook by Darth Rabbitt
OSSR: The Complete Book of Necromancers, by CapnTthePirateG
OSSR: The Book of Erotic Fantasy, by Frank Trollman
Requiem for Rome by Frank Trollman
OSSR: Draconomicon, 3e by Ted the Flayer
OSSR: BATTLESYSTEM (AD&D 2e) by TarkisFlux
OSSR: Book of Exalted Deeds by Frank Trollman
Libris Mortis: A look back by Ted the Flayer
OSSR: Good by Angelfromanotherpin
OSSR: Evil by Prak Anima
OSSR: Everquest Player's Handbook by Archmage
OSSR: Master Race Handbook (alternate title: Complete book of Elves) by Frank Trollman
OSSR: Savage Species: Fuck you, you fucking fuck by Ted the Flayer
OSSR: 4e Arcane Power by CapnTthePirateG
OSSR: Time Lord by fectin
Old Indie Game Review: Justifiers RPG by Desdan Mervolam
OSSR (sorta): 2e MONSTERORIOUS MANUAL by Shrapnel.
OSSR: Dungeon Master Options: High-level Campaigns by TarkisFlux
OSSR: Factol's Manifesto by Ancient History and Frank Trollman
OSSR: 2e Arms and Equipment Guide by Shrapnel and Darth Rabbitt
OSSR: Epic Level Handbook by Lord Mistborn
OSSR: Ravenloft Boxed Set by Frank and K
OSSR: West End Games Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game (SW d6) by Squirreloid
OSSR: Inquest #1 by Ancient History
OSSR: Rifts World Book 1 Vampire Kingdoms by erik
OSSR: Bastion of Broken Souls 2002 by ishy
OSSR: Rifts Dimension Book 1: Wormwood by Koumei
OSSR: Book of VD by Count Arioch
OSSR: Illithiad by Frank Trollman and Ancient History
OSSR: The Pulling Report by Ancient History
OSSR: GURPS Cyberpunk by Ancient History and Frank Trollman
OSSR: Complete Psionic by CapnTthePirateG
OSSR: The Art of Playing MYTHOS by Ancient History
OSSR: Eurosource by Ancient History and Frank Trollman
OSSR: AD&D 2nd Edition: DUNGEON (tm) MASTER Guide by tussock
OSSR: AD&D: Dungeon Master's Guide by tussock
Old-School Video Game Review: Chronicles of Mystara by Maxus
OSSR (sorta): oMage vs. nMage by Ancient History and Frank Trollman
OSSR: Promethean: The Created by Frank Trollman
OSSR: World of Warcraft RPG by DragonChild
OSSR: Grimtooth's Traps by Ancient History
OSSR: CYBORG COMMANDO (TM) Science Fiction Role-Playing Game by talozin
OSSR: Monster Compendium: Monsters of Faerun by Ancient History and Frank Trollman
OSSR: Exalted: The Lunars by Ancient History and Frank Trollman
OSSR: Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (1st Edition) by Ancient History and Frank Trollman
OSSR: Dark Heresy by Orion
OSSR: S. Petersen's Field Guide to Cthulhu Monsters by Ancient History
OSSR: Bastion of Broken Souls 2002 by ishy, and then in more depth by Ancient History
Hung Over Review: Magic of Incarnum by Frank Trollman.
OSSR: Ghostwalk by Frank Trollman
OSSR: Adventurer Conqueror King by blicero
OSSR: Tome of Magic (3.5) by Ancient History and Frank Trollman
OSSR: Ghouls: Fatal Addiction by Ancient History and Frank Trollman
OSSR: AD&D 1e Player's Handbook by darkmaster
OSSR: Nexus: The Infinite City by Ancient History
OSSR: Shadowrun: The Elves (Tir Tairngire and Tir na nOg) by Ancient History and Frank Trollman
OSSR: Monster Manual V by Ravengm
OSSR: Kindred of the East by Koumei
OSSR: Dragonmech by Maxus
OSSR: White Wolf Magazine #30 by Ancient History
OSSR: Torg Boxed Set by Shark Sandwich
OSSR: Unknown Armies by Ancient History and Frank Trollman
OSSR: Adventurer Conqueror King: Player's Companion by Blicero
OSSR: Crushed: Doomed Kitty Adventures by Ancient History
OSSR: Hellboy Sourcebook and Roleplaying Game by Ancient History
OSSR: World Treeby angelfromanotherpin
OSSR: Orpheus vs. Geist by Ancient History and Frank Trollman
OSSR: Creatures of Rokugan by Ancient History and Frank Trollman
OSSR: Warhammer Dwarfs (vs Dwarfs vs Dwarfs) by Ancient History
OSSR: Lords of Madness: I love this terrible fucking book by Count Arioch the 28th
OSSR: Earthdawn (1st Edition) by Ancient History and Frank Trollman
OSSR: Bastards and Bloodlines by Prak Anima
OSSR: Green and Pleasant Land by Ancient History
OSSR: The Crusades Campaign Sourcebook by Ancient History and Frank Trollman
OSSR: Warhammer 40k Slaves to Darkness
OSSR: Fiend Folio (1st Edition) by Ancient History and Frank Trollman
OSSR: Buffy the Vampire Slayer RPG by angelfromanotherpin
OSSR: Complete Book of Gnomes & Halflings by Frank Trollman
OSSR: Clanbook Perky & Clanbook Mopey by Ancient History
OSSR: Call of Cthulhu (5.6) by Ancient History and Frank Trollman
OSSR: Changeling: The Dreaming by Mask De H
OSSR: d20 Future by zerulord
OSSR: Y2K edition D&D: Player's Handbook by tussock
OSSR: A World of Darkness: Mummy by Ancient History and Frank Trollman
OSSR: Kindred of the Ebony Kingdom by Ancient History and Frank Trollman
PhoneLobster Shakes The Angry Fist at Star Wars SAGA by PhoneLobster
OSSR: Ars Magica by Frank Trollman
OSSR: GURPS: Vampire: The Masquerade: The Coloning by Ancient History
OSSR: GURPS: Fantasy II by angelfromanotherpin
OSSR: L5R 3rd Edition by Frank Trollman
OSSR: GURPs: Cthulhupunk by Ancient History and Frank Trollman
OSSR: Redhurst Academy of Magic by Ancient History and Frank Trollman.
OSSR: Age of Aquarius (2nd Edition) by Longes
OSSR: GURPS: Illuminati by Ancient History
OSSR: GURPS Goblins by angelfromanotherpin
OSSR: Races of Eberron by Ancient History and Frank Trollman
OSSR: Ancient Kingdoms: Mesopotamia by Blicero
OSSR: Dominions Tank Police Roleplaying Game & Resource Book by Ancient History
OSSR: Savage Tides Adventure Path by RelentlessImp
OSSR: Shadowrun: Bug City by Ancient History and Frank Trollman
OSSR: [Call of Cthulhu] Secrets of Japan by Ancient History
OSSR: Monte Cook's World of Darkness by Ancient History and Frank Trollman
OSSR: Mechamorphosis by Prak
OSSR: C°ntinuum by Virgil
OSSR: Poison'd by Prak
OSSR: Magic: The Gathering: Fallen Empires by Ancient History and Frank Trollman
OSSR: Indiana Jones Artifacts by Ancient History
OSSR: Dragon Magazine #317 by Ancient History
OSSR: 3.5e Fiendish Codices by Kaelik
OSSR: Magic: the Gathering: Ice Age by Ancient History and Frank Trollman
OSSR:DSA 1st Edition Advanced Rules by Rasumichin
OSSR: Zauberharfen und Runenschwerter (1980s MC fuckery) by Rasumichin
OSSR: Planet Krishna by Ancient History
OSSR: Victorian Age Vampire by Ancient History and Frank Trollman
OSSR: Aberrant by Mechalich
OSSR: Ninjas and Superspies by Koumei
OSSR: Drakar och Demoner, 5th Edition (sorta) by Red Archon
OSSR: Breed Book: Rokea by Mechalich
Old-School Fan Splatbook Review: Zombie: The Coil by hyzmarca
OSSR: The Metabarons Roleplaying Game by Ancient History
OSSR: [Call of Cthulhu]: Secrets of the Congo by Ancient History
OSSR: [Call of Cthulhu] The Cairo Guidebook by Ancient History
OSSR: Sword and Fist by Ancient History and Frank Trollman
OSSR: Achtung! Cthulhu Guide to North Africa by Ancient History
OSSR: Birthright Box Set by Ancient History and Frank Trollman
OSSR: Book of Challenges by Wiseman
OSSR: STREETFIGHTER THE STORYTELLIN GAME TURBO by Koumei
OSSR: Complete Spacefarer's Handbook by Ancient History and Frank Trollman
OSSR: [Call of Cthulhu] Secrets of Kenya by Ancient History
OSSR: [Call of Cthulhu] Secrets of Morocco by Ancient History


Miscellaneous

Things I Don't Like About Privateer Press by PhoneLobster
Runner's Companion Was Terrible by Frank Trollman
FATAL review by Prak Anima. The review proper starts halfway down the page. But the lead up to it is also worth reading.
GNS: Good, Bad, Or Ugly by a lot of people.
Drunken Review: Farcast, by Frank Trollman
Drunken Review: 4e DMG 2 by Frank Trollman
Total Eclipse RPG by Avoraciopoctules
Drunk Review: Corruption of Champions by hyzmarca
Review: Last Stand by DragonChild
Review: Elemental Axes by rampaging-poet
Drunk Review: Scion by Frank Trollman
Drunk Review: Fighting Fantasy #10 House of Hell by Darth Rabbitt
Pokemon: Tabletop Adventures Rageview by DragonChild
Angry Sober Review: Apocalypse for d6 Ed by Koumei
New Game: Iron Kingdoms Full Metal Fantasy by deanruel87
Review: Violation: Rape in Gaming by Ancient History
Review: MSF High RPG by rampaging-poet
Not-OSSR: Danger Patrol by Prak Anima
Drunk Review: Shadowrun 5 by Frank Trollman
Faux OSSR: Torchbearer by Lago Paranoia
BESM d20 by Drolyt
OSTVR: Kindred: The Embraced by hyzmarca
FAILSNAILS, the name says it all by PhoneLobster
Angry Drunk Review: 5e Monster Manual: A Modern Relic by Krusk
Drunk Review: 3:16 -Carnage Amongst the Stars by Koumei
Drunken PReview Feng Shui 2nd Edition by Josh Kablack
Angry Sober Review: 5e PHB by CapnTthePirateG
Warmachine Mk II: Steampowered Boogaloo by Shrieking Banshee
Farcast Review by lots of people
Review/Drinking Game: Warhams 40k 7Ed: Send Help by Koumei






There's a lot more out there--I know there were reviews of Attitude and War! from Shadowrun, and several threads about diplomacy and the like which I'm not going to attempt to sort through right now. There's also some threads on GNS theory and probably a few things I can't recall at the moment. But this is a start.

D&D
Shau's ridiculously long Divine Power Review by shau
Fiendish Codex Review: Man-tears galore. by K
Book of 9 swords review by Dragon Child
Complete Arcane Review by Josh Kablack
OSSR: Pages from the Mages by Ancient History
OSSR: Deities & Demigods Cyclopedia by Ancient History

WW
Sourcebook Review: Midnight Roads by FrankTrollman
Old Sourcebook Review: Clanbook: Baali by Ancient History
OSSR: Dirty Secrets of the Black Hand by FrankTrollman

Shadowrun
Attitude by FrankTrollman
War! 1 2 3 4 by FrankTrollman
Where are all the other Shadowrun reviews - in that thread?

Other
In Soviet Czechia: Game Reviews You by FrankTrollman
Lago's Dragon Age RPG Review by Lago
Eclipse Phase Review. by FrankTrollman
Black Tokyo: What. by Leress
My review of Rifts [rant] by Mister Sinister
My review of Saga by Surgo
Iron Heroes Was Always Bad by FrankTrollman
New Game: Star Wars Edge of the Empire by deanruel87
New Game: Iron Kingdoms Full Metal Fantasy by deanruel87
OSSR: Nightlife by FrankTrollman


Anatomy of Failed Design series
nWoD by FrankTrollman
Diplomacy by FrankTrollman
Treasure Parcels by Lago
Enemies and Allies by Lago
Role Protection by Lago
Magic Items by Lago

PHB II: The Review by K (I think)

Heroes of Shadow: A review by me

Pathfinder: The Lowdown by FrankTrollman

Fantasy Craft Review by ludomaestro

Other...
Hollow Earth Expedition (HEX) Review by erik

Not sure if this one counts but it damn well oughtta.

Giant Crabs review by Frank Trollman

Don't forget the D&D Next Playtest Review.

Can't forget this, can we (my rage-filled Spycraft 'review').

Wow, that entire thread is just full of entertainment and win.

Thanks for reminding me that I need to get my next review written.

This is a D20 Modern review by Angry Pessimist I stumbled on

Updated the list. Need to straighten out the format. Starmaker's post kicks the ass of mine.

I did, however, dig up Prak's review of FATAL. I wish I had more time to read it, because I'd forgotten a lot of this stuff.

Here are some

Paths of Power by me
Console: Handheld by me

I still can't find my final fantasy d20 one.

It just clicked that I've been keeping this reviews thread up for more than a year.

It's fun, and you guys keep me busy. Not to mention all the entertainment I get from reading these.

Keep it up, guys.

Wow, this is way better updated than I expected. Great hilarity in here.

Ikeren wrote:Wow, this is way better updated than I expected. Great hilarity in here.

I check the Den a couple times a day. As soon as I see a review, it goes in here.

I've been away for a long time, and was hoping the OSSRs had continued and were archived. Thanks Maxus.

Guyr Adamantine wrote:I've been away for a long time, and was hoping the OSSRs had continued and were archived. Thanks Maxus.

You're welcome.

This list is missing virtually all of the old reviews that were done when the books came out.

Josh's Complete Arcane review, that was sort of the template for every single review after it, for example.
http://www.tgdmb.com/viewtopic.php?p=8029

My Complete Champions review:
http://tgdmb.com/viewtopic.php?t=19783

Frank's Complete Warrior review:
http://www.tgdmb.com/viewtopic.php?p=638

There's a bunch more that I'm forgetting.

Yes, I'm aware there's a ton I'm missing.

There's a fuckton of stuff that was before my time and I don't have the patience to shuffle through more than twenty backpages at a shot. However, all contributions are welcomed. I can post 'em into the body or you can make you own post, whichever you'd like.

Maxus wrote:Yes, I'm aware there's a ton I'm missing.

There's a fuckton of stuff that was before my time and I don't have the patience to shuffle through more than twenty backpages at a shot. However, all contributions are welcomed. I can post 'em into the body or you can make you own post, whichever you'd like.

That's the thing...I think I did make my own post at some point. I just can't find it.

I made an OSSR of Heroes of Horror about a year ago, and didn't think to link it, here.

http://tgdmb.com/viewtopic.php?t=56568

Anatomy of Failure: Babylon 5 CCG by angelfromanotherpin
Anatomy of Failure: VTES by Frank Trollman
Anatomy of Failure: Netrunner (1996) by Ancient History
Anatomy of Failure: L5R by Frank Trollman
Anatomy of a disappointment: The Wing Commander CCG by DrPraetor
Anatomy of Failure: Star Wars CCG by angelfromanotherpin
Anatomy of a Failed Design: Beyond the Supernatural by DrPraetor
Anatomy of a Failed Design: Star Trek CCG by angelfromanotherpin

Drunken Review: Shadowrun 5 by Frank Trollman

FauxSR: Torchbearer by Lago PARANOIA
Not Really OSSR: Rifts (R) Ninja/Samurai/Weeb Stuff by Koumei
Review: War of the Burning Sky Adenture Path (3.5E) by hogarth
The Not-Awaited Witcher TTRPG Review by WiserOdin by WiserOdin032402
Review: Dragon Warriors Book 1: Dragon Warriors by Thaluikhain
Review: Dragon Warriors Book 1: The Way of Wizadry by Thaluikhain

OSSR: Thri-Keen of Athas by Mechalich
OSSR: Dragonmech: Steam Warriors by Maxus
OSSR: Otherverse America Campaign Setting by Leress
OSSR: Heroes of Horror by RobbyPants
OSSR: MERP by Frank Trollman & Ancient History
OSSR: M:TG Ravnica: City of Guilds by Lord Mistborn
OSSR: Transdimensional Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by Ancient History
OSSR: The Dying Earth RPG by angelfromanotherpin
OSSR: The Divine and the Defeated by angelfromanotherpin
OSSR: Nightbane by koz
OSSR: Breedbook Mokole by Prak
OSSR: Rifts World Book 9 - South America 2 by DrPraetor
OSSR: Little Wars by darkmaster
OSSR: Infernum by Wiseman
OSSR: In Soviet Russia, Cthulhu Eats You by Ancient History
OSSR: Guide to the Technocracy by Mechalich
OSSR: White Dwarf Presents: Chaos Dwarfs by Ancient History
OSSR: Stormbringer by DrPraetor
OSSR:WH40K, 3rd edition by Frank Trollman
OSSR: oMage vs. nMage by Frank Trollman & Ancient History
OSSR: Convention Book: New World Order (Revised) by Longes
OSSR: Lankhmar: City of Adventure by Ancient History
OSSR: Player's Guide to the Sabbat (2nd) by Frank Trollman & Ancient History
OSSR: D2: Shrine of the Kuo-Toa by Ancient History
OSSR: Masters of the Art (2nd) by Ancient History
OSSR: Havens of the Damned by Ancient History
OSSR: Shadowtech by Frank Trolman & Ancient History
OSSR: d20 Future by zeruslord
OSSR: Tournaments, Fairs & Taverns by deaddmwalking
OSSR: Dragonlance Campaign Setting by Wiseman
OSSR: Mysteries of Sudan by Ancient History
OSSR: Drow of the Underdark by Frank Trollman & Ancient History
OSSR: Miskatonic Univeristy (2005) by Ancient History
OSSR: [Call of Cthulhu] The Golden Dawn by Ancient History
OSSR: Shackled City by RelentlessImp
OSSR: Demon Hunter X by Ancient History
Le OSSR : In Nomine Satanis/Magna Veritas, deuxième édition by Nath
OSSR: Blood Magic: Secrets of Thaumaturgy by Ancient History
OSSR: Spelljammer: AD&D Adventures In Space Boxed Set by Woot
OSSR: The World of Future Darkness by Frank Trollman & Ancient History
OSSR: Tome of Battle: The Book of Nine Swords by Frank Trollman & Ancient History
OSSR: 4th Edition D&D by tussock
OSSR: Risus by jt
OSSR: Spelljammer The Astromundi Cluster by Woot
OSSR: S1 - Tomb of Horrors by Ancient History
OSSR: Southlands Campaign Setting by Libertad
OSSR: Deadlands Stone and a Hard Place by Libertad
OSSR: Midgard Campaign Setting by Libertad
OSSR: Deadlands Back East The South by Libertad
OSSR: Spears of the Dawn by Libertad
OSSR: Deadlands The Last Sons by Libertad
OSSR: 4th edition D&D by Tussock
OSSR: Exalted: The Infernals by FrankTrollman & K
OSSR: Darksword Adventures by angelfromanotherpin
OSSR: Best of Dragon, Vol. I by Ancient History


Not an OSSR: Space Madness! by Usamimi & Dr. Praetor

...and I think that brings us up to date.

Haven't done this for months, so...

Analysis of a Failed Design: d20 Skills by angelfromanotherpin

OSSR: Nyambe African Adventures by Libertad
OSSR: CyberCthulhu by FrankTrollman & Ancient History
OSSR: Deadlands Back East The South by Libertad
OSSR: 4th edition D&D. by tussock
OSSR: ACKS Hero Fantasy Guidebook by Blicero
OSSR: Deadlands Good Intentions by Libertad
OSSR: Deadlands the Flood by Libertad
OSSR: The Riddle of Steel (and successors by angelfromanotherpin
OSSR: The Genius Guides to Horrifically Overpowered Feats by Libertad
OSSR: the Northlands Saga Complete by Libertad
OSSR: 3.5 Dragonlance Campaign Setting by Libertad
OSSR: John Wick's Libertarian Fantasy Utopia (The Reign of Men) by Libertad
OSSR: Clanbook Assamite by Frank Trollman & Ancient History

Review: Dragon Warriors Book 4: Out of the Shadows by Thaluikhain
Review: Dragon Warriors Book 5: The Power Of Darkness by Thaluikhain
Review: Dragon Warriors Book 6: Tha Lands of Legend by Thaluikhain
Review: Pokemon Tabletop United by The Adventurer's Almanac

One of them is still in progress, but I put up 2 Dragonlance 3e sourcebooks:

OSSR: Legends of the Twins by Libertad
OSSR: Towers of High Sorcery by Libertad

Two more up!

OSSR: War of the Lance by Libertad

OSSR: Dragons of Krynn by Libertad