Modern20 gets another review!

Fist Full of Comics (and games) has just posted a review of Modern20. Check it out!

My impressions: The reviewer definitely seemed to "grok" the game overall. Streamlined in some areas, going for a non-fantasy feel to d20, but definitely not rules lite.

One comment, on the reviewer's reaction to the way combat and damage works in Modern20.

The reviewer seems to think that hit locations will make combat a bit more difficult. It depends on what game you've been running.

If it's d20 Modern in a non-FX world, then yes, it will be less complex, because that combat is basically "roll attack, roll damage" occasionally roll a Massive Damage Save. Wash. Rinse. Repeat.

If you come to Modern20 after playing mid-level D&D, I contend that you would NOT be rolling more dice. Dice fly in mid-level D&D. Skill checks, saving throws, iterative attacks, etc etc etc.

I wanted something that could be that complex, without feeling like fantasy.

Whether that's good or bad, of course, is up to the individual. The reviewer seemed to like it, so cool!

On damage, the reviewer seemed to think characters died a little too slowly. This isn't my impression, especially with all the people getting capped with headshots in Modern20.

However, if you go unconscious, I *do* think it should take awhile to die.

I wanted a situation where a character (let's be real here, usually a PC) could be "left for dead".

In standard D&D, you're either fine (1 hp or above), or bleeding out, and in need of IMMEDIATE medical attention (in 60 seconds or less) or you bleed out and die.

I wanted something closer to the first episode of Hill Street Blues, where the two cops get shot in the first episode and lay there on a cold floor, unable to move, but alive, for HOURS before they're discovered.

It happens in the real world. Heck, it happens in Conan novels and on Hill Street Blues.

So again, in a world without access to immediate healing, I thought it made sense. And I actually think it's a touch more realistic than "once you start dying, you die in 60 seconds without medical care".

I have to say, I'm very pleased with this review. It's perfect. It gives a nice overview of the game, gives the reviewer's take on the game, both pro and con, and even gave me some things to think about.

Awesome.

Thanks guys!