Customer Reviews

Cartoon Action Hour RPG

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Ever wanted to play in one of those cartoon series from the 80s (Masters of the Universe, Brave Starr, She-Ra, Transformers etc.)? If the answer is yes, this is the game for you as it allows you to create the background for a cartoon series and play in it.
A simple and effective game system that concentrates on story and action, allowing characters to do quite outrageous things but doesn't get bogged down in rules and tables (and it uses a D12!). In that respect, it is similar to Robin D. Laws' Feng Shui system.
The book contains information on a vast variety of characters and their abilities from various genres.
A full campaign set (second half of the book) is included as well as a large number of campaign ideas covering all genres.
The book is a joy to read, even if you're never going to play.
For a small independent game, the production quality is quite high and the black and white illustrations range from adequate to superb.
Buy this game and rediscover your childhood dreams!

Review: If you, like I, have silently wished & waited for a game that captures the essence and "magic" of shows like He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, Thundercats, and GI Joe, then THIS game is for you! I'm a 20-year superheroics veteran of the sadly defunct Villains & Vigilantes (ALSO highly recommended, if you can ever find a copy and are into superhero-style roleplaying), and I can tell you this game effectively addresses the action, charm, and mystique of the above-mentioned cartoon shows (basically, the pregenerated characters in the book ARE, undeniably, the same lead characters with the serial numbers filed off, so to speak). LUV it!

It doesn't matter if you're 8 or 80, this gamebook will enable you to recreate the feel of your favorite cartoons, television series, or movies. It may say it's about the 1980's action cartoons, but that's just a tiny bit of what you can do with it. The system allows easy creation of virtually any genre of play and is extremely easy to learn, while not being childish and dumbed down. This is a must-have for real roleplayers.

I'm glad I bought this book, but I felt that the authors could have followed through on the premise a bit more. Some brainstorming or a visit to the TV tropes web site will turn up any number of elements that could have been included, but weren't. For instance, the phenomenon of laser beams coming out of regular guns in 80s cartoons is never mentioned. There could be some sort of "stock footage" special moves (i.e. "Form blazing sword!") and an incentive for players to use them. I liked the book enough to buy it twice when I lost my original copy, though.

I can't wax poetic enough about this game. The book is a quick read, but it leaves you stuffed to the brim with ideas for what to do with the game. There are all sorts of goodies packed within the system, and the special-ability rules let you model almost any character you can think of perfectly. The system itself is functional without being obtrusive, and easy to modify - the game even gives suggestions on how to add flavor without taking away the speed of play. A great game of quick, slap-down action, or for extended campaigns with a highly cinematic feel. Buy it.