Customer Reviews

Nobilis: A Role Playing Game

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've a fine collection of role-playing games from a number of publishers and writers; like the previous reviewer, I've easily more than ten feet of shelf space dedicated to gaming (and adding a new shelf, soon). _Nobilis_ is a product which is simply unmatched in the entire run of the industry, from Chainmail to present-day.

_Nobilis_ is diceless in nature, which started it with a handicap in my eyes, but the structure of what's deemed important to the structure of the game and the importance of allocating Miracle Points to accomplishing feats is incredible. Unlike. say, _Amber_ or _Theatrix_, the _Nobilis_ system doesn't feel like you're at the whim of higher power, you actually control the results. Likewise, the Nobilis setting is our world ... and *not* our world, in a strangely moving way. The literary influences are clearly moving under the surface of the world but, unlike some other products, there are no 'direct borows.' It is all frighteningly original.

In summary, buy this game. Your mind and your heart deserves it.

Most fantasy role playing games can be traced back to one of the first or second generation games.

If you were lucky, they had a refinement of mechanics, or a depth of world that made them better than their competition.

If you were unlucky, they made things worse.

_Nobilis_ is different. It is a brilliant system that evokes a world both grand and terrible. I've been buying and playing these games for the past two decades, and this is easily the finest I've seen.

I didn't know I was waiting for this.

If you are looking for a game with pages of Powers and weapon stats then this isnt the game for you. If you wish to wield influence, plot, scheme and manipulate reality then welcome!

This game requires a delecate touch both for players and referees but run well is a dream. It requires maturity but also a sense of humour, cunning but directness of action. Whilst the rules are simple (ish) there is skill in running and playing it well. A great game if you are able to lift yourself out of a hack and slash mentality.

A definite must for those who savor story over system. Nobilis builds a lovely world and then opens it to any sort of story you might want to run. It requires imagination and maturity, but the payoff is worth it.

The rules are a bit loose in terms of direct conflict and damage, but I have not found this to detract much from the these sorts of scenes. Rather they allow for more descriptive battles and the like, and allow non-physical characters to take a role in them as well.

All in all a well done book and *very* entertaining game.

"Nobilis is a radically different role-play game and will not be for everyone, but personaly I think it is the best game I have refereed in sometime.

Some of the rules are a bit loose (like the disadvantage and damage system) but that does not really detract from the system, as it is only Max-Min'er that will complain over the disadvantage system and you can fudge the rest."

From the Thought Record of "David Allan Finch" Power of Imagination

I had my minions bring me a copy of _Nobilis_ from Origins, which was the best decision I made all summer: in fifteen years of gaming, I've found about ten shelf-feet of games worth buying, and out of that huge pile, _Nobilis_ is by far the most innovative. I haven't had the chance to play it yet, but just getting to read it was worth the price. Of all the games that claim to have a mythic or fairy-tale feel, _Nobilis_ is the only one I've found that delivers.

Advantages --- it's diceless. It sports a fast system. An interesting (albeit a bit too vague at times) concept, and character creation is fun, unique and forces you to pick disadvantages that will /affect/ in game play.

Disadvantages --- the system is clunky, and in the 1st edition (I hear Hogshead is revising for the second one, thank heavens) things aren't well defined at /all/. It's also a /VERY/ arguable system-- as I know from playing it. It's fun. It's a game of miracles and interesting social interactions. But it's by no way perfect.

If you're looking for a rugged system, chock full of character creation / roleplaying opportunities, with a more defined theme (and frankly) more interesting NPCs, try Amber Diceless RPG. Nobilis, as it stands, is good and quite innovative, but it's got some major issues also.

- Jeff