How is it? Is their anything to it beyond its wonky and somewhat pretentiously patented dice system? How credible is it as a system for pulp action? Is the setting some combination of retro, cool, and semi-beleivable?

Inquiring minds want to know...

You know, I didn't get to play any demos at Gen Con, but physically, the book is pretty striking and the art and presentation really make you want to strike out at once for Parts Unknown (Darkest Africa, mayhap).  The Ubiquity system, from what I've read, sounds kind of pulpy, but I'm afraid I can't offer anything beyond that.

How about a review once you're done reading it?

I have only dont a little bit of reading of this book, but it really looks like it would be a great game for anyone who is into pulp gaming.

The system is pretty nice as well.

Again I will post more on it when I have it read. Hipefully i'll post reviews of both HEX and Burning Empires in the next week or two. :pundit:

Quote from: JongWKHow about a review once you're done reading it?

I'll see what I can do. I'm crazily (and very happily) backlogged with titles from Politically Incorrect Games, Flying Mice, and HinterWelt I need to finish up, too. :flop:

It does look mighty purty. but when I look at the price I start wondering if I cant do the same thing with my dog- eared copies of "Lands of Mystery", "Hollow world", and GURPS.

Quote from: Zachary The FirstI'll see what I can do. I'm crazily (and very happily) backlogged with titles from Politically Incorrect Games, Flying Mice, and HinterWelt I need to finish up, too. :flop:

And if you move Hollow Earth ahead of us, Brett, Bill and I will be on you like white on rice!

I kid!

-mice

This is a game that has grown on me a bit. I thought it looked patently absurd at first glance. Pulp has been beaten to death by the RPG industry, and this looked like the latest go-round of that.

However, I like the idea of tying everything into the hollow Earth concept. That gives the game a good scope and lends itself to something (possibly) different and interesting. I'm looking forward to some actual play reports.

If it's the sort of game that I can teach the players in less than 30 minutes, and if it includes viable prebuilt archetypes a la d6 Star Wars or Shadowrun, I might pick it up and give it a run.

Quote from: mearlsIf it's the sort of game that I can teach the players in less than 30 minutes, and if it includes viable prebuilt archetypes a la d6 Star Wars or Shadowrun, I might pick it up and give it a run.

So far I would say that the above is true for HEX. The system is very much in the same vain as d6 and shadowrun as far as archtypes and simplicity are concerned.

Links to Hollow Earth please!

Quote from: McrowSo far I would say that the above is true for HEX. The system is very much in the same vain as d6 and shadowrun as far as archtypes and simplicity are concerned.

Excellent. I'll have to put it on my to buy list when it finally shows up in stores. I think it hits retailers next month.

More details on the mechanic, please?

looks like HEX is already on backorder.

I have the email from Jeff Combos posted on my blog. Link in my sig.

Quote from: Mcrowlooks like HEX is already on backorder.

I have the email from Jeff Combos posted on my blog. Link in my sig.

Cool! I've already placed my order for the game and a set of Ubiquity dice.

We picked it up at Gencon, and while I've skimmed it we have not yet played it (I, uh, got sidetracked with The Traveller Adventure.  And, uh, Steampunk Musha).  I can tell you, however, that it looks like a damn solid pulp game.  

Basic task res goes like this: Stat + skill = dice pool; roll any dice you want and count evens (or odds, you call 'em) which are successes.  Number of successes must beat difficulty, etcetera.  Damage from weapons is added to the dice pool;  there are 2 types of initiative schemes; Style Points are like Action Dice/Drama Dice/Character Points/etc.  Since the average you're gonna roll on any pool is one-half its value (duh), you can assume that as a result for inconsequential tasks.  Or for NPCs.  

Okay, look.  The "Ubiquity Dice" thing may look kinda silly to you, but...I goofed around with 'em the other night and they're fun and damn handy.  I rolled a 14-dice die pool with only 5 Ubiquity Dice.  Nice.  Shot me a T-Rex!

Take THAT, T-Rex!  Yeah!  S'what you get for bein' all paleozoic and stuff!  

Scaly bastard.