Just curious, having actually seen the new SW RPG book, why on earth they chose that shape? The same as Nobilis! The most unwieldy book shape known to man (unless you expected it to be an 80's design catalog).

It's a pretty small book, so the square shape doesn't really get in the way. I think it's an advertising decision, just like the simplified monochromatic cover. Very distinctive. And even square proportions are better than the A4 format we Europeans often get plagued with.

I've been using it, and hauling it around, a lot for the past couple weeks and the shape doesn't bother me at all.  At first the shape seemed odd and while I wsn't a ranter, I couldn't see the reason for the choice (beyond being different for difference sake).  So, it's not "unweildy" at all, not any more so than any other RPG book I have.

In effect, when closed it is about the same width as a standard book, just looks shorter.  Looked pretty nice to me and quite functional.  Lays open easily and there is less info on a page, so easier to find something quickly (though perhaps more page flipping; but the book is quite well organized so there is less of that overall I imagine).  I found the shape to be a big win.

Just being a little different is a good thing. Game books overall are so uniform it's eerie. A tiny point--I like the oversized margins on my SW character sheet.

I like the square book. It's easier to hold and takes up less space in my bag. It takes up a little less space on the table as well.

Is it true that the book fits inside some of the SW minis starter boxes?

Quote from: jrientsIs it true that the book fits inside some of the SW minis starter boxes?

I don't think it's quite that small.

it's a 9x9 square.

I got mine yesterday, I don´t like it.

The rules are UltraTrue20, they are like a cocaine-uvala-version of OD&D.
They basically did away with skills.
Which works wonderfully, I´m sure, but is not what I need in my Sci-Fi gaming.
Let it just be said though, that Saga Edition truly is a sleek eel if there ever was one with d20. It delivers. But it is delivering nothing I care for (except the ultra smart diplomacy do-over), sadly.

What I don´t like:

The format. Does nothing good for me, but increases the pagecount.
The layout. Boring.
The graphics. Nothing filling me with the urgent inspiration I get from, say, a Rifts cover. Some pics look like they took some US college students in robes as their models, in a bad way.
Don´t get me wrong: The book itself is also a sleek little engine running with the frequency and hum of a sewing machine. But it does not say: Awesome!

The ugly: GM advice! Terrible, it´s all AD&D 2nd edition again. Confessions of illusionists. But can be easily disregarded.

EDIT: It has no adventure in it. How are the newbies supposed to know what to do with it? Are there modules for download? I´ll definitely want to play it, if only as an exercise in what you can do with d20, regarding speed play. Anything else than Grubman´s excellent entry?

Quote from: SettembriniI got mine yesterday, I don´t like it.

The rules are UltraTrue20, they are like a cocaine-uvala-version of OD&D.
They basically did away with skills.
Which works wonderfully, I´m sure, but is not what I need in my Sci-Fi gaming.
Let it just be said though, that Saga Edition truly is a sleek eel if there ever was one with d20. It delivers. But it is delivering nothing I care for (except the ultra smart diplomacy do-over), sadly.

What I don´t like:

The format. Does nothing good for me, but increases the pagecount.
The layout. Boring.
The graphics. Nothing filling me with the urgent inspiration I get from, say, a Rifts cover. Some pics look like they took some US college students in robes as their models, in a bad way.
Don´t get me wrong: The book itself is also a sleek little engine running with the frequency and hum of a sewing machine. But it does not say: Awesome!

The ugly: GM advice! Terrible, it´s all AD&D 2nd edition again. Confessions of illusionists. But can be easily disregarded.

mmmmmmm........what?:shrug:

Quote from: Mcrowmmmmmmm........what?:shrug:

Whereas I said it is D20 so it sucks, I think he's saying it's not D20 so it sucks.  

Quote from: walkerpWhereas I said it is D20 so it sucks, I think he's saying it's not D20 so it sucks.  

It is d20, that's throwing me for loop. :confused:

Quote from: walkerpIn effect, when closed it is about the same width as a standard book, just looks shorter.  Looked pretty nice to me and quite functional.  Lays open easily and there is less info on a page, so easier to find something quickly (though perhaps more page flipping; but the book is quite well organized so there is less of that overall I imagine).  I found the shape to be a big win.

I agree.

QuoteIt is d20, that's throwing me for loop.

Isn´t this a thread about Saga Edition of Star Wars, the d20 do-over? Now you are confusing me!

EDIT: And what´s not to understand about I like my Sci-Fi gaming with skills, instead of a test against level?
I´d gladly play a Fantasy version of Saga, but Sci-Fi, not so much. But that´s just me.

Quote from: SettembriniIsn´t this a thread about Saga Edition of Star Wars, the d20 do-over? Now you are confusing me!

EDIT: And what´s not to understand about I like my Sci-Fi gaming with skills, instead of a test against level?
I´d gladly play a Fantasy version of Saga, but Sci-Fi, not so much. But that´s just me.

oh, you missed the boat on skills then.


Skill= ability modifier+ training (if you are trained you get a +5)+ Focus (another +5 if you have fucus)+ 1/2 your character level.

In the end a 1st level character that is trained in a skill is just as capable as a 1st level D&D character that took max ranks in a skill.