Fighting Fantasy Gamebooks Review Part 21 - Crystal of Storms

[@Christian_from_Copenhagen]

I remember trying and failing to beat City of Thieves when I was a kid, and you and Guerilla Miniature Games inspired me to pick up a set of the first 8 Wizard books! I'd also be curious to hear your thoughts on the latest Scholastic releases and other gamebooks like Lone Wolf, Legendary Kingdoms and Rider of the Black Sun. Cheers!

[@AJDHelix]

I always really want to get excited when a new FF book comes out, but I have yet to buy any of the Scholastic era titles, as they just dont appeal to me. I know they're meant for kids, but so were the original books, and they never talked down to their audience. This and the Higson book bear virtually no resemblance to actual FF, and just seem like infantalised teen books. I for one would gladly pay £15 or more for a good, solid hard fantasy gamebook, with real, hand drawn illustrations - the crappy art in these new books just makes it so hard for you to get immersed in the world. Also, just wondering if you ever played the FABLED LANDS gamebooks, and if you'd ever consider doing a video on them.

[@BoardGameBollocks]

I don’t read other gamebooks I’m afraid. It’s a real shame everything that drew kids to the original books has been dumped. Do you remember trying to stop your entrails falling out in Talisman of Death or the Satanic ritual in house of Hell? Publishers are afraid to take risks which will eventually kill the format.

[@earlofdrumer1851]

Crypt of the Vampire and Temple of Flame are a couple I own. I never had the originals but did get the reprints. Good stuff.

[@goncaloferreira6429]

i am waiting for the day some younger FF fan, one starting with crystal of storms for example, give us an opinion on the opposite experience, going through the originals after the more recently released books.

[@GreenTeaViewer]

@@goncaloferreira6429 sadly I fear that the Scholastic releases aren't good enough to even have a community of young fans

[@BoardGameBollocks]

Looks that way…

[@paultice]

Speaking of female writers, I used to enjoy Elizabeth Caldwell's choose-your-own adventures she wrote for Proteus magazine. It's a shame she didn't get to write for FF as her science fantasy stuff was particularly cool.

[@BoardGameBollocks]

Never too late...assuming she’s still alive of course 😐

[@Gotwar]

Nice review👍 I'm wondering if the full range of FF books will ever be re-released because theres a lot of old titles I would love to read but they are so expensive on ebay/ Amazon. I cant believe it😫

[@BoardGameBollocks]

I highly doubt it. There’s pdfs out there if you’re desperate but the later titles are probably done. A real shame.

[@misomiso8228]

Looking forward to you review of the two new gamebooks BoardGameBollocks! Shadow of the Giants and Secrets of Salamonis! SoS is amazing....

[@BoardGameBollocks]

Incoming…👍🏻

[@spellsing]

Blinking hope so!

[@hadlee73]

Code word systems are used so that the book can keep track of something you did earlier in the story. For example, if you killed a specific guy, and then walked into a bar later where that guy frequents, if you were given a codeword after killing him he wouldn't be in the bar (because he'd be dead), but if you don't have the code word he might be there where you can have an alternate encounter with him. That's just made up, by the way (that encounter isn't in the book) but its just a random example of why code words exist. They are actually meant to replace the old FF question of "if you haven't already" which was so over-used in the old books and sometimes led to some confusion as to whether the reader had already visited a location or not.

[@BoardGameBollocks]

Yea we know how the ‘mechanic’ works but it makes no sense to just provide a random word for no reason. Starship traveller for example provided coordinates so there was a context to the code. The code words in CoS are arbitrary and lack context.

[@hadlee73]

@@BoardGameBollocks Oh okay; in the video you kind of just said they didn't make sense without really explaining why in any depth so it sounded like you weren't sure what the code words were for. Codewords need to be viewed as a game mechanic, which won't necessarily have context. However, if a writer is going to use code words, then use them. From what your experience suggests you don't actually need most of the code words to finish the book anyway, which seems a bit bizarre. I think Scorpion Swamp is another book that could have used code words instead of a map with numbers, which in itself lacks context as why would an adventurer use section numbers on his map instead of just writing what is in a clearing? Again, no context, just a game mechanic.

[@BoardGameBollocks]

Sorry about that. It’s tricky to mention everything in detail when a video is this short.

[@bioburden]

@@BoardGameBollocks I guess the code-words are pretty random to avoid potential spoilers of some sort?

[@wolvz7081]

I didn’t read these but I did read some of the Lone Wolf series, were they basically the same things?

[@BoardGameBollocks]

Yea. Lone Wolf was the same concept. I read the first one and thought it was a bit of a rip off so left it there. They didn’t require dice if I remember. There was a dart board type thing in the back which you stabbed with a pencil to generate a random number...bizarre.

[@LeonTam]

I really liked your in depth review, there's one point I'd like to disagree upon: encounters are lazy. I recall in FFF4 interview with Ms. Pratchett that she studied Out of the Pit and picked those creatures with the corresponding stats, so she did her homework for creatures that would appear.

[@mortengottschalck]

I upvoted this video 47 seconds in. Never heard of you before, stumbled. Subscribed.

[@BoardGameBollocks]

👍🏻

[@smelkus]

Are you going to do it review of secrets of Salmonis and Shadow of the Giants

[@BoardGameBollocks]

Yes. Sometime in the new year 👍🏻

[@yellow6153]

have you reviewed the 2 40 anniversary gamebooks?

[@BoardGameBollocks]

Not yet. I have a life too (sort of)

[@TMWRPJAYMZ]

Found out in the last couple of days about the new releases from steve jackson and ian livingstone for the 40th anniversary. Good news! Fingers crossed they are good.

[@BoardGameBollocks]

Especially looking forward to Jackson’s new book. Been too long.

[@carlwoods4564]

I always like your reviews. Very informative. I have a few Fighting Fantasy books, most of the ones that are considered the best ones. Im an 80s child and grew up playing them. First one I played was Forest of Doom. Warlock of Firetop mountain us still my favourite though! I've actually always sort of prepared the Lone Wolf books by Joe Dever. Whats your view on them? There's actually a free Ap called "Kai Chronicles" for phones that had the entire Lone Wolf series on them. Which is fantastic. Keep the reviews coming!

[@BoardGameBollocks]

I never really bothered with Joe Dever’s stuff as FF had all the bases covered. I’m going to have to read them all now...thanks 🤣😂

[@carlwoods4564]

@@BoardGameBollocks I dont think you'll be disappointed! I like the Lone Wolf character and its development. The world Joe Dever created is quite believable and I enjoyed his writing style. Feels very RPG-ish rather than a faceless hero of Fighting Fantasy. Its a better combat system to, in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, I like Fightinh Fantasy but for me Lone Wolf is better. Im in Lancashire btw, up North. And thanks to your channel (and some othees) im getting my sons into board gaming. Keep up the great reviews and stay safe 👍

[@carlwoods4564]

@@BoardGameBollocks Try the free ap on Playstore. Its called Kai Chronicles. Has all the books, including the original artwork. Not bad for free.

[@BoardGameBollocks]

I’m always amazed that people get into the hobby through this channel. So glad me talking bollocks had an effect on at least one person 👍🏻

[@BoardGameBollocks]

I’ll have a goosey gander mate 👍🏻

[@leebrown1049]

Looking forward to the review of the 2 news FF books that have just come out in sept 22. I think you're correct about the cover of this book. When you think FF books have always been for the same age ranges these days they are putting fluffy animals on the cover back in our days we had images of satanic rituals, they didn't talk down to kids back then they treated them like young adults and I think that's was part of their enjoyment.

[@jc8322]

I thought the book was pretty decent. I actually thought there was lots of imagination in both the world and creatures. My main complaint is the underwater section is a lot harder than the rest of the book - I almost died with a skill of 12. And more clarification was needed for the rules of underwater combat (can you use potions?) I agree that the monster on the front cover is lame. But I like the gold shiny font. Not sure I understood your complaint regarding codewords. They seemed to be implemented properly. Eg you discover some info and add a codeword. Some time later that info becomes useful and so the game checks if you have the codeword so you can make use of the info you discovered earlier. I think the spokes design can work if there is strategy in what order you choose the encounters. But in this book it didn't seem to matter that much what order you did things, so I think I agree with your criticism here. Overall though, I think this is an above average FF book.

[@BoardGameBollocks]

My point about the code words is that they were arbitrary. I can’t remember off hand what some of them were but it seemed like a cheap way of implementing hidden info. Much prefer the paragraph reference mechanic used in starship traveller etc.

[@leonardo_abreu_1709]

Would be nice if FF publish their books for kindle ! I’m trying to find some game book-fighting fantasy-like and I hadn’t find yet! Someone have sobre suggestions?

[@BoardGameBollocks]

They have some on iPad etc...I found some pdfs a few years ago but they were just scans so I deleted them.

[@leonardo_abreu_1709]

@@BoardGameBollocks yes you’re right, but I think on kindle would be a great idea, because kindle is more portable and lighter to Cary around, also is more “old school” did you see I’m trying to say? Lol! Have a great weekend

[@krs4395]

Disappointed to hear that it wasn't all that great, I'll grab it anyway. However it seems like this story didn't need to be set in Allansia at all, there were plenty of Fighting Fantasy books set in different locations, maybe it was Scholastic requirement or something since the fantasy ones always did better.

[@BoardGameBollocks]

It’s a shame that the latest wave doesn’t seem to be taking advantage of the resurgence on interest in the books. This books isn’t terrible by any means but it’s just average and sometimes that’s worse if you know what I mean. The art, something that made the originals so interesting, has been completely sidelined. Unless Scholastic pull their finger out I can see this run of books ending pretty soon. A real shame.

[@hadlee73]

While I agree that Scholastic should take risks, I should mention that there are several indie gamebook authors that could do with a bit of support out there as they keep the hobby alive and, yes, are taking risks with their designs and stories.

[@BoardGameBollocks]

So true. 👍🏻

[@earlofdrumer1851]

There's a female author whose done a couple of new gamebooks with glowing reviews, I think the first one is called Night Shift.

[@BoardGameBollocks]

Yes mate www.amazon.co.uk/Nightshift-Choose-your-path-consequence/dp/108948528X/ref=nodl_

[@hadlee73]

@@earlofdrumer1851 Victoria Hancox. Definitely edgy stuff, too. Not for children :)

[@earlofdrumer1851]

I can't help but think if Ms Pratchett had released this during the puffin or even wizard books era the superb cover art and interior illustrations from talented artists would've helped immensely. I cannot bring myself to even consider these scholastic books until they commission an artist who doesn't view it's readership level at toddler age. I know these are for children/young adults but it's condescending at best, just plain stupid at worst. Oh well, good luck, Rhianna.

[@BoardGameBollocks]

I don’t buy the ‘these are for children’ nonsense either. Most of us were kids when we started reading these so are well equipped to fairly criticise. One of the main issues is Scholastic seems to think Fighting Fantasy needs to adapt to a changing readership when in fact the readership hasn’t changed at all.

[@earlofdrumer1851]

It's like they think human beings have devolved in intelligence. Far be it from me to speak for everyone, but I can't understand how dumbing down the illustrations helps anyone; author, publisher or potential customers. Children are not this stupid, and trying to capture an audience using pepper pig levels of art doesn't cut it with me.

[@BoardGameBollocks]

The original books were penned and illustrated by ‘fantasy’ industry leaders. This clearly isn’t the case now.

[@vinclash7763]

I used to read choose your own adventure books back geez 35 40 years ago. Sheesh! 🙂 This stuff I remember. Ya it's a cool series.

[@BoardGameBollocks]

CYOA didn’t have a combat system if I remember correctly?

[@vinclash7763]

@@BoardGameBollocks No you're right. They didn't. I'm just asking off topic if you like Print And Play Games 🙂 They are like Choose Your Own Adventure with dice chucking and the luck base situations from the roll of the dice and decision making 🙂

[@BoardGameBollocks]

I’ve not played them mate

[@vinclash7763]

@@BoardGameBollocks They're not bad. I recommend you play one that interests you if and when you have the time.

[@interghost]

That was not teh book review I was expecting but I really enjoyed it! - And I agree, not a terrible book, but nothing memorable.

[@BoardGameBollocks]

You read the two new ones?

[@interghost]

@@BoardGameBollocks Not yet, I do have them both. Are they any good? Im hoping so as they were penned by teh men themselves?!

[@BoardGameBollocks]

I’ve not had a chance to read them yet. One penned by Livingstone and the other by Jackson.

[@interghost]

@@BoardGameBollocks Will be good to hear your views once youve given them a go mate!

[@vinclash7763]

Interesting stuff!

[@Deekman]

Why is the ring light behind you?

[@BoardGameBollocks]

Stargate...just got back from a game of chess in James Spaders shed.

[@Deekman]

@@BoardGameBollocks lol fair enough. Great review btw

[@BoardGameBollocks]

Cheers Deekman 👍🏻

[@MemoxWasHere]

You forgot to mention the fight with the almighty GRAPES OF WRATH

[@BoardGameBollocks]

I was still fighting the Arse monster from Gates of Death...sorry.

[@vinclash7763]

Do you like Print And Play Games?

[@Atom.Storm.]

BGB you know that part of the allure for these books when we started reading them was the amazing artwork and covers. That drew us in. So why would pubs make these awful circle covers with barely any artwork? These covers have nothing to interest new readers. I look back over my old gamebooks and drool over the artwork. These new editions are barely worth looking at.

[@BoardGameBollocks]

I guess they didn’t want to pay the royalties. I know that some of the later books will never be republished because the royalties would go direct to Ian and Steve and not to the author. Authors have decided to sit on the books instead.

[@Atom.Storm.]

@@BoardGameBollocks That's pretty tragic. I bet even fan art would be better. Those awesome covers sell books.

[@times7171]

House of hell will always be my favourite

[@BoardGameBollocks]

Same here mate. I’ve done 21 videos about FF so maybe check those out???

[@times7171]

@@BoardGameBollocks Oh, great stuff - well I shall subscribe and check them out later.

[@BogusLion]

I actually liked Ports and Assassins, but I always loved Ian Livingstone writting, style, and stories. I think they were cool books and nice adventures where you would see old characters from the FF world, that alone was awesome! Gates was utterly crap, and I agree with you, I think it's the worst book in the entire series, and I guess this flying-cat book is going the same direction, I mean the artwork is atrocious... Well, let's hope we get better books in the future!

[@BoardGameBollocks]

I keep banging on about it but they need to start taking risks again. I can’t see that they will though as the world has moved towards a poopy pants culture. I doubt there’s any way out of it.

[@BogusLion]

@@BoardGameBollocks Agree with you, they have to make something more dark, let's hope they get together to have a great book with both working on it and not just one. Great job with your channel, love the reviews!

[@BoardGameBollocks]

Hopefully we’ll see the book Steve Jackson has been working on for the last 35 years soon. Thanks for the kinds words chestnut 👍🏻

[@BogusLion]

@@BoardGameBollocks dam, 35 years? I'm 38, I thought he had made others in between :D let's see! Sorcery! is still the top! I have the game apps in my cell phone, review those. They made the sorcery books in game apps for phone.

[@BoardGameBollocks]

Creature of Havoc was his last book.

[@foadiron]

When you say that a female author not writing an FF book after 38 years is unacceptable, I'm not sure what you mean. Do you mean: how dare no woman write one until now or how dare SJ and IL and their female boss never publish anything by a female? If it's the latter then I would be interested to hear if they'd ever received anything from a woman writer.

[@BoardGameBollocks]

I didn’t say “how dare” anything or anyone. I merely said I’m glad after 38 years we finally have a female FF writer and that it’s bizarre it hasn’t happened before that. Now that you mention it I too am curious as to whether FF had any submissions from women writer. I’ll ask Mr Livingstone...

[@horseandababyrat]

@@WallyWakeUp Give it up mate.

[@horseandababyrat]

@@WallyWakeUp cool. sounds fun

[@waynedaly100]

Its so bad I never bought it.

[@BoardGameBollocks]

Completionists only

[@HowtoRPG]

I think I will avoid this book. The art looks like junk. Thanks for the review.

[@Sin4Profit]

Oh, no! I'm a twat!

[@BoardGameBollocks]

🤣