Why Should you Play Savage Worlds?

Throw the Dice is a series exploring tabletop RPGs offering up GM tips, tricks and advice on various tabletop roleplaying game related topics. Each week this show will look at individual aspects of the tabletop RPG hobby and will break them down into understandable and easy to follow video guides, tutorials and discussions.
In this video we look at the Savage Worlds RPG and discuss its positives, negatives and why you should consider giving it a go!
Savage Worlds: Adventure Edition Kickstarter:
www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
Drive Thru RPG Savage Worlds Deluxe:
www.drivethrurpg.com/product/...
Pinnacle Store:
www.peginc.com/store/savage-w...
Music Credits:
Too Cool Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
Cool Vibes Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
Divider by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: chriszabriskie.com/divider/
Artist: chriszabriskie.com/
Art:
All RPG covers for products shown in this video review are owned by their relevant companies.
The Plague Knight fan art used within this video was not produced by myself, however, I could not locate the artist for credit. If you know of the artist or of them please let me know so I can reach out to them and give the appropriate credit!
Additionally, I am not associated with any of the companies mentioned in this video or the links shared to the Kickstarter and stores.
If you want to support future content support the channel on Patreon!: / hollowtale
Once again, thank you for watching!

[@miki18221]

Wow, SW sounds like a really cool system! thanks for the history and summarize of this system. You've got me interested ;

[@HollowTale]

Happy to have shed some light on it! The Systems definitely worth a shot!

[@flashfloodninja]

I wish you had more on SW. My wife and I watched this video last night and got really excited to dig into this system. This is especially big because we both suffer from will-sapping depression and my wife never really enjoys anything anymore. Thank you so much! Love the way you explain and describe the system. Really the best!

[@HollowTale]

I am really happy to hear that the video in any way got the two of you excited to play and I will be 100% having more content on SW in the future! I have a little bit of a queue of things to make videos wise but after that I plan on doing more SW content for SURE. I am really happy you enjoyed the descriptions I plan on doing more systems in this style as soon as I can! I have about 4 videos to sort then I will be back to it! The other DM tip esc videos are all relevant to SW as well as they are made to be more general! I also run a savage worlds stream series that has 1 episode out with a second to release today so if you want to see it in action that's a good place and can be found at the bottom of the home page for the channel as Wanted: Dead or Alive! I really hope you both check the game out and play sometime! The game is straight forward and really fun to play I am very sure the two of you could make some amazing stories and games together. All the best to both of you!

[@josiahkey4929]

How are you guys doing now?

[@flashfloodninja]

We're in a new apartment, trying to build up our life after a 6mo stint of homelessness. I'm watching Matt Colville videos.

[@svenk5221]

This seems to be a bit off topic. But did you ever consider getting a dog? Helped me a lot with my depressions

[@flashfloodninja]

@@svenk5221 Family isn't in a position to own an animal right now, unfortunately.

[@majorfallacy5926]

I just found this video while looking for mechanics for my homebrew system and realized that there is a recorded game with insanely high production quality on youtube that uses this system (deadlands specifically, it's called Undeadwood by critical role). Anyone looking for a live demonstration should check it out

[@SquirrelGamez]

Adventure Edition is amazing indeed.

[@richard3po]

This is one of the best video explain the system for new players

[@HollowTale]

Thanks! Really happy to hear you enjoyed it. Planning on doing more videos that should hopefully introduce people to more systems and ideas!

[@peterdmcastro]

I would love to see an episode on "Blades in the Dark!" Easily my new favorite game. It's easy to learn, GM prep is lite, action is packed, and narrative is always first. Something that BitD does better than almost any other system out there is how mechanics inform gameplay and gameplay informs mechanics. It's a masterclass on game design that influences how the game is played!

[@HollowTale]

It may be something I will do at some stage. I genuinely love the game!

[@MikePageKaltenberg]

This system really is the best, easy to play and really easy to run thanks to a simple but fun core mechanic. I've run two lengthy campaigns using this system, one based on the little-known British rpg Dragon Warriors - dark medieval fantasy. The other one was Sci-fi, set in the Firefly universe and starting on one of the core planets on the day when knowledge of the Miranda debacle was published by the Serenity crew.

[@ChristopherMocko]

Very few systems I've played have the "pick up and play" capability of Savage Worlds. I got a group of 4 people who never heard of the game to sit down, make characters, and play through a 1 shot session all within 4 hours on three separate occasions. The setting agnostic and rules light nature is mind blowingly powerful.

[@HollowTale]

Yeah I feel the same on that entirely (as seen by the video haha) the new edition adds even more to that aspect so expect more on that soon!

[@ObscuredByTime]

Made the switch from d20 systems (mainly D&D, less-so Pathfinder) to Savage Worlds and I can't go back to D20. Not only is the Savage Worlds system itself easy to adapt into any setting, but adding to and subtracting from the general rule-set somehow always feels intuitive and naturally balanced. When you make something too powerful or under-powered in SW, it's really easy to see that before game time. In other words, SW doesn't just allow for setting-based creativity, but encourages rules creativity in a way that D20 systems do not. If anyone tells you that combat in SW is inferior, they're just doing it wrong. From swords, to sorcery, to AK47's or being chased down a country road by the corrupt county cops, SW makes for awesome, engaging action. I love it so.

[@HollowTale]

You reflect a lot of my own thoughts on things there! I love the modular feel to savage and it can be as complex or simple as you like which is awesome. Plus I enjoy sometimes homebrewing the hell out of it to fit new settings and that's remarkably easy to do! Also yeah I mean if combats a complaint I can see why some may have an issue with no hit points and more open actions. But then there's games for a more prescriptive combat system anyway like DnD and pathfinder! :)

[@ShawnMM]

One of my favorite systems out there with so much versatility. I ran the Plot Point Campaign for Deadlands Noir and it just amazing, with a very well put together setting.

[@HollowTale]

I LOVE Savage Worlds but I have to say Deadlands Noir I haven't actually looked into I really love the sound though!!

[@ShawnMM]

@@HollowTale 1930's Gumshoe detective pulp in the Deandlands world is pure win.

[@GameChinchila]

Great review man! Thanks for the effort of putting this up for us!

[@HollowTale]

Hey more than happy to! Absolutely love the system and sharing suggestions!

[@ThePandionknight]

I’m learning this RPG and found this to be a great and simple summary of the Savage Worlds system. Thank you.

[@HollowTale]

I may do a follow up for adventure edition sometime as it makes a few good improvements!

[@rondoclark45]

I feel like Richard Dawkins is telling me about my favorite RPG system.

[@shailengirgenti7671]

😂

[@dannylampron9879]

He is a wayyyy more polite than Dawkins :)

[@andrewlance3898]

The Selfish D6

[@rondoclark45]

@@andrewlance3898 LOL!

[@uwohilaawina]

That guy believes nothing created everything and that you're related to banannas and fish.

[@wayward-saint]

229 subs? Seems like your content merits more. Count me 230. I’m looking to get into a tabletop rpg for the first time (starting off with kids). Deciding between Savage Worlds or ICRPG. Ideally, I want something that can handle minis but not necessarily too complex (or with complexity that can be scaled up or down). If you have any more advice, I’m all ears.

[@HollowTale]

Hey, thank you so much! That's lovely of you to say. Hopefully, I can get back to more regular content soon and reach more people over time! Still, have a long way to go with the content but onwards and upwards! I would say that Savage Worlds is actually a great pick for that (or of course DnD 5e) as it can handle minis really well. The game is built in a way that promotes either Mini/battlemap play or theatre of the mind play. I do have to admit I used tons of theatre of the mind with Savage Worlds however myself, but plenty of drawings to help. I cant say I have ever heard of ICRPG before but I have just checked it out. Really need to look more into this! Also if you are looking for a nice simple system, with you mentioning kids as well without too much complexity, Fate Accelerated or Fate Core are good options or games such as "Masks" which is powered by the Apocalypse system but these usually don't use minis, though you certainly could! Thanks for subscribing. I hope you enjoy the rest of the content I release! Let me know how it goes if you do try Savage Worlds with minis!

[@grimmliberty7447]

I can say they are some of the best gaming Books ever published. I have owned half a dozen of the Deluxe since it first came out. MANY groups of players have handled them over the near decade. (3 of them still look pretty new, 2 are solid "used" but "fair", and one is a ratty "poor" condition. That one had been read and/or thumbed through quite literally thousands of times a year for that whole time.) The system is a lot of fun and generally my go-to when I find people who actually know how to roleplay.

[@HollowTale]

That sounds pretty damn similar to me haha. I Have had a deluxe hardback that has lasted but its passed around so many games and groups over the years. Plus all the supplements I swear between me and my groups we collectively own most of them! It really brought a lot of my friends who were worried about Dming actually run as well which I am forever grateful for!

[@Shadowtrail1988]

You did a good job summarizing the Savage Worlds system. I've been playing it off and on since it came out. Mainly use it for fantasy but we did run a star wars with it. Lots of good memories with this system. Just remember fast, furious and fun.

[@HollowTale]

Hey! Thanks a lot! Did my best to try cover it in 10 minutes and not go too overboard as I could talk about SW for ages! Fast, Furious and Fun sums up the system in a really good way.

[@JosephKeenanisme]

SW is really good for cinematic settings. The mechanics don't fall apart when you take out the magic (looking at you d20 based systems). Great ease of use for players and GMs. Thr playing card initiative seems weird at first but is great after you play a few combats and helps players plan their strategies. Other combat mechanic that is great is that don't have tree chopping contests. I am 100 HP warrior who is down to 3 HP and I fight just as well at 3HP as 100HP. That shit pisses me off so much in other mechanics.

[@HollowTale]

Totally agree with the fact its amazing for cinematic games! I use it for any game that I want to do that I dont have a specific system for or something with short to no prep!

[@JosephKeenanisme]

Easy to wing it on a one shot if only half your group shows up (real life happens). SW and GURPS both super good flexible mechanics for different levels of reality/cinematic. At the point where d20 based games won't float my boat because of their limits.

[@mau_victorino]

Nice! I was anxious for a video like this!

[@davidebert4987]

Loved your low key, well planned presentation of this game system! Keep up the good work!

[@HollowTale]

Hey! Thank you! I love the system a hell of a lot so this video is by far one of my faves!

[@nat2r]

This was a great series you had started. You should continue!

[@HollowTale]

Hey! Happy to hear you enjoyed it! I am planning on continuing the throw the dice series soon with other systems. I have a few other videos upcoming before I get back to a regular schedule again with the channel! These videos take a while as I like to have both a full read of the core books and a look at the other sourcebooks around a system, that in addition to practical experience running the game and seeing how the players feel and think about the game. All of that takes a while, but I do plan on covering a few more systems in this manner, and a few others that are more detailed in my other series (which the latest video "The Alchemists Lab" delves into.) Thank you for watching Nate! Hope to see you back for future videos!

[@APaganPerspective]

been playing SW since 2011, i love it

[@HollowTale]

Roughly the same! Love the system personally!

[@platinumsketch]

I wish I knew there was so much additional stuff, as I only knew of the deluxe Rulebook, which I got for Christmas. I've had a ton of fun just making characters and am excited to get my group to try a one shot using this system, and see if this (or Curse of Strahd, as I have that too) makes our next campaign.

[@HollowTale]

There's so many additional sourcebooks! Glad to have helped introduce you to a few! A one shot is a good bet to try get into it and let the players try it out for sure. I am also running the curse of strahd right now as well for dnd 5e, such a fun campaign! I love ravenloft!

[@alextrollip7707]

I love this type of series. Ive been wanting to try out new TTRPG. This is a great summary, although with how you're going about it, I might just want to try out all of them.

[@zonegamma8197]

thanks a lot for the video. very simple and cool system. I would play with this any time. having to not learn new rules every time you change theme is very useful.

[@HollowTale]

Oh, its great for that yeah! The extra source books let you sort of swap out what you need. Glad you enjoyed the video! More soon haha

[@Sesheyan101]

Glad to see Savage Worlds is still getting love, I have played it quite a few times and own 9 settings and various other books for it. Even if I don't play them all I love reading them to get ideas for my own worlds and rules.

[@HollowTale]

9 Settings! May I ask which ones pretty curious? What was your favorite? Also yeah I know what you mean, I have a collection of books and pdf and like to read and take bits of them to use in my own custom settings normally!

[@Sesheyan101]

I own The Last Parsec, Marchland, Beasts & Barbarians, Nesessary Evil, 50 Fathoms, Sundered Skies, Necropolis 2350, Realms of Cthulhu, and Hellfrost. I would have to say I like Hellfrost the most, but I do enjoy playing Realms of Cthulhu. The others I haven't played as much or ever but love reading them @@HollowTale

[@TheCocoJambo93]

Sweet video my man! Love the animation style :D Got me really interested in the game, sadly I just mnaged to miss the kickstarter for the new edition :/ Well, guess I'll have to wait until september then^^ ( Maybe better that way, I still got two other RPGS lined up that I will need to play to their fullest first !) You erarned my subscription for sure! Keep up the great work, now I'm off to binge the back catalogue of your vids ;)

[@HollowTale]

Hey thanks for watching! My real bad drawings are something I have fun doing! Also You can pick up the PDF of it on DrivethruRPG right now! Its pretty cheap as well if memory serves! I really hope you enjoy the rest :D Thanks for the subscription!!!

[@composerbeef]

I am gradually making Savage Worlds my primary system for running games. In the New Year I'll be starting a new sci-fi campaign using the Adventurer's Edition which will be recorded for release on KZbin. I'm also building an original setting for Savage Worlds which is a sort of cyberpunk/sci-fi setting but in a very chaotic comical comic book style world based on a one-shot I ran called Badass Jetpack Sisters. It's just such a great and versatile system.

[@timwitowich2126]

Thanks for making this video.

[@ElwoodShort]

This does in fact seem to be the new GURPS, but easier to pick up and learn. Of course, if you have any old GURPS settings books, you could almost certainly Create a SW rules set to run that setting with. It’s a really good well thought out and well supported system. Good for new players as well. Also, this was a great vid ty.

[@HollowTale]

More than welcome! Thank you for watching :)

[@Trashloot]

This video is great. I especially enjoyed the history part.

[@HollowTale]

Really Happy you enjoyed it!!

[@RED_Theory038]

I'm interested. Ive been looking into GURPS as well because I want to run something in a custom setting thats similar to the Titanfall universe mixed with a bit of Cyberpunk and maybe Mass Effect and both of these systems sounds like they could potentially support that. In your opinion, how would you compare the two in general?

[@BazzaroPlays]

I am interested in playing this.

[@DarkExcalibur42]

I, too, praise the many benefits of Savage Worlds.

[@HollowTale]

I love Savage Worlds so damn much.

[@robmatheny2412]

Awesome video

[@weirdguy564]

I think Savage Worlds is interesting, but I found another, simple fantasy RPG called Dungeons and Delvers Dice Pool Edition that uses a similar dice mechanic. I now play it quite a bit. Delvers is fantasy only, not a general game like Savage Worlds. How it works is rolling an attribute, a skill, and very often a few other dice for Talents your character has. I.E. A dwarf warrior with the Soldier Talent (bonus dice for hammers) and the Slayer (bonus dice if you use a 2-handed weapon). Roll a 1D8 for strength, a D6 for Melee combat skill, a D4 for a hammer, and a D4 for a 2-hander. Roll all of that, pick the best two dice, add, and beat the target number, such as a Skeleton Defense rating of 5. That game also fixes a couple of issues I have with D&D rules. I dislike getting mountains of hit points. Delvers doesn't do that. A warrior starts with 5, ends with 8 hit points. D&D Warriors seem dull compared to Wizards. In Delvers the martial classes get just as many talents to pick from just like wizards do (spells are just talents). I also hate lots of savings throws. Delvers doesn't really do savings throws. Poisons are status effects, not a save for example. Again, I love the game system and even wrote to the author to report on typos' and guess what? He is fixing them and asking me for feedback on what I dislike.

[@Mind_of_MATT]

Advancement is on page 47 in my Savage Worlds Deluxe Explorer's Edition.

[@HollowTale]

Interesting! I use the non explorers version of deluxe!

[@VICT0RLAZL0]

Very good job with this video... how about one for the original Palladium / Rifts system? I started with Rifts in the late 90/00 but now I am trying SW and has pledge for the Adventures edition. Everything that makes Role Play cool is in SW and it just run faster the only problem for old players is that it doesn’t run on a D20 but instead on a dice and it doesn’t have Hit Points per say.

[@HollowTale]

It's actually something I have been reading currently! I have heard only good things about rifts in all honesty, between that and stars without number those are my next two systems I am planning on running at length to build up to a proper video on them. Really want to do those justice as a lot of people seem to love them.

[@jarodnole4618]

I came from the future looking for a review on the Adventure Edition but this video didnt let me down

[@NotARussianDisinfoBot]

I really enjoy this game system. The combat is just so satisfying.

[@kleinerdolan]

Nice video! Cant believe you only have that vew subs.

[@HollowTale]

Hey! Welcome to the channel! Thanks a lot that's really nice of you to say! Fingers crossed the channel will grow over time. 100% plan on more Savage Worlds content along with other systems over time.

[@vepristhorn8278]

Theres was also another release prior to deluxe, it had a green cover. I'd give more info on it but its in storage

[@HollowTale]

This actually sounds cool. When researching the history of the game I had come across quite a few products and books I never knew were a thing. It was a blast to research.

[@mackoole9700]

Excellent Video, Just took a look at the kickstarter. I'm really starting to regret missing this, it looks epic. Could you tell me when the late pledge ends? because for the life of me I just can't see it on the KS website. Thanks.

[@HollowTale]

Hey! Thank you very much. Always happy to hear that the video in any way brought new info to anyone. I honestly can't answer that one too well but what I can do is suggest possibly checking out here: www.drivethrurpg.com/product/261539/Savage-Worlds-Adventure-Edition

[@1jasup]

My group and I are loving Savage Rifts! Looking forward to Deadlands 2E

[@HollowTale]

I need to play that! I love savage worlds but haven't been able to dive into rifts yet!

[@TheJuicyTangerine]

do you have any examples of how you can add on to the system and really "customize" it? What about savage worlds makes it easier to customize? How would you compare savage worlds to other RPG systems that try to do the same thing? Loved the video btw.

[@Nekochan456]

huh, this seems like a real cool game system. I'm interested now. Thank you o' noble plague doctor. On another note, would you be willing to do a Mutants and Masterminds Video?

[@HollowTale]

Really happy you enjoyed it! I do love savage worlds haha. Also, you are more than welcome!! I would be willing to at some stage for sure I have a few lined up in this series but they All take time to sort. for this particular series I like to really get deep in experience with the system before I make the why you should play? Series! But I'll add it to my list!!!

[@blackbot7113]

4:08 The mathematician in me cried out when he saw this. ;)

[@HollowTale]

We add exclusively in dice from now on!

[@blackbot7113]

​@@HollowTale I meant because "equals" is transitive, meaning instead of "W4+1=W6, W6+1=W8..." and so on it says: W4+1 = W6+1 = W8+1 = W10 and I could shorten that to W4+1 = W10 Which is all kinds of wrong! (I know that everybody knows what's meant and the commentary explains it, I just found it funny ;))

[@HollowTale]

@@blackbot7113 Glad to amuse you anyway! My math will continue to be bad from here on out ;)

[@munch15a]

so im looking at doing a world which is a post Apocalypse but with a steam punk style and level of tech set in the ruins of England. so any tips on what I need to make it all work ?

[@HollowTale]

So.. if you are set on savage worlds for it and you want something more action based then take the base edition of the game and use the horror companion book for extra horror rules. You can still attach that to the new edition of SW as well. (Adventure edition) However that theme in particular (post apocalyptic Victorian horror) is actually a favourite and my all time top system "Unhallowed Metropolis Revised" is made for that. If you want brutal horror and bleak atmospheres of dread thats a great one for it!

[@munch15a]

@@HollowTale fair enough I will take a look at both I had also assumed that there western setting would help me out a bit too.

[@HollowTale]

@@munch15a deadlands is a brilliant setting and game in its own right. The deadlands reloaded book is a great one for the savage worlds system!

[@munch15a]

OK thank you is there nay others I should look at ?

[@HollowTale]

@@munch15a honestly any of them that take your interest for themes.

[@jordentaylor2455]

Pathfinder is coming to Savage Worlds.

[@daltonschneider2045]

There are some great settings for SW, and I love that the system is simple and streamlined. However, the one reason I can never get into the system is that characters always seem flat and underwhelming, mechanically speaking. I like to sit down and make a character just the way I want them, and I've never been able to do that or even come close with SW. Which is too bad, because, I absolutely loved the classic Deadlands game.

[@elgatochurro]

You can't just... Add to them?

[@trickstur5994]

Here's an idea for a video (if you haven't already) how about an updated SW Adventure rules explanation.

[@HollowTale]

I certainly do want to do an updated version for the new system! It's on my list to do! I just need to find time to get back to videos!

[@kleptortheconspiracythatwa2142]

This is bizarre! I created nearly this exact dice system for a new RPG in the 90’s. I never published it so I assume it was a case of a good idea that eventually someone else picks up on and pursues. Then again, perhaps it was a common idea. No clue.

[@someguycamping9972]

Can you do initiative without playing cards? I play online with a lot of long-distance freinds.

[@HollowTale]

for sure! Just Roll Agility!

[@someguycamping9972]

@@HollowTale Thanks. Been looking for an alt to 5e since I want to do a low-magic game and 5e is just overflowing with magic.

[@HollowTale]

@@someguycamping9972 hey that's totally fine it's why I use it for my general settings as it's flexible for low magic or high magic or super hero games it has a ton of flexibility. If you want to play something low fantasy however in a more grim-dark vein check out Zweihander RPG

[@jannevalkeapaa]

Never seen any video praising RPG system as much as this does. 😂 Anyways, good stuff, I was convinced of SW already before watching this.

[@hashemx1ify]

This seems soooo Intresting in many ways But few qustions how easy it to creat your own setting without the supplements And what about "classes" how does this function here

[@HollowTale]

So! 1) creating your own setting is super easy. You can use the deluxe book and some quite easy homebrewing to change up non suitable edges or make more based on them. Plus it's a very setting generic game. 2) there's no classes in the game, you can buy professional edges however that add something extra to your character such as "assassin" or "acrobat" the game promotes making wholly unique characters not as tied to classes as traditional style rpgs :)

[@hashemx1ify]

@@HollowTale oh that's really nice I'm going to Check it I love dnd alot ALOT But the problem is it's hard to play a non fantasy system with it This might be my alternative

[@hashemx1ify]

@@HollowTale What about magic or spells

[@HollowTale]

@@hashemx1ify Check out the newer version "Adventure Edition" or SWADE as its known. I will be making a review on that update soon on the channel :)

[@HollowTale]

@@hashemx1ify Its an open plan points based power system, you have power types like "Bolt" "Blast" "Shield" etc and you add points to the power of the spell which is variable. You buy powers based on the type of power system you opt into. You then add "Trappings" like fire, force, sound etc etc

[@MySqueezingArm]

Haven't played yet, but after watching Primal my testosterone is so high Pathfinder 2E can't cut it anymore.

[@Leverquin]

opinion on GURPS?

[@HollowTale]

Something I have always wanted to check out more of but havent got to reading it yet! Its sat waiting to be read!

[@theweirdone3196]

I just wanted to add if any one want to try it but doesn't want to pay. Pinnacle puts up free test drive rules along with a bunch of one shots for free on their website.

[@HollowTale]

I knew I forgot to put something in the video! Pinnacle do support their games very well.

[@dentheduck2095]

Hmm, looks weird, why in SW fighting is agility based skill. Is even a club counts as finesse weapon? In DnD you use STR for that, seems logical as you need strength to wave a weapon.🤔

[@lukesams3349]

You’re that guy from the Templin Institute, aren’t you?

[@snate56]

Just a note, "die" is singular for dice, which is the plural. ;)

[@HollowTale]

Ahaha got me there.

[@blackbot7113]

That started to change, though. "Dice" is being increasingly used as singular. Even made it into the Cambridge dictionary. I know, I hate it too.

[@Nagytika]

You explained nothing about the wild dice and what are the basic target numbers?

[@beetlejuss]

Just used SW once while playing RIFTS, it was Meh. I specially disliked the messy soup of the RIFTS setting, and then the system was just weird, but not exciting weird, just different for the sake of it.

[@miguelsimarrogonzalez2128]

You asked for our oppinion... Well, here it goes. The core concept is very cool, 5 levels of skill, an increment system for success, a wild die and bennies to ease up probability, a fast and tie-free initiative system... looks good, on the surface. But the variable dice system works against probability, because the better your skill is, the less options you have to show off. The chances of a d12 to really beat any other are very low. You'll find yourself more often than not failing at your best skill. They didn't analyse the statistics of such system at all, and they decided to go for it just for the aesthetics. They would have done a much better job rolling 2d6, choosing one, and adding some bonus. Bottom line, don't attempt anything dangeorus if you don't have enough bennies. It's not a very good system if it needs to be saved by it's failsafe mechanic every time... Then it's combat. You'd think it'd be easy with such an streamlined mechanics, wouldn't you? Well, it's not. On your first combat you'll be given a cheatsheet with 15 or so, not-so-simple special actions that you absolutely must know how to use, to be able to do something. So you'll have to STUDY those at lightning speed, which you most likely are not willing to, and thus letting other player to make all your decisions. Very cool "simple" system. Then it's the damage system, which could use the same wild die mechanic, but no, this time it works different, for no reason, with a very cumbersome method to convert die results into hit points. To be honest, at this point I've stopped caring, so I let other players do the math and tell me if I'm dead or not... And after that, you get to the progression and exprience system. What happened to "you get 10 xp, upgrading costs you X, Y, Z..."? Here you need to know what advancement are you in, and depending on that you can upgrade this or that, or those other things that you didn't know you needed to upgrade, because it was supposed to be a "simple system"... Bottomline xp it's not simple. But it's true it's one of the best RPGs out there, because they're all equally complex and cumbersome, and this one at least has bennies... :_( That's why I make my own systems, which at least I know how to patch on the go...

[@BS-se4yg]

One big problem that I have with this system (the one my DM is currently using) is the rule that bosses can't receive more than 1 wound per attack. That's so fucking unfair is unbelievable. One thing that anyone that wants to play Savage Worlds should know is: everything can kill you. Doesn't matter how tanky or beefy you are. If the dice ace enough times, you are fucked. On contrast, you can kill everything. High risk, high reward. Or that should be the case, except that one rule that is fucking bullshit. Because it transforms the entire system from high risk, high reward; to high risk, low reward. Because it is 10 times more useful for the enemy's dice to ace than for yours. If you are fighting against minions, they have one life. Most of the times, you will have enough damage to one shot them without the need of your dice to explode. Or maybe you'd need your dice to ace once. Everything after is overkill. And against bosses you can't inflict more than 1 wound per attack, so what is the point of your dice exploding multiple times? Imagine you are fighting a boss, you hit your attack, you roll damage, you dices ace, you do 42 damage. Guess what? Doesn't matter. That's one wound. But one of the 15 minions hits an attack and based on probability alone his d8 explodes twice. Guess what? You are dead. That's simply bullshit. That mechanic alone makes the combat so unpleasant. Your dice exploding should be something that makes you excited. You should feel like "fuck yeah, the luck is with me this time". But whenever it happens is just like "oh well, that's nice, I guess? I mean, it doesn't do anything but at least is not a 1"

[@lukejackson3901]

Die = Singular, Dice = Plural

[@FellVoice]

If you are looking forward to the "completely new" chase rules don't get your hopes up. All they did was add to the already existing chase rules from Deluxe. "Completely New" is very misleading. Pretty disappointing really.

[@HollowTale]

Oh for sure, I was speaking on the Explorers/Deluxe in regards to chase rules mentioned in the video! The new rules in the adventurer's edition I haven't had the chance to properly research in enough detail to speak much on them in this video! Have you had some experience with the adventurers edition? If so what do you think?

[@FellVoice]

I have read over the preview of the chase rules for the Adventurers edition and I am not impressed. You can check them out for yourself. All they did was trade cards for tokens and bolt on a bunch of options to broken rules from Deluxe. It does not feel "Completely New" to me. It feels refurbished. www.peginc.com/store/return-to-sleepy-hollow-a-savage-worlds-adventure-edition-chase-rules-preview/

[@0bscure42]

Man you spoke for almost 15 minutes and did not give me a single reason to actually play this game. Basically, it sounds like the core mechanics are incredibly generic/rudimentary, and in order to actually do *anything* I would have to buy a shitload of supplements? So I pay more than I usually would for an RPG, and then end up having to do more work than I usually would before I get to play anything.

[@danjohnson887]

Waaaaay over my head. Far too rules heavy.

[@sunsin1592]

Sounds like an awful system. Thanks for the review, though.

[@HollowTale]

Haha fair enough. Personal taste on systems is a big big thing.

[@Cavallo1]

Misleading title.

[@josiahkey4929]

Konrad Gula how?

[@HeadHunterSix]

@@josiahkey4929 he's clearly the sort who needs to be told what to think (which is what he expected from the title), so simply talking about its features and what makes it unique doesn't lead him to a conclusion :D

[@dedekorkut5655]

All bad things cant and dont accept baf Thanks and these are not real

[@mercermercer8959]

Is this a paid advertisement? Is there anything that you don't like about this game? Who would you NOT recommend this system for? I understand you like this game, but it's hard to trust the opinion of someone who doesn't present any downsides to or contrary opinions about something they like.

[@HollowTale]

This series is about "why you should play" its not a review! Its a more positive look at a system and what could be done with it :)! There's plenty of more analytical reviews and content that does paint the negative side of things. 100% shop around content!

[@buckaroobonzai9847]

If anyone wants to try an introduction game one off session message me and stop over my Discord, stop on over and play the game!