Omote - Feb 04, 2008

HOLY HEIRONEOUS!
Adventure Games Journal #1 is an instant throwback to the publications that really made the Fantasy Role-playing industry what it is today. The production values are not super high when compared to other "magazine-like" publications today, but in my humble estimation that is a good thing. That's not to say that there aren't visuals in AGJ#1, rising star in fantasy artistry Peter Bradley graces the cover and interior with, generally speaking, simple and evocative black and white artwork and great maps. Some of Mr. Bradley's portrait pieces are anything but plain, and remind me of certain classic fantasy modules and gazetteers. But the heart of this publication is written material, and a giant, bloody beating heart it is!

The 48 pages of AGJ#1 is jam-packed with information, including an intro editorial, and an upcoming releases article. The meat of the writing is in the form of a 15 pages primer to the Wilderlands of High Adventure campaign setting. As a Wilderlands fan, much of this information is new, and welcomed (particularly the universe cosmology and the info relating to the planet as a whole). The rest of the article covers the geographic regions that make up the Wilderlands. While some of this has been known from older Wilderlands publications, to read this seems quite fresh. It's great to see a general overview of the campaign setting all in one place. And, for the price, AGJ#1 gives the best overview of the setting to date.

The next section deals with a detailed look at one of the most famous personalities within the Wilderlands setting, the Invincible Overlord and those close to him. This section is extremely detailed and provides a lot of great material on which to base, several campaigns to say the least.

Other articles detail a society of knighthood in the Wilderlands based within a [the] City State, a not-so-small dungeon, new monsters and magical items, a detailed write up of a new deity to add to the setting, and a pretty unique little rumors section containing many possible adventure ideas that can be added to your Wilderlands campaign. Of particular note is an interesting article and adventure location detailing the elven race that resides within the Dearthwood. Honestly, this section article was a bit too short (for my tastes), even though it is 6+ pages long and left me wanting more. Although, there is only so much you can cram into 48 pages I suppose!

There are a few small things that I don't mention, as not everything within AGJ#1 needs to be revealed. Rest assured, for the price you get what you pay for.

In my estimation, the premiere issue of the Adventure Games Journal is a step beyond perfect. As gaming publications go, to see it might seem like it's a magazine, but there are no real advertisements to speak of taking up precious page space. I'm glad to see that while a small, independent publication AGJ is, the author doesn't focus on his projects or editorial of the setting or industry as a whole. While AGJ almost seems like a magazine, it is a gaming/setting supplement all the way. I couldn't have been more pleased in how this issue turned out. If the first issue of AGJ is the template for what we have in store, then fans will have a lot to look forward to.

Omote Rating...............................10.5 / 11.0