Kingbeast's Lair

-== What is it? ==-

Savage Worlds:Explorer’s Edition (SW:EE) is a universal role-playing game system that is published by Pinnacle Entertainment Group. It was written by several primary authors including Shane Hensley, Paul Wade-Williams, Simon Lucas, Joseph Unger, Dave Blewer, Clint Black, Robin Elliott, and Piotr Korys. There are also many other contributers listed on the title page that I will not repeat here. The Explorer’s Edition was released in 2007.

SW:EE is a soft cover book has a color cover and a vibrant color interior. The book is 6? x 9? and is 160 pages in length. There is a 2 page table of contents, no index, and a 1 page advertisement at the end. (Note that you can download a PDF index from Pinnacle if you really want one but I don’t think it is needed.) I am reviewing a first edition print copy that I purchased. To play the game you need SW:EE, a set of multi-sided dice, and a deck of cards with the jokers left in. (The cards are used for handling initiative.) I have not played the game I have only read the book.

-== What I Like ==-

SW:EE uses simple mechanics that are easy to grasp. In most cases results are determined using a single die with modifiers. This is a big plus for any RPG but it is not as common for universal systems. SW:EE is not a crunchy heavy system. The rules are focused on high action and fast combats. Don’t expect tons of realism from SW:EE.

One big plus is that there are a ton of support products for SW:EE both from Pinnacle and other publishers. There are settings available in almost every genre. Some that really stand out to me are The Savage World Of Solomon Kane (based on the wonderful novels by Howard), Rippers (Victorian magic), Necessary Evil (superhero), and Hellfrost (fantasy). (Watch this space for a review of Hellfrost by Triple Ace Games. I am pretty impressed by the Hellfrost setting. 😉 )

Normally when I write reviews I mention the price in the Summary section only but for SW:EE the price is exceptional. The core book is a paltry $9.99. That is a total steal for a universal system of this quality.

The interior artwork and layout in SW:EE are beautiful. In fact I have to seriously hunt to find a picture that is only average. There are many interior artists listed so I will not mention them all now.

-== What I Don’t Like ==-

I was a bit disappointed that SW:EE did not have an example combat. I would much rather have had this than the adventure at the end of the book which is essentially useless. Instead of the adventure in the book I would forward folks to the many excellent One Sheet Adventures that can be downloaded form the Pinnacle site. These One Sheet Adventures are PDF modules that often include characters. These are a great way for folks to start playing quickly.

Another noticeable omission from SW:EE is that there is not a blank character sheet or any sample characters. I personally like when core book lead readers through the creation of a character with an example sheet. Saying that there are several PDF character sheets on the Pinnacle download page.

In a couple of places in SW:EE the text mentions going to the Pinnacle site to get certain PDFs. In two cases I could not find these files. When I posted a question on the Pinnacle forums about where these files could be found it was not answered. 🙁

I also noticed a few typos and areas of book that are not completely clear. The good news is that you can download a neat Cut-and-Paste Errata PDF from Pinnacle. This is a PDF that one prints then literally cuts up and tapes into SW:EE. This is a pretty neat idea that I wish other publishers would try. 🙂

The cover artwork by Cheyenne Wright is only fair in my opinion. It is made to look like a travel logbook but the effect is not well executed. The yellow and red Savage Worlds logo that was also done by Cheyenne Wright is very cool. I love the old map inset with compass background.

-== Summary ==-

SW:EE is one of the best universal systems I have read and I a love universal RPGs. The first incarnation of Savage Worlds was the winner of the 2003 Origins Award for Best Roleplaying Game and I can see why if it was anything like this updated product. Pinnacle’s tag line for SW:EE is right on the money…”Fast! Furious! and Fun!”

You can get SW:EE for $8.95 at Noble Knight Games at this URL. Amazon has it for $9.99 at this URL. The PDF can be had at DriveThruRPG at this URL for $9.99.

I give it 9 out of 10 paws.