This article originally appeared in d20 Weekly
Horrors of the Wasted West (for Hell on Earth)
Published by Pinnacle Entertainment Group
Written by Aaron Acevedo and Aaron Rosenberg
96-page b&w softcover; $19.95
Horrors of the Wasted West is a compilation of monsters for the Hell on Earth d20 System game. It essentially reprints all of the monsters from the original Hell on Earth classic book Monsters, Muties, and Misfits, with a dozen or so new critters thrown in for good measure. It's statted solely for the d20 System, and is much the better for it.
By way of introduction, Hell on Earth is a unique take on the post-apocalypse genre. Many gamers love its mix of fantasy, wild west, horror, and sci-fi elements. There's also a streak of self-deprecating humor that runs through the game line. All of these elements are clearly evident in this 90-page book.
The cover features a hardened adventurer desperately fighting for his life amid a cemetery. Not only is it beautifully done, but it also sets the mood for what we find within. The entire book is black and white, but there is little consistency in terms of artwork. Some of the creatures don't have accompanying illustrations, which undermines their use, while the quality of art ranges from the truly excellent to merely average.
Each of the 80 entries are laid out in the simple but pleasing standard MM style, beginning with statistics, then followed by its background and combat style. The writing is evocative and the details rich, making for a rewarding read. It's clear that the authors . . .
This article originally appeared in the second volume of Pyramid. See the current Pyramid website for more information.
Article publication date: February 12, 2003
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