The most recent release from the folks over at Edge Hill, is a new pulp gaming set of rules for fantasy. The resulting rules are called 7TV Fantasy. The rules follow the same bones and mechanics of their popular 7TV Spy Fi rules and follow on versions.
The game comes in a standard gaming box. It includes three A4 booklets, like the earlier systems. The first is the rules, the second is units and force compositions and the last includes scenarios and mini campaigns. In addition to these booklets, is a mini book that includes random events tables for various scenario types. These are tied to the objective collection system used in the earlier games. Next you have some templates and tokens. These are all mdf. However, unlike the earlier ones, these are pre-painted! There are a couple of dice and tokens to support play.
The meat of the game is all the cards for the game. First are the character cards that cover various stars, co-stars and extras. Being fantasy, these represent all types of fantasy races (e.g. orcs, humans, elves, dwarves, etc). Then we have the normal turn deck and upgrades. There are not a lot of vehicles in the game naturally. However, there are mount options, like horses and wargs. This rounds off the fantasy feel of the rules. In addition, you get half a dozen spell cards that represent the different magic schools for mages. These support the new magic system (and it is not fantasy without magic!). Finally, the game comes with a much desired color printed quick reference guide! (I hope they release these for the earlier rules)
The system uses a token activation system. The number of tokens is based on the characters in your force. This can be modified by special abilities and some decisions made during game play. These tokens are used to activate your characters each turn. They are also used to modify die rolls (adding dice) and removing statuses from models.
The system is an IGOYOUGO system, with the active player selecting one or two act cards from the activation deck. The effects of these cards are applied and then the player activates all their models until they are done. The turn then flips over to the other player and goes from there. One of the interesting things in the game is the ability of the second player in a turn “stealing the scene”. Basically, the player states this and takes over as the active player. This gives the option of going twice in a row. Each player can do this once during the game. Timing this can make the difference in collection objectives, getting away or delivering the critical blow.
The game uses D6 for everything. Most things require a single D6 to determine success. You have the option of spending your tokens and adding more dice. You take the highest roll as you main die, so adding additional ones increase the chance of better die rolls. In addition, every roll of 4 gives you an extra plus one (unless overridden by special abilities.
The new bolt on is the “presence” attack. This works the same as shooting, but represents special abilities like minor spells, magic items or personal abilities. This gives a bit more fantasy feel. In addition, mages can roll for spells using their preferred magic college. This is a little different than other attacks, as it uses the models spirit status plus die rolls for success. The level of mage determines the number of spells known and number of dice they have to roll to caste one or more spells.
As with the earlier system, you get a solid set of rules to run and play a fun fantasy game with a pulp feel. Basing does not really matter, so you can bring whatever fantasy models you wish to the party. They are a bit on the expensive side, which is the only hit against the rules. I managed to get the win on a good exchange rate and this was not be so bad. Do to this, it makes it hard for everyone in your group to own the rules. I do hope they release the character cards as separate purchase items, as these are probably more important for wider purchase. However, as long as you have a game master type in your group, a single copy will manage fine. Since I am that guy in my group, I am set and plan to run a lot more games with 7TV Fantasy!
- Manteuffel