Review: 6d6 Core Rules

Product Name: 6d6 Core

Publisher: 6d6

Author: Chris Tregenza

Interior Artist: Chris Tregenza

Page Count: 165

Price: £17.50 Hard Copy / £7.50 PDF

 

 

 

 

From the Publisher

6d6 Core is the engine that drives the 6d6 RPG. This rule sets covers all the essential mechanics in the game and is the starting point for developing new settings and rule sets.

The core rules are not tied to any particular setting or genre. Instead the book focuses on explaining the central game mechanics of the 6d6 RPG in a clear and easy to understand manner. Additionally there is a complete reference section on game terminology, rules and keywords.

No cards or decks are provided with the rule set. Generic cards are available separately and setting specific decks are supplied with the relevant rule set.

First thoughts

I’ve been casually following the progress of 6d6 Core as a rule-set from relatively early on in the inception. I could see that this wasn’t going to be another “one-off” game that wasn’t really play-tested as well as it could have been and just dumped off on the public. And the early glimpses of product looked, well… different than what I was used to, so I was initially hesitant as to how it would go once it hit the street. Sometimes simple isn’t always better, you know?

Well, it turns out I was pretty wrong on all counts.

The Good

The artwork in 6d6 is quite good and not overly elaborate. You get the instant understanding right from the cover that simplicity is the focus of the artwork – and that the text itself is what is most important in the book.

The books itself is very well presented, being easy to access and filled with useful content for designing scenarios.

The Bad

This isn’t a bad thing as in a “I don’t personally like this” remark. But overall, I worry that because the game has so many innovative elements that look different to what most experienced gamers may be used to that those same experienced gamers may pass it up. And that would be their loss.

The Ugly

There isn’t anything ugly at all here. You get a solid product worth the money.

It’s Time to Play The Game

Now with that said, let me talk about the game play itself: 6d6 is a very smooth engine, and undeniably fun to play. The mechanics are like a well-oiled machine once you get used to them, and the way in which the game streamlines clunky rules while dramatically enhancing the individual playing options is pretty impressive. The game itself appears to have been written with no real expectations on players other than to open their minds and have fun playing.

Your GL (Game Leader) isn’t the powerful, all-knowing Oz in 6d6. He’s more like a mediator – making recommendations to the players to help the game move along. For anyone that has suffered though an overbearing GM – this should instantly make you happy.

6d6 also utilizes cards (non-randomized and non-collectible, thank you very much). These essential cards are Life, Ability, Equipment, Path, Effect, and Circumstance – which cover everything from skills to spells. These cards have certain behaviors that they must follow, and it is up to the player to keep a good eye on them. And despite what a lot of people may think – cards are pretty useful! Aside from the essential cards listed above, there are also cards for monsters and the like. What I personally like the best is that you can actually just duel with a friend one-on-one over lunch break without having to be involved in an entire gaming session.

Rulebooks in and of themselves are often quite difficult to review. They are dry and, well, full of rules. I think that is why so many companies give you page after page of gorgeous art and fancy layouts… that way you’ll have something to talk about. But seriously, 6d6 comes at you with such a fresh idea for gaming that it is one of those games where you won’t mind really reading the book cover to cover.

What Else is Great

6d6 is releasing more than 7 new products between now and March, and all of them are reasonably priced for the quality you get. And even better than that – everything comes with their Living Document Promise. That means that you will have access to the latest versions of the PDFs for all these products – forever.

Lastly, if you’re interested, check out 6d6 Ultra-Lite, which is a free, light and fast system ideal for story and character centered games. It ignores most of the combat mechanics of the full 6d6 RPG and focuses on the narrative aspect of the game.

Overall Rating