Ultramodern Firearms d20

Rating:
Summary: Guns, guns, guns!
Review: I do have to make a disclaimer that I don't own the d20 version of this book. That's because I don't need it; I have the old Millenium's End version, and I don't personally see the need to buy a new version with d20 stats in it.

However, if I didn't have the old version, I'd've had this the day it came out.

The primary utility to this book is that it lists vast quantities of modern firearms, and PROVIDES PICTURES OF THEM. This is very important; everybody knows what an AK-47 and an M-16 look like, but if I don't know what a Sig-Sauer P226 looks like, how can I visualize my character using it? Better instead to use a Glock (which, again, is seen fairly often in movies), or for the truly hardcore, a Desert Eagle .50AE, one of the largest handguns in production today.

It helps to also familiarize people with lesser-known guns. One of my favorites would be the Calico series (a pistol and a SMG), which look seriously cool; they've got a big helical magazine on the back of the gun, that just looks really, really cool.

I only have two quibbles. First, it's kind of expensive for its list price; a lot of the artwork is left over from the original Millenium's End product, and I'm not sure I'd want it in hardcover. Then again, gun books consistently get looked at more than a lot of other supplements, so extra durability would be a plus.

Second, the d20 stats are kind of...lame. The original Millenium's End system has a lot more graininess than d20 does, so some weapons could be incrementally better than others, while in d20 there isn't enough difference to justify one being better. This version's stat lines are really almost identical to each other, which is kind of boring.

Really, most stats probably don't even need to be in there; a page explaining damage per caliber (9mm = 2d6, for example) and standard range increments would handle most of what was required, and note in with the individual entry what would be different.

Note that this is NOT compatible with Spycraft; weapons in that game do somewhat less damage than the equivalent d20 Modern weapon. If you don't intend to use d20 Modern, but do intend to use Spycraft, you'll want the Modern Arms Guide for Spycraft, which is in itself quite nifty.

All in all, if I didn't have the first version, I'd pick this up with only a little bit of hesitation.

Rating:
Summary: Guns, guns, guns!
Review: I do have to make a disclaimer that I don't own the d20 version of this book. That's because I don't need it; I have the old Millenium's End version, and I don't personally see the need to buy a new version with d20 stats in it.

However, if I didn't have the old version, I'd've had this the day it came out.

The primary utility to this book is that it lists vast quantities of modern firearms, and PROVIDES PICTURES OF THEM. This is very important; everybody knows what an AK-47 and an M-16 look like, but if I don't know what a Sig-Sauer P226 looks like, how can I visualize my character using it? Better instead to use a Glock (which, again, is seen fairly often in movies), or for the truly hardcore, a Desert Eagle .50AE, one of the largest handguns in production today.

It helps to also familiarize people with lesser-known guns. One of my favorites would be the Calico series (a pistol and a SMG), which look seriously cool; they've got a big helical magazine on the back of the gun, that just looks really, really cool.

I only have two quibbles. First, it's kind of expensive for its list price; a lot of the artwork is left over from the original Millenium's End product, and I'm not sure I'd want it in hardcover. Then again, gun books consistently get looked at more than a lot of other supplements, so extra durability would be a plus.

Second, the d20 stats are kind of...lame. The original Millenium's End system has a lot more graininess than d20 does, so some weapons could be incrementally better than others, while in d20 there isn't enough difference to justify one being better. This version's stat lines are really almost identical to each other, which is kind of boring.

Really, most stats probably don't even need to be in there; a page explaining damage per caliber (9mm = 2d6, for example) and standard range increments would handle most of what was required, and note in with the individual entry what would be different.

Note that this is NOT compatible with Spycraft; weapons in that game do somewhat less damage than the equivalent d20 Modern weapon. If you don't intend to use d20 Modern, but do intend to use Spycraft, you'll want the Modern Arms Guide for Spycraft, which is in itself quite nifty.

All in all, if I didn't have the first version, I'd pick this up with only a little bit of hesitation.

Rating:
Summary: A must-have - especially for weapons-heavy gaming
Review: This is a must-have item for anyone planning on running an adventure in D20 Modern and attempting to present a true-to-life, but weapons-laden, environment for the PCs.

For those gamers who have never been around firearms, there is an explanation of the operation, use, capabilities, and differences concerning all of the firearms. Even as a student of the history/technology of the military (and firearms, in particular), I learned some new ways to look at things.

The additional feats and commentary on the D20 system are nice. It's nice to see a game designer who understands the role of the sniper and the skills related to it. (check Charles Ryan's column at the WoTC Homepage)

The overall format is good, the editing is great, and the selection of weapons is spectacular. My personal favorite was the inclusion of the FN P-90 - Fans of "Stargate: SG-1" will be happy...

If you are still unsure - browse through at your local bookstore and then buy it here for less.