Aces and Eights

daddystabz · Post by **daddystabz** » Sat Aug 23, 2008 1:04 am

I have been checking this old west game out a lot lately and I am very interested. Has anyone played yet and has any opinions? Is it difficult rules-wise? Does it play quickly in combat, etc?
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angelius · Post by **angelius** » Sat Aug 23, 2008 1:19 am

I have that book and its a great one, which you can get a great buy if you find it at the right price.

Rules wise... OH BOY, its hefty. Think Hackmaster on steroids. I'm sure that it'll be easier after a few plays. But I would consider it more of a simulation than a RPG.
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daddystabz · Post by **daddystabz** » Sat Aug 23, 2008 1:35 am

Ouch! I was kind of encouraged after watching these videos on YouTube showcasing how shooting works an d how easy/fast it is. I was scared it might be rules heavy as crap since it is made by the makers of Hackmaster and is over 400 pgs I think.

Anyone else got opinions on this?
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serleran · Post by **serleran** » Sat Aug 23, 2008 2:11 am

Its a beautiful book, but I think, like HM, character creation takes way too long and there aren't enough options (for me) especially concerning Natives. Haven't really tried the rules, since I always start at PC creation... if that takes too long, the game itself is probably overly complicated.

daddystabz · Post by **daddystabz** » Sat Aug 23, 2008 2:30 am

But are the gameplay rules overly complicated too?
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Omote · Post by **Omote** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 12:57 am

Another game I wish I could play, but the complexity of the original rulebook made chaces for playing too remote.

Recently, Kenzer released a "Players Guide" for A&8. It is a truncated form of the main book that focuses only on rules that a player would need. With this new book, you get a better understanding of the game it seems. Though, the GM would still need the core rulebook. IT should be noted that the core A&8 rulebook contains lots and lots of rules that dont necessarily pertain to every aspect of the RPG.

The remark that the game is a "simulation" style RPG is pretty accurate, really.

The core rulebook is just gorgeous.

-O
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Lord Dynel · Post by **Lord Dynel** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 1:05 am

I was put off of Aces & Eights because every book in every store that I ever seen was shrinkwrapped. I couldn't get a look at it. I love old west games, and was very interested in it, but eventually settled for Sidewinder: Recoiled, a d20 based Old WEst game made by Dog House Rules.

Omote · Post by **Omote** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 1:08 am

True, I think all of the books went out shrinkwrapped. I saw A&8 on the Kenzer boards and at GenCon 1-2 years ago and said... WOW.

-O
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> Omote's Advanced C&C stuff <
Duke Omote Landwehr, Holy Order of the FPQ ~ Prince of the Castles & Crusades Society

DangerDwarf · Post by **DangerDwarf** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 1:15 am

I drooled when A&* came out, I LOVE the western genre.BUt, it was pretty pricey and I already have SW/Deadlands. So...I never ended up with A&8.

Some day I will get it though. HEaring about how complex it is, I'm not sure I'll trade in SW for it in play though.

cinderblock · Post by **cinderblock** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 1:54 am

it can be complicated if you include every rule in the book (which is prolly the way Kenzer wants it played ) but after reading it a coupla times its really not all that bad. I do agree with Serl though that their should be more Native background material but I don't think that is a deal breaker the book is massive and gorgeous and I really want to run a full length campaign. Hmmmm Maybe after Castle Zagyg.

daddystabz · Post by **daddystabz** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 10:39 am

I went out and bought the game, with the Rustlers and Townsfolk book (over 100 ready made NPCs), and a set of th playing cards by Paizo. It is absolutely fantastic! Easily the finest western rpg ever made. I have read through quite a few of the rules and it states several times that the rules in the core rulebook are constructed to be modular, meaning you only use the ones that make sense for your game and in doing so, can customize how in depth you want the game to be. You pick and choose what you want. It even lays out a basic game and an advanced game that builds off the basic one. You can just go the basic route with some add-ons if you wanted. I will probably never use some of the rules, like for cattle drives, etc.

I am also finding that the rules make good logical sense and are easy to understand. Do yourselves a favor and check this game out. I was lucky enough that I had a card that was fully stamped at my local FLGS and was able to get 30% off my entire purchase, getting these 3 items for a combined $59.99!
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