Product-Shadowrun Sixth World Companion
System- Shadowrun 6th Ed
Producer– Catalyst
Price– $19.99 here https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/396661/Shadowrun-Sixth-World-Companion-Core-Character-Rulebook?affiliate_id=658618
TL; DR– If you want to build a new characters and are new to the shadows yourself, this is a solid place to start. 93%
Basics– WHAT THE HELL IS THAT!? Sixth World Companion focuses on how to build characters for Shadowrun players of all levels. The book has rules for newer players to build characters with guided character build packs and blocks of gear with a simple cost like buying bundles off a shelf. For more seasoned players you have new qualities, subraces, and methods to build characters instead of the older point buy. Let’s dive into my thoughts on this one.
Mechanics or Crunch– This book fills an interesting gap in Shadowrun. Newer players are often intimidated by character creation needing a paired down method with less option paralysis, and more roleplaying heavy players want a more thematic character creation process. This book delivers both these options to broaden the game’s appeal. Older, seasoned players get the rarer races and some newer toys but no magic options or real new gear. What is here is good, but some players might not find anything they really want if you know what you want to build and don’t want to play some crazy creatures in the shadows. 4.5/5
Theme or Fluff– How much you like this book will honesty boil down to what you are looking for. If you want some thematic methods for building characters or new races and lore for them, then you will love this book. If you want a box of new net gear or some magic tomes to blast enemies with, then you will likely not get as much out of it. It doesn’t expand the main story of the universe, but it does fill in some edges on things that are missing in the sixth edition’s world. 4.5/5
Execution– Catalyst has learned many lessons on book layout and design. This is a hyperlinked book with MANY tables to help you find what you’re looking for, as well as solid pictures, design, and text to make reading this a breeze. I enjoyed the text and didn’t suffer through it like other books. Nor did I have any trouble finding what I wanted. Solid book production Catalyst. 5/5
Summary– This is a book where your mileage will vary. What you want will really determine if you will like this book. If you need new character build guidelines or story build building options, then this is a solid book. If you want lots of new toys, spells, or expanding the world and story of Shadowrun, then this is not the book you are looking for. In either case, it’s a solid book with amazing execution showing that Catalyst has learned how to make books you will enjoy reading and easily navigate. 93%
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