Review: Transformers Rpg Beginner Box
Made by Renegade Game Studios using their Essence20 system.
I bought my copy at my local comic bookstore. This review is not sponsored. The box retails for 35$ U.S.
This is a review of the contents of the box, not an evaluation or discussion of the rules themselves.
The Good
All the books are full color on glossy paper with thicker covers that should put up with a decent amount of repeated use.
The included 3 panel GM screen is heavy cardboard 1/8 inch thick (3.75mm). It’s not flimsy at all as is common with starter boxes. Separately they offer a 4 panel version of the same quality with an adventure for 30$.
The included dice set is the same as they offer at retail for 15$. The d2 is represented by something like a challenge coin or poker chip with the Autobot symbol on one side and the Decepticon symbol on the other. If it means anything to you, I like these dice enough that previously I’ve bought four different sets (Autobots, Deceptions, G.I. Joe, and Blue Power Ranger).
The "“Playing The Game Guide” is an easy read that would make picking up the full version of the game significantly easier.
The two included adventures offer multiple sessions of play.
The first adventure is in 3 parts and the seconded is in 6 parts.
Depending on your group, you could make it through the first adventure in an afternoon session, but the second will definitely take multiple sessions.
The examples of results for skill rolls are good, and there is often presented more than one way or skill to use to complete a problem.
There are 8 pregenerated characters with a wide variety of abilities and personalities on 4 page handouts/character sheets. Again, on good quality paper. Previously, pregenerated characters were single page via a download pack on their website and not included in the core rulebook.
The Mixed
The 2 included adventures are simplified and condensed versions of existing adventures.
“Troubled Waters” is from the main core rulebook.
“The Time is Now” is available as a hardback.
Depending on your perspective, I could easily see someone feeling this lessens the value of those other products if they were to consider buying them.
The Bad
The maps included in the adventure “Troubled Waters” are confusing. You need to hunt through the body text to figure out what is going on. I reread the three pages of the adventure that use the first map multiple times and I’m not convinced they match. This makes it very difficult to understand what is going on and to explain to your players their environment.
The adventure “The Time is Now” has no maps at all. The full version does.
Page 4 of rule book, “Your character sheet, a set of dice, a pen or pencil, and a token (included in this Beginner Box) to represent your character on a map are all the things you need to play.”
There are no tokens included in the box. Note: They are not mentioned or pictured on the back of the box as being include. Nor are there any maps for use on your table during play but again the back of the box doesn’t mention any.
When you first open the box, you are greeted by a “Welcome” handout that has bullet points for players and GM’s. One states, “Familiarize yourself with the how-to-roll chart on the inside box top which you can use as a rolling tray!”
Neither the top or bottom half of the box have this, nor is it included as a handout. Note: It’s not mentioned or pictured on the back of the box as being included.
Is it worth the price & do I recommend it?
Can a GM easily run these adventures as written out of the box? NO, you will need to put in some effort. IF you do put in the effort, the contents of the box are physically well made and will hold to being used many times.
You’re players on the other hand, YES they can easily learn to play with the condensed rule book and the format used for the pregenerated characters.
IF you’ve looking to find out if your group likes the Essence20 rules this box is 20$ cheaper than the core rulebook and includes dice and starter GM screen. They also offer a similar box for G.I. Joe.
Getting back to the core question, do I recommend it?
Are you a brand-new GM? NO absolutely not. Personally, I think the adventures are not written in a straightforward enough way for new GM’s and are in many ways confusing.
Are you a GM that’s been running games for a while, is comfortable in “the chair”, and is willing to put in a bit of work? YES, IF the other things I mentioned above don’t bother you.
Overall, I do think it’s worth the price and I don’t regret the purchase. Do I love it? No, and I’m a fan of both Transformers and rpgs that desperately wants too. I already own the core rulebook, the large GM screen with adventure, the full hardback version of “The Time is Now”, and the cross-setting book “Field Guide to Adventure”. As of right now I don’t know if I’ll buy more Transformers Rpg books. I’m torn. Perhaps after I run “Troubled Waters” I’ll have a better idea of how I feel about the rules and the books. Will I get the G.I. Joe Beginner Box (and or if they make one for Power Rangers)? Maybe out of curiosity but there won’t be a squee.
If like the content here please also subscribe to my YouTube channel.
If you prefer to receive this newsletter via RSS feed here is the link https://nodiceleftbehind.substack.com/feed