Item - Appointment with F.E.A.R.

This book isn't the best entry in FF, but I find it the most fascinating.

You are a superhero, the Silver Crusader, working to stop the villains of the Federation of Euro-American Rebels.

I agree with other reviewers that the Hero Points are a useless stat, there is a logical problem with combat, and that superheroes aren't interesting to everyone.

(The problem with the combat system is that the player character isn't supposed to kill villains and the winning text assumes that the villain is alive, but if you do kill them it doesn't matter. However, not killing them is easier than killing them.)

There are many good ideas:

• The Reincarnation could fit into other FF books.
• The equipment list being replaced by powers means that you have less to remember.
• You can buy The Warlock of Firetop Mountain!
• The thought of fighting in public facilities is funny.
• Violence isn't the only answer, as the Tormentor can find out.
• The main villain appears early (I won't spoil it by telling you where), showing that he doesn't just hide in his lair.
• The Mantrapper has a way of making everyday things scary.
• You can see that not everyone likes the Silver Crusader.
• There are many more villains other than the ones you meet, opening room for sequels (there is a mini-FF).

The Clue system changes the location of the final encounter based on circumstances. I admit that it's odd that FEAR would set up a meeting in a way that you can defeat them, but there we are.

The secret identity of the Silver Crusader can be exposed, a risk for all superheroes, but maybe the SC gives up too easily.

The other thing I like is the insight into the lifestyle of 1985, seeing how much is different, yet how much is the same.

More reviews by R-Alex-J