Vs. Monsters takes place in a non-descript town somewhere in America during a time where telegraphing is still used. Its dark dingy and filled with thieves and murders. There is a road that leads to the mountains, village, and the church. I definitely get the dark feel that the author has intended when writing this game. The problem that I have is the setting is relatively small since the mountains “lock” the characters into the area of the town and on top of that it actually states that while there are telegraphs the PCs should never be allowed to use them.
The system uses cards to resolve all combat and situations. The basic mechanic is that you draw a number of cards equal to the attribute used if the highest card you draw shows a number equal to or higher than the target number you succeed. Attribute start at between 3-6 and an average target number is six. In combat the target number is equal to the defense of the monster for melee. Damage is dependant on how many cards of your attack draw are equal to or greater than the target number. For each card that is equal or higher, you draw another card and compare it to your weapons damage cap. Each card that is equal to or less than the damage cap deals one damage. The one thing about the system is that there are no rules for armor. While it is understandable seeing that the setting does not lead you to believe that armor would be used, it would have been nice for those of us looking to use the system for other purposes. The system is very simple and flexible, so it should not be hard to come up with your own armor rules if needed.
The book also includes a short description of the town, village, and mountains. It also includes a GMs section with tips on how to run VS. Monsters. There is also a nice section example monsters, along with tips on making your own monsters.
Layout is well done with nice graphics and the art is of good quality. It’s a short book, but I’m a big fan of bookmarks and VS does not have any. There is, at least, a detailed table of contents.
VS Monsters is a nice simple game perfectly suited for one shot monster bashing. It also has a system well worth mining for other applications. If you are looking for a light game or a light system for your own setting VS monsters is what you are looking for.
You can check out VS. Monsters or other Ronin Arts products @
http://www.rpgnow.com/default.php?manufacturers_id=352
great review! also worth noting that the Vs Engine (http://www.philipjreed.com/downloads/vsMEngine.zip) was released under the OGL and is vailable from Phil's site.
Roll (Deal?) yer own Vs. Goodness!