About Reviews
In any adventure, there is much to consider. Writing adventures is a special kind of art form, with many parts: fiendish situations, memorable characters, beautiful art, clever rules, awe-inspiring maps, and so forth. Most creators share the products of their labour and imagination with the community for little or no cost, and deserve thanks and gratitude. My reviews are a small way to spotlight these creators. Below is a description of my review criteria and my star rating system.
See latest review posts here:
- Reading in the Dark
- A Dolmenwood Retrospective
- Dungeon, Inc., A First Review
- Monster, Map, and Hook Adventures
- Speedcrawls
Review Criteria
Content
Does the adventure allow for exploration, social interaction, and combat (the “three pillars”)? Does the adventure allow for player choice and agency? Are there multiple possible endings? Does it have a fantastic setting? Amazing set pieces? Are any extra rules clearly described? Is block text (read-about text) well-written? Are good adventure hooks given, if applicable?
Characters
Regarding villains, NPCs, and monsters: Does the adventure have compelling villains, NPCs, and monsters? Are their goals or motivations clearly stated? Are relevant stat blocks included? Are relevant combat tactics given?
Design
This element takes into account artwork, design, and layout: is the artwork evocative, creative, well-placed? Is the artwork available for the DM to show the players? Is it easy for the DM to navigate and pick out essential information? Is it available in an accessible version?
Cartography
Are all necessary maps included? Are they available in keyed and unkeyed versions? Are they available separately for the DM to share with the players?
Editing
Does the adventure have too much information, too little, or just right? Are there spelling mistakes or other typographical errors?
Star Ratings
One-star content just isn’t finished or ready to be released as yet – the ideas aren’t sufficiently formed for readers to be able to understand or play them.
Two-star content has good elements, but is lacking in several key aspects – for example, missing one or more of the three pillars (social interaction, exploration, or combat), missing well-crafted NPCs or villains, containing giant plot holes, missing key maps, having wildly unbalanced combats and so forth. It could also be very poorly edited or designed so that it is difficult to follow. DMs may get some good ideas, but will have real trouble using this material without very significant alterations.
Three-star content is fun, but like two-star content, it lacks essential elements. It will often have better design and editing than two-star content, but still have flaws when it comes to plot, character, player choice, or playability. DMs will have to make some significant alterations to use this material.
Four-star content is good, playable stuff. It sets the players up to make meaningful choices, has well-defined characters, an interesting set-up, balanced combat, and all necessary maps and stat blocks are present. Both cover and interior art add to the adventure. Design and layout will be competent. DMs may still have to make some smaller alterations but at this level the adventure is basically ready to play.
Five-star content stands out from the masses. Like four-star content it is ready to play. It should be free from major plot holes, linear storylines, unbalanced combat and wooden characters, and in addition, it is usually produced to a near-professional standard and may have standout additional material such as amazing music, VTT maps, 3D models, or other materials. It’s also possible to get five stars with some production problems but with truly excellent writing, fantastic art, and so forth. On the whole, DMs should be able to prep this material with little need for alteration.
