MADS Rpg Review

Hey all!

I have been going through my rather large file of PDF's and decided it was time to do a review of a lesser-known game that I enjoy.

MADS, which stands for Mental-Attack-Defense-Skill is, at its base, a system designed to allow players to use characters from different games/genres to play together in a single system.  It is a simple set of mechanics that does its prescribed job well-enough although I prefer its original character-generation rules and system to converting characters over.

Created by Al Seeger of Point of Insanity Games, MADS has a series of 'expansions' designed more around expanding the original rules than in converting more characters over, although that remains a key feature to the game.  Everything from modern day martial-arts action to fantasy to super-hero ideas are presented in the various add-ons.

Al has also created a some system agnostic systems that have separate, but free, write ups for MADS.  My favorite of the original settings is the post-modern/apocalyptic setting called Afterpeak.  It is a setting that describes a world after a series of catastrophes and events that shape a desolate and dangerous world.  In addition to a good amount of setting information it also contains a new way of using magic in the setting as well as a bestiary of creatures unique to the setting.

I am looking forward to more products in this line and would be lying if I didn't say I have been inspired by more than one of the ideas presented in the system.  While not every idea presented is totally new there are enough twists to keep things interesting and make it an enjoyable read.

As always, thanks for taking the time to read this!