For those who are new to tabletop RPGs and to roleplaying in general, it may seem like there isn’t much involved in creating a scenario/session. What they don’t realize is that it takes both DM/GM and their players collaborating and working together in order to make the game a fun and memorable time. And that in of itself can be pretty difficult for even the most seasoned players and DMs/GMs. But fear not, James D’Amato is back once again with another ultimate book to help roleplay the best campaign ever, no matter what game it is. This is The Ultimate RPG Gameplay Guide.
Much like his last book, The Ultimate RPG Character Backstory Guide (which you can read the review here, and was also on last year’s last minuet gift guide), The Ultimate RPG Gameplay Guide is a guide to help not only DMs/GMs run a smooth and fun game, but also helps players learn to interact more with the story and how to help push it along. See most people think that the DM/GM is the sole one in charge of telling the story, setting up the encounters and is in charge of the world building. And yes the DM/GM has a hand in all of this, but its the players that interact with the world, it is them that decided how the story will turn out. They add flavor to an already flavorful soup. And this guide helps both DM/GM and players in achieving this.
Much like the Character Backstory Guide, The Ultimate RPG Gameplay Guide is full of activities, examples and exercises that help enhance your experience. Who knew that using a particular voice for a character than your normal speaking voice would immerse you even more into the game. Or that adding imagery could enhance what players see in their mind. Or (and this one was my favorite chapter) that by looking for trouble/getting into trouble that it can lead to several other alternative encounters and solutions that not even the DM/GM have thought of. When you think about it, it takes a lot of collaboration between the DM/GM and the players in order to not only to build the world around them but to have fun while doing it. And that’s what The Ultimate RPG Gameplay Guide does with its exercises and activities.
The Ultimate RPG Gameplay Guide is a great tool in any DM/GM and players library. Paired with the The Ultimate RPG Character Backstory Guide and you have two great resources to refer to in order to create a great campaign.
