This is the second Top Secret:New World Order module by New Comet Games. I participated in the Kickstarter for this and the previous module and am nothing but impressed with the quality of both. This module weighs in at around 120 pages. It contains full color art throughout and beautiful isometric-style cartography. As with their first TS:NWO release (Operation: Deep Freeze), the text layout and editing is first class. Stat blocks are clean and placed exactly where I want to see the information. The module's descriptive text (the text to be read or summarized to the agents) is boxed in blue, not only saving the admin time but also preventing them from revealing bits of information that only the Administrator is cleared for. Each encounter area leads off with one of the fantastic, full color maps and is followed up with detailed descriptions of the area. Each of these descriptions is presented with the player text and the admin notes but then continues to also include the skill checks required to find a hidden item, unlock a door, note a hidden detail, etc. These skill checks take the form of the actual attrib + tradecraft(s) + decision die along with the relevant specialities or other factors. These 'formulas' provided inline with each area allow the administrator to keep the action flowing. No need to pull out the rulebook and try to figure out the relevant die pool! There are numerous tables included as well, listing mission specific information like enemy encounter chances and more general information (defensive modifiers during combat) that keeps the admin's attention on the mission and away from the rulebook.
Operation: Arctic Blast takes the agents to three wildly different locations, each with a very different feel. This design choice really allows agents with different skills an opportunity to be in the spotlight at different points along the way. It will take a thinking team to realize when they are 'weapons free' and when the need to keep their heads down. From scuba diving to snowmobile riding (and some tropical jungle thrown in for good measure) there is something for every type of ICON agent within this mission. There is a lot of background information provided and you will want to read this from cover to cover to be able to flesh out a lot of the wonderful details included. NPC motivations and descriptions are provide to allow you to set the mood for the players. Each section of the operation provides 'exit strategies' for teams that don't succeed. This allows the team to continue on to the next chapter even if they did not complete all of the previous objectives. The action and intensity ramp up as the mission comes to a conclusion and even if the agents are successful, there are plot hooks provided for future encounters with newly-made enemies and rules for playing in cold climates.
After the Operation has been completed and the file is sealed in the archives, the admin will still return to it time and again to use the included appendicies.
New Gear!
New Vehicles!
New Weapons!
With several new items, over a dozen vehicles and more that 40 new weapons detailed! Looking for stats on a sniper rifle? How about a certain agent's PPK? They are in there listed with other handguns and long guns. And not only that, there are a dozen shotguns with stats for buckshot and birdshot for each.
This module is chock full of great things. The art, maps, and appendicies make great additions to a wide ranging, fun scenario that I think your agents will love.
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