A Different Fantasy Western Setting

Fantastic Wild West is not a new idea, of course. I've been planning a game based on the old TV show Wild Wild West for years, and what is that but fantasy gone mainstream? But when my favorite miniatures YouTube channel, Boylei Hobby Time, announced that they were producing a game based on their fantasy Wild West setting, I was one of the first Kickstarter backers. I figured if nothing else, it would have awesome illustrations.

 

The game arrived last week. It exceeded my expectations by a lot. I doubt if I'll ever play the rules as written – though they are good and very much fit for the setting – but it is a super resource for any other game, such as GURPS. Honestly, I think that is unquestionably its best use.

 

The book lays out the setting with maps, history, and so forth. It details the creatures found there, which are memorable. They are what the creator has been building dioramas around for years, and I'm glad to get some stats for them. The unique technology of the setting is covered extensively, including mention of when and how it diverged from a more or less standard steampunk setting. It is a fascinating world and one I'm looking forward to exploring more deeply.

 

I got the deluxe set, which includes an excellent adventure, some really impressive injection-molded miniatures, and so on. They all match the basic rules in quality. 

 

And yes, the illustrations are indeed excellent. In addition to some very good artwork, there are photographs of the dioramas. I'm not usually excited about game art. I'd rather have more crunch. This is one of the few exceptions. 
 

Also, whether or not you get the game, I seriously recommend watching some of Boylei Hobby Time's YouTube videos. I have learned a tremendous amount from them, particularly about lighting. His Star Wars dioramas are particularly impressive.