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00:00:00 – 00:23:27
The video reviews the RPG game "Top Secret" published in 1980, inspired by spy classics. It discusses gameplay mechanics, character creation, combat systems, and mission structures. The narrator nostalgically highlights the game's inefficiencies but memorable qualities and mentions a Kickstarter for "Top Secret: The New World Order." The video covers a humorous portrayal of villains, campaign rules, espionage terms glossary, and RPG campaign creation guidelines. There is a focus on combat mechanics, character attributes, and the speaker's desire for bigger gaming groups but acknowledges the system's limitations for larger groups. The video concludes with an invitation for viewers to follow for updates and access to reviews early.
00:00:00
In this segment of the video, the narrator introduces the Swamp Dog Games RPG Reviews series, where they will review various games, including board games, RPGs, and video games. The focus is on the first RPG the narrator ever played, “Top Secret,” published in 1980, with a revised edition in 1981. The game was inspired by spy classics like James Bond and The Avengers. The narrator mentions a Kickstarter for “Top Secret: The New World Order” and expresses intentions to review it in the future. The game’s artwork reflects its time, and it is published by TSR, known for Dungeons and Dragons.
00:03:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker talks about a short book with 64 pages on a game that does not use the Dungeons and Dragons system but has a percentile-based mechanic. Players need to roll under a target number using a 20-sided die with specific rules on how to interpret the results. The system includes a five percent chance for critical success or failure and attributes like physical strength and charm. Rolling up characters involves various bits of knowledge and a different XP promotion system compared to original Dungeons and Dragons.
00:06:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses different agent types in the game, such as the confiscation specialist (Thief) and assassination track (Hitman). There is also mention of a 70s spy equipment list and pricing guide, highlighting the inflation over the years. The game includes a mission system with payment structures based on difficulty levels, combat reaction tables, contact reaction tables, random location tables, equipment descriptions, and a section on goons encountered during missions. The experience point system is tied to mission types, and combat is described as somewhat clunky, switching between D20 and percentile die systems with predefined engagement ranges for combat.
00:09:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses subtracting the weapons combat ability and environmental factors from your targeting capability. They explain how modifiers can impact your chances of hitting a target with specific weapons, like the Thompson machine gun. Damage in combat is determined separately for different body parts, with armor providing protection only if hit in the protected area. Hand-to-hand combat involves using tables to determine attacks and defenses based on character skills. The process involves attackers jotting down attacks and the defender choosing defenses, leading to cross-referencing for effectiveness. The system is described as clunky and discouraging hand-to-hand combat due to complex chart cross-referencing.
00:12:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the mechanics of a game system that involves defending against attacks and utilizing various weapons in hand-to-hand combat. They highlight the inconsistencies in the system, referencing the use of percentile and D20 dice. The system includes rules for reactions of guards and animals, using explosives to gain entry to places, different ammunition damage types by caliber, and various charts for different in-game actions like sneaking and sneak attacks. The system allows for importing practically any weapon by referencing basic information, although it may not accurately reflect the lethality of modern firearms.
00:15:00
In this segment, the video discusses the stereotypical scenario of a super villain explaining their plans to the hero before their demise, showcasing a humorous portrayal of a villain and the hero in an elaborate death trap. The video then transitions to discussing campaign rules for creating a tabletop RPG campaign, including character and enemy headquarters creation guidelines, appendices on character sheets, espionage organizations, and a glossary of espionage terms. The segment highlights the outdated references to terrorist organizations and emphasizes the importance of the villain explaining their plan, as depicted in classic Bond movies.
00:18:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses a short bibliography containing references used for the information presented. The bibliography includes Ian Fleming’s “Goldfinger” and various books on weapons, firearms, combat information tables, equipment information tables, and character dossiers. The video highlights the derivation of secondary and tertiary attributes from primary attributes, rolling up primary attributes, and areas of knowledge. It also mentions the availability and pricing of the top-secret RPG booklet on eBay. The speaker expresses nostalgia for the game, noting its inefficiency but memorable qualities.
00:21:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses a desire for bigger gaming groups but notes that the system is clunky for larger groups, recommending no more than three agents at a time. They mention rating the RPG highly based on personal love and nostalgia. The speaker hints at reviewing “Top Secret: The New World Order” and future modules, inviting viewers to follow them on locals.com for updates. They also mention a section for paid supporters to access reviews early. The speaker thanks viewers and concludes with a call to like, comment, and subscribe for more content.