Dark Matter takes place in the early 2000's AD Earth. It is a unique setting focusing on investigation, intrigue, and conspiracies rather than just gun fights.

This book is a great resource--from the Freemasons to the United Nations "New World Order", virtually any conspiracy or paranormal activity you can think of is probably described in this book.

It is also well organized including a good fast play adventure to introduce the setting, and a second, slighly longer, adventure at the end to get GM and players in the proper (and paranoid) mood. It includes some new skills, perks, flaws, psionics, and arcane and faith magic in addition to the great deal of history.

I was heartbroken to learn that Alternity has been cancelled by TSR, and my heartbreak was compounded once I got my hands on Dark Matter. If you are a fan of any government conspiracy, unmarked helicopter, alien abduction, bigfoot type realms, this is the campaign for you. If you aren't a fan, you will be after you read it. I'm a regular conspiracy nut, and all the biggies are covered by Baur and Cook; their research was fantastic. Also, everything from vampires to greys and sasquatches and mummies are present, and they tie into the conspiracies beautifully! If you don't buy this one, you're missing out on one of the RPG finds of a lifetime. Well done to Baur adn Cook, poorly done to TSR for the cancelation. Get it while you still can...

Who should buy this book?

If you are a fan of Science Fiction and plan to GM a science fiction game then you will find a lot of benefit from reading this book. If you are a player then DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK unless you are buying it for your GM, in which case DO NOT READ THIS BOOK. Inside are a million and one ideas for a Sci-fi game which will delight, intrigue, and possibly even frighten your players.

So what does it contain?

Lots and lots of detail is what. Ignoring the Alternity Fast Play rules for now and the small section on creating Dark Matter characters, the book is filled with descriptions, from the Hoffman Institute to loads of different conspiracies to the secret history of the world.

What else do you need?

The fast play rules are not adequate for a full camapign so the Alternity Players Guide and Gamesmaster Guide are probably essential. Otherwise all you need is your imagination (whatching the X-files, the outer limits, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer may help stimulate your imagination if decades of excellent science fiction hasn't).

Downsides?

As with any product this one isnt perfect, it assumes that the Hoffman Institute will play a part in your campaign (it does provide a small section on alternatives, though IMO the Institute is so well detailed that it would be shame not to use it in some capacity). It is also a little light on rules (though remember it is a Sourcebook rather than a Rulebook).

In Conclusion.

If you are getting tired of Fantasy or far future rpg's then this game might make a welcome change, and if played right can be a real pleasure to play. Dark Matter IMO might just be the saviour of the Alternity system (which is good news because the Alternity system is damn good).

Wolfgang Bauer is an incredible oddity, the man must be either insane or the purest form of genius. I don't believe this alone. Malcolm Green must feel the same way to have taken the time to translate this complex, hilarious, amazing piece from the well-known (at least in Europe) Austrian playwright. An out of this world journey, The Feverhead will drag you around the world, maybe even to Heaven or Hell. You might even meet ULF! Imagine it...ULF! Weird and Wacky, but extremely compelling, with twists and turns that will keep you at the tip of seat or wherever you read, this book is a treasure. Being the only in print English work of Mr. Bauer, you will feel priviliged and honored to have it in your collection to return to again and again. A book not only to read and own, but maybe even to live by.

before you read this book your grandfather will tell you that people are just like animals except animals dont have souls. then you read the feverhead. your grandfather takes a walk to the little grocery store and sees a beetle stuck on its back kicking its legs. he doesnt step on the beetle. but he doesnt turn it over either. such is the power of the feverhead. also if you set a glass of ice on top of the book, it will melt faster than if you set it in the refrigerator. one of my favorite examples of german fever literature. a must for anyone with eyes and a brain.

A necessary box for whoever like the genies. Two books,a map,six reference cards and four monster compendium sheets. You can explore the lives of the genies, have informations about their lords, a splendid description of their palaces and cities and informations about the troops, politics and secrets of every genie race. Informations go down to the temples in the streets of their cities. The first book give news about genies in Zakhara, their tribes and notable personalities (a really good point is the proper address to genies for mortals).It tells about the relationships between genies and mortals. The last section is about genie magic and how to control a wish spell. The second book is an adventure in the fabled city of brass. Is a really dangerous adventure for the master who likes to put his gamers against the efreet genies (fire genies). Last, the six reference cards make visible some good image of the city of brass. Finally, it's a really good boxed set, I think is a necessary addiction for every master who likes the genies.

This book is one of those internally generated corporate propaganda publications, in which each former corporate president or CEO is a towering, moralistic and unassailable figure. The book abounds with tales of eager employees working overtime without pay, as well as stories about shrewd corporate executives running circles around the competition. You will find a bit of general information about Boeing in this publication. But if your intent is to really learn more about this fascinating company and its history, there are far better books available on Amazon.com.