4.5/5 Deducting half a star only for the lack of quick-reference sheets and the inevitable Basic Set requirement. But for what it aims to be? Flawless.

Sidebars explain why a rule exists. For example, why is bronze armor heavier than steel for the same DR? Because bronze needs more thickness. That kind of transparency helps GMs justify rulings on the fly.

Armor layering is handled brilliantly. You can wear a padded jack under mail under a coat of plates, but the rules track weight, cost, and DX penalties incrementally. It’s crunchy—but for players who love tactical gear choices, it’s gold.