Ok, my two cents into the conversation…

The main thing is – Do you play the game or do you play the rules?
What I mean by this is, do you get a game – SPQR for example – and play the game as written, even trying to find where you can “break” the game due to something not working out properly (playing the rules), or do you use the rules as a base, then when you and your opponent think the rule is a bit odd or doesn’t fit a certain scenario, you house-rule something you both agree on would be more realistic (playing the game). One of the things I keep telling a few of my gaming mates is “it is a game, not an accurate simulation”. The rules are a basic representation, but they can’t cover every eventuality. How many MoH or VC’s would have been won if real life was like some rule sets? Poor old Sabaton’s discography would be pitiful.

There is a company who have made a number of games and have a large following. Personally, I have enjoyed one of their games in regards to rulesets. I love their minis and would consider buying their games just for the minis, but the rules for me are by-and-large, horrible. But it is personal preference.

Don’t forget, there are countless people online who have written rules for different periods and some are free to download, some will cost. A simple google search. Don’t like FoW rules? Google 15mm WW2 rules. They may be nothing you like, but they may be something you stumble across and houserule with your group and come up with something you all like.

I think it is going to be tricky, especially for OTT, to do 100% honest reviews of rulesets… because they are being honest for themselves. They may hate a ruleset… you may get the rules and love it. How many people could be put off buying a game or rules if @warzan or @dignity say “This is a bit naff. It doesn’t work and it doesn’t make sense”. Also, how many companies will start looking at OTT and saying “Yeah, we have a new game out….. but we want this other company (who doesn’t give “honest” reviews) to look at it”. I think it is really tricky and I, for one, take reviews with a pinch of salt (no offense OTT guys). 🙂