Giant Monster Rampage is a table-top wargame in which players take the role of gigantic monsters. The goal is simple, to be the monster causing the most destruction, either to surrounding buildings or to other monsters. Giant Monster Rampage is designed to employ almost any sort of monster model or toy, and is set-up to be played on a rather generous playing surface (a 4' by 4' table is recommended).
The game has a rather intensive character creation system that seems patterned after ICE's HERO system, most famously employed by the Champions superhero role-playing game. Each player is given a set number of character generation points with which to create their monster. These points can then be used to buy powers, adjust statistics or even generate additional weight and attacks. Monsters are assigned very basic 'kingdoms' from which they are derived, such broad classifications as 'reptile' or 'mecha'. A monster's kingdom will determine which powers it can purchase at a minimum of expense. A monster may pay more points to select powers from a different kingdom and there are also non-specific powers which any monster can buy at the same cost.
Rules are included for a variety of terrain effects, ranging from molten lava flows to tar pits and even underwater steam vents. Buildings and their destruction is detailed, as well as collateral damage from a failed attack against another monster. Military attacks are handled by an arbitrary roll at the beginning of a monster's phase in a turn, and can severely weaken the monster during that round of combat or, more rarely, prove highly beneficial. Combat itself is handled in a manner that seems patterned after the Warhammer or Mordheim fantasy wargames. Provision is made for monsters to be knocked down or blown back by an attack, and wounds are delivered only after managing to punch through a monster's natural Toughness statistic. Monsters, being extremely tough creatures, may even try to absorb a blow, shrugging off the effects of an attack.
A number of sample monsters are given in the back of the book, as well as a selection of alternate scenarios to try out, just to vary the game from massive free-for-alls. There are also rules that allow monsters to gain experience from their battles, which will enable them to improve their stats or possibly even acquire new powers. There are also provisions for monsters to develop lasting injuries from their wounds, injuries which will severely affect their performance in future battles until they have been removed by expending experience points on them.
All in all, Giant Monster Rampage is a simple and easy to learn table-top wargame. Character creation is far more involved than the very simple combat mechanics and even a very young player should be able to catch on to the game quite quickly. More experienced gamers will, however, find themselves making 'house rules' to allow greater complexity and a more integral form of military intervention.
Other Resources:
 The Official 'Mystic Eye Games' Site
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