Pinnacle Entertainment Group: The Ultimate Guide

Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the world of Pinnacle Entertainment Group! If you're even remotely interested in tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs), then you've probably heard of these guys. They're like, the masters of fast, furious, and fun gameplay. We're going to explore everything about them, from their history to their most popular games, and even some cool facts you might not know. Buckle up, it's gonna be a wild ride!

What is Pinnacle Entertainment Group?

So, what exactly is Pinnacle Entertainment Group? Well, at its core, it's a game publishing company. But they're not just any game publisher. They're the brains behind the Savage Worlds game system, a versatile and rules-light system that's become a favorite for many gamers worldwide. Think of Pinnacle Entertainment Group as the cool kids on the block who aren't afraid to break the mold and make gaming accessible and exciting for everyone. Founded by Shane Lacy Hensley, the company has been around since 1994, consistently putting out high-quality, innovative, and engaging content that keeps players coming back for more.

What makes Pinnacle Entertainment Group stand out is their commitment to creating games that are easy to learn but difficult to master. Savage Worlds achieves this by using a dice pool mechanic where players roll different dice types (d4, d6, d8, etc.) and try to exceed a target number. The twist? Every character has a 'Wild Die' (a d6) that can explode, adding even more unpredictability and excitement to the game. This unique approach has garnered them a loyal following and numerous accolades in the gaming industry. Besides Savage Worlds, Pinnacle Entertainment Group has also published several popular settings and games, including Deadlands, a weird west horror setting, and Weird Wars, which brings supernatural elements into historical conflicts. Their knack for blending genres and creating immersive worlds has solidified their reputation as innovators in the TTRPG space. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just starting out, Pinnacle Entertainment Group offers something for everyone. Their games are designed to be inclusive, fast-paced, and, most importantly, fun. This makes them a great choice for both casual and hardcore gamers who are looking for a unique and thrilling experience. The focus on storytelling and character development, combined with streamlined rules, ensures that players spend more time engaging with the narrative and less time bogged down in complex mechanics.

The Savage Worlds System Explained

Let’s talk about Savage Worlds. This is the engine that powers most of Pinnacle Entertainment Group's games. The Savage Worlds system is designed for speed and flexibility. It's all about getting into the action quickly and letting the story unfold organically. This system shines in its adaptability. You can use Savage Worlds to run virtually any kind of game, from gritty cyberpunk to high fantasy, and even historical settings with a twist. Savage Worlds focuses on streamlined mechanics that keep the game moving without sacrificing depth. One of the core elements is the use of different dice types to represent character skills and attributes. Instead of adding static modifiers, players roll dice to determine success, adding an element of chance and excitement. A character with a higher skill level rolls a larger die (e.g., d10 or d12), increasing their chances of success. This simple yet effective system allows for a wide range of character abilities and ensures that every roll has the potential for dramatic outcomes.

The Savage Worlds system also utilizes Edges and Hindrances to further customize characters. Edges are special abilities or talents that give characters an advantage, while Hindrances are flaws or weaknesses that add depth and complexity. These elements not only affect gameplay but also encourage players to develop rich and engaging backstories for their characters. Furthermore, the use of Bennies adds another layer of player agency. Bennies are tokens that can be spent to reroll dice, soak damage, or even influence the narrative. This mechanic allows players to take control of their character's fate and adds an element of strategic decision-making to the game. The rules-light nature of Savage Worlds makes it easy for new players to pick up, while the depth and customization options keep veteran gamers engaged. The system encourages creativity and improvisation, making it a fantastic choice for groups that enjoy collaborative storytelling. Pinnacle Entertainment Group has continually refined and updated Savage Worlds over the years, ensuring that it remains a relevant and dynamic system in the ever-evolving landscape of tabletop role-playing games.

Must-Play Games from Pinnacle Entertainment Group

Alright, now for the fun part: let's check out some must-play games from Pinnacle Entertainment Group. Each of these games showcases the versatility and creativity that Pinnacle Entertainment Group brings to the table. From the weird west to alternate history, there's something for every gamer to enjoy. These are just a few of the incredible settings Pinnacle Entertainment Group has brought to life, each offering unique adventures and unforgettable stories.

Deadlands

First up, we have Deadlands. Imagine the Wild West, but with zombies, mad scientists, and ancient evils. That's Deadlands in a nutshell. Deadlands is one of Pinnacle Entertainment Group's flagship settings, blending the classic Western genre with elements of horror, steampunk, and the supernatural. Set in an alternate 1870s America, Deadlands plunges players into a world where the Civil War never truly ended, and dark forces are stirring beneath the surface. The game combines the rugged frontier life with spine-chilling monsters and mad science, creating a truly unique and immersive experience. One of the most compelling aspects of Deadlands is its rich and detailed setting. The game features iconic Western locations twisted by supernatural events, from haunted ghost towns to sprawling railways infested with undead creatures. Players can take on the roles of gunslingers, shamans, scientists, or even blessed individuals, each with their own unique abilities and motivations. The setting is steeped in lore and history, providing ample opportunities for adventure and exploration. In Deadlands, players must contend not only with bandits and outlaws but also with terrifying creatures like Revenants, Harrowed, and abominations created by twisted experiments. The game master (or Marshal, as they're called in Deadlands) has a wealth of resources to draw upon, including detailed bestiaries, plot hooks, and story arcs. This allows for endless possibilities, whether the players are investigating strange occurrences in a remote town or embarking on a quest to stop a powerful supernatural threat. The blend of Western themes and horror elements creates a sense of constant danger and suspense, making every session a thrilling experience. Deadlands has spawned numerous editions, supplements, and spin-offs, each adding to the richness and depth of the setting. Whether you're a fan of Westerns, horror, or both, Deadlands offers a unique and unforgettable gaming experience. It's a testament to Pinnacle Entertainment Group's ability to create immersive worlds that captivate and terrify players in equal measure.

Weird Wars

Next on the list is Weird Wars. What if World War II had zombies and mythical creatures? Weird Wars takes historical conflicts and adds a healthy dose of the supernatural. Weird Wars is a series of settings that bring supernatural elements to historical conflicts. Imagine battling Nazis while also fending off hordes of zombies or facing off against mythical creatures on the battlefields of World War I. This series combines the gritty realism of historical warfare with the fantastical elements of horror and fantasy, creating a truly unique and thrilling gaming experience. One of the defining characteristics of Weird Wars is its commitment to historical accuracy while also embracing the bizarre and otherworldly. The settings are meticulously researched to ensure that the historical context is authentic, adding depth and credibility to the game. At the same time, the inclusion of supernatural elements elevates the stakes and introduces new challenges for players to overcome. Players can take on the roles of soldiers, spies, or even individuals with unique supernatural abilities, each contributing to the war effort in their own way. The settings in Weird Wars are diverse, ranging from the trenches of World War I to the battlefields of World War II and beyond. Each setting offers its own unique challenges and opportunities, from fighting alongside allied forces against Nazi occultists to investigating strange occurrences in war-torn villages. The game master has a wealth of resources to draw upon, including historical documents, maps, and detailed descriptions of the supernatural threats that players will encounter. The combination of historical accuracy and supernatural elements creates a sense of immersion and suspense, making every session a memorable experience. Weird Wars is a testament to Pinnacle Entertainment Group's ability to blend genres and create engaging narratives that captivate players. Whether you're a history buff, a fan of the supernatural, or both, Weird Wars offers a unique and thrilling gaming experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Rippers

Another gem is Rippers. Victorian England, but with monsters and monster hunters. Rippers is a gothic horror setting where players take on the roles of monster hunters in Victorian England. Rippers is a thrilling gothic horror setting that transports players to Victorian England, where they take on the roles of monster hunters. In this world, the infamous Jack the Ripper was just the tip of the iceberg, as all sorts of monstrous creatures lurk in the shadows, preying on the unsuspecting populace. Players join the ranks of the Rippers, a secret society dedicated to hunting down these creatures and protecting humanity from the encroaching darkness. One of the most compelling aspects of Rippers is its rich and atmospheric setting. Victorian England is brought to life with meticulous detail, from the gaslit streets of London to the eerie countryside estates. The game master has a wealth of resources to draw upon, including historical documents, maps, and descriptions of the various monsters that players will encounter. The combination of historical accuracy and gothic horror elements creates a sense of immersion and suspense, making every session a thrilling experience. Players in Rippers are not just ordinary monster hunters; they possess a unique ability to extract the essence of the monsters they defeat and use it to enhance their own abilities. This process, known as