The Anthology certainly achieves its main goal: delivering information for playing more than fifteen dozen sentient species. From familiar faces like Hutts, Gungans, and Twi'lek, to Expanded Universe introductions such as the Chiss, Yuuzhan Vong, and Noghri, and showcasing unusual entries like Neti, Herglic, and Squib, this book gives more than enough choices for any curious player. This is the Ultimate Alien Anthology, though, so don't expect to see an entry on Humans. [ed: They can be found in the Revised Core Rulebook, though.]

Each race's listing provides a basic overview, usually several paragraphs, that describes the species' interaction with others, general history, and involvement in important historical events. Many also detail the status of respective species during certain periods, the Empire era being featured heavily. Beyond this, species also have information on personality, body structure and appearance, homeworld, native language, and lifespan. Example names are also shown, along with a rundown of which adventuring classes the species is most likely to develop.

Obviously, for a species to be playable it also requires game mechanics data. Species also come with a list of traits, including ability modifiers, size, speed, special bonuses and abilities, and language skills. An example is provided in a standard stat block format of a commoner from each species. Some are also associated with special gear, such as a Kel Dor breathing apparatus.

Even the most ardent Star Wars fan is unlikely to be able to remember all of the races contained in the Ultimate Alien Anthology. Every few pages, there is a depiction of four species whose listings are nearby against a height chart, sometimes with amusing reactions to each other. This inclusion does a good job of assisting more visually-oriented players, who might understand that a Kushiban is basically a large, slightly anthropomorphic rabbit, but may still want a real picture to cement the notion. The covers themselves are adorned with several species; the front features a Nautolan Jedi, probably Kit Fisto.

In addition to the species themselves, a few more sections are also found in the Anthology. More than half a dozen prestige classes are presented, some taking advantage of alien morphology like wings. Over a dozen feats are given as well, some taking advantage of certain species' greater limb count, for instance. Finally, there is a short treatment of including Yuuzhan Vong in your campaign, for those who wish to include the extra-galactic menace.

Closing Comments
The aim of this book is to give Star Wars players a huge selection of playable species to enhance the variety of the game. Without a doubt, the Anthology accomplishes this goal. There are a couple of problems with the book, in the relative lack of differences between many species' attributes and the lack of interesting special abilities. The first stems from a central issue out of the writers' control, though: the nature of the d20 attribute system. The second is correctable by any gaming group with enough imagination, as long as game balance is maintained.

Negativity aside, the Anthology is a good buy for players wishing to expand the scope of their Star Wars campaigns. Any sufficiently creative roleplaying group should be able to make up for the book's slight gaps, especially those familiar with Star Wars in general. Even those unfamiliar can have a fun time playing species as they are, or adding fantasic elements. After all, roleplaying is fantasy, and should not be bound to the limits of reality... but then, what part of Star Wars is? Explore, create, and enjoy.

-The Wizard
"In my experience, the most bizarre-looking beings are the worst ones to gawk at, leastwise if you value your current good health."