This is one more hack that pulls what they think is good from the white and black hacks and then adds a few things of it's own. There are a few things I see here that I don't see in other hacks. Macchiato Monsters ZERO does not have classes per say (I like that), and encourages you to tune characters by selecting desired abilities. Being able to add one attribute point per level seems high to other reviewer and my players, but the characters that do so are giving up extra attacks, hit points, spells and traits. Since you have to pick your level up benefits, you aren't really getting anything for free.

I tried using the combat training, but rather than the die type setting the weapon type that can be used, it degressed into just the damage done by that character. So a character with combat training d6 uses a mace at d6 and if their combat training goes to d8, that same mace is d8 and so on. This cuts down on the constant arms race shopping.

Of all the hacks, I like the magic system here, but the rules for setting spell's hit point cost seems a little hand waivey. I tell my players that a base spell is something like 1. instant 2. touch 3. d6 damage. This amounts to a d6 flaming touch. If they want more duration, range, or damage, they have to add more hit points. This concept is hard for my OD&D fans, because they still have it in their heads about regaining only 1hp per day. The characters can improve a spell on level up and can then increase duration, range or damage and keep it at the same hit point cost. I really like that a spell can be described as a "fire spell" and be used to create flaming hand, fire ball, column of fire, flame beam or whatever is needed and just adjust the cost.

I'm torn on the armor damage reduction. I like that it's variable and it's easy for me to visualize why it doesn't reduce the same damage all the time. I think the degredation rule is pretty harsh, and would definately encourage players to end the battle as soon as possible. If I used as it, i'd probably just degrate on a 1, maybe 1-2 for easy mode then 1-3 for hard mode.

It was worth the price for the parts that I use in my own hack, but I don't use these rules as written. I see it as an outline with some good ideas.