This game was truely a breath of fresh air. I picked it up at Gen Con 99, and I admit I was truely skeptical. A new system, from a new company, that seemed to actually need my business? Hmmm... But, after overlooking the awful comb-binding, the game itself is one of the best out there.

The combat system blew me away, as it actually went by as combat should - fast! It wasn't "roll this, now roll this, now roll this, and then roll this again." Two rolls. One from you and one from them. Higher # won.

The magic system also hit me where I wanted it to. I didn't have to worry about what spells I could cast again, and which spells would do what damage. The direct damage spells all had adjustible damage, based on how many MP you pumped into it. You could cast any spell that you had the experience for (ie. spell level), and you had to have the certain magic book.

They also had some new and interesting races that I've never seen before. Such as the Frivik, who has to sing all his dialog (you just try and role-play that out!), and the inherintly evil dakhan (FUN!). They also give you the option of playing our most favorite of baddies, the orc!

The only thing that I saw as lacking was the background information. While their section on the gods and religions was quite well done, the information on the cities and lands of the game world were in their GM's guide, the "God" Guide. While I picked up that book, too, the lands info would have been better suited for the Tome of Rules.

My last point is that they said when I was buying the books that their website was used for game reference, as opposed to merely a big cybercommercial. They have tons of background stuff available, and add to it on a regular basis. They even offer the chance to the players to add their personal stuff to the system! I'd like to see TSR do that one...

All in all, this was a great and enjoyable system to play. It seemed well thought out, and quite to the point. I would recommend anyone this system.

Style: 5 (Excellent!)
Substance: 4 (Meaty)