How does one describe The Window? It is not a standard RPG, although it is labeled as such by the author. It concentrates more on mature, intelligent storytelling than dice rolling.
All attributes and skills are described with adjectives instead of numbers. Even the basic attributes are variable, and up to the Storyteller (GM) and the player to decide on. Each attribute and skill is given not only an attribute, but a particular die as well (The Window uses D4, D6, D8, D10, D12, D20, and D30). All these dice are "rungs" on the "competency ladder," making each character extremely varied in his or her skills and competency.
As I mentioned before, The Window is story-intensive, not mechanics-intensive. All mechanics such as combat, insanity, etc., are completely non-existant. The 42 pages is mainly taken up with (sometimes a bit much) preaching about the pitfalls of standard AD&D-type role-playing, as well as countless examples. The author admits that the game covers no new ground, but I feel it is presented like never before.
The nature of this game requires a lot of maturity on the part of the ST and the players, so for some people it just isn't usable. But for most, I feel, it's a refreshing change from constant dice and mechanics.
The Window is available for free from www.mimgames.com/window/. Highly recommended.
Style: 4 (Classy and well done)
Substance: 4 (Meaty)
