I backed the Kickstarter on this one and glad I did. Not only is it for Swords & Wizardry, it’s just down right pretty cool.

Majestic Fantasy is basically a free standing game that is compatible with Swords & Wizardry. So you’ve got a slew of adventures that you could use with it. But it does have it’s own set of additional rules that add a whole lot of flavor to the game. It uses only the four basic classes but with a skill system added on there isn’t that much need for the other common classes. So yes. It does have a skill system. I know some don’t think it’s very “old-school” to have skills but if done like it is here then it isn’t as much as a burden as it is in 3.x. Races, equipment, monsters, and spells are all pretty much handled the standard way. Now, there are rules for ritual casting of spells which are clean, simple, and a very good addition.

The other area where this game stands out is the Combat chapter. A lot more options are added onto the standard Swords & Wizardry rules as well as some good variations. Like the skills (Abilities as they are called), the new combat rules are simple and still add some flavor to the standard rules. The Crit rules are pretty good allowing for a whole butt load of damage on rolls of multiple Natural 20’s. And rules for Combat Stunts and Grappling are another of those nice additions.

Overall, the game has a clean and easy to read layout. These aged eyes are grateful. This just may be my opinion but more publishers should make rule books more to be reference books to be used at the table rather than a coffee table book to Ooh and Ahh over.

This is a welcome addition to my library and I’ll be really happy when my hard copy hits the mail box. If you didn’t back this and you play Swords & Wizardry then you should grab this one up as quickly as possible. If play another of the old-school game then still grab it up for ideas and inspiration to add to your game. It’s worth the price of admission.

You can grab the Majestic Fantasy Basic Rules on DrivethruRPG. And there’s some nice rules reference cards for the Basic Rules and Swords & Wizardry. Those are going to be so handy at the table. Check those out too.