Nice overview of a really nice product. If you don't mind a small history lesson from an old guy who started play in the 1970s - Referee is not a copyright avoidance. It is the term 1974 D&D used. Judge is another term frequently heard in those days. Both labels are a reference to the game's roots in wargaming where the person who sets up and runs the game scenario is called the referee or judge. The terms "Dungeon Master" and "gamesmaster" came a bit later (AD&D era).

Got my physical copy a few days ago and love the rules - these rules are so flexible and very practical. The streamlined writing and art is all in keeping with an older era of 'D&D' was like. Still have yet to play this game - I'm in an OSE/B/X group now and also play in an OSCRIC/1e game. Thanks for this review!!!

As I understand it, the term “referee” was used in the earliest dungeons and dragons games, even predating D&D proper-I think they use it to evoke the old school style as opposed to avoiding it for copyright reasons

I think this would be a great intro for new players or for quick pick up game. Your overview was spot on.

Great video! The more I research and play it, the more I think OD&D (and Whitebox FMAG specifically) may be my favorite version of D&D.

I got into D&D long after this era (mid 80s and then fell in love with the RC, blah, blah, blah), but found myself ‘going backwards’ into OD&D by way of S&W…..but WB:FMAG has become my go-to in most cases! If not, it’s RISUS or Fighting Fantasy rpg iterations like Troika! or (far moreso) Spellzard! (Incidentally a game you’d likely really dig and ought to review actually). Thanks for reviewing and giving a good space to WB:FMAG as it deserves such!

12:18 - You mention 'magic missile' in the list of familiar spells included in the game; however, keen-eyed observers can see there's no magic missile in the list of spells on screen. I think this is because magic missile wasn't part of the original 1974 release of the game -- it wouldn't appear until the Greyhawk supplement the year after. So, outside the white box proper. :) For those who miss it (or who think the standard white box spell list is a bit too basic, particularly at low levels) it can be ported over from Swords & Wizardry quite easily.

Thanks for the post awesome stuff

There are also 3 cover options