Last week I picked up the World’s Greatest Screen Mini edition from Hammerdog Games in order to give it a test drive. Hammerdog is well-known for the original World’s Greatest Screen in both portrait and landscape formats. As I tend to purchase the official GM screens for RPGs that I play, I had not really considered a customizable screen until recently.
With both the Fantasy Age roleplaying game and Titansgrave setting book begging for a playtest, I figured there was no better time to try out the World’s Greatest Screen as there isn’t an official screen for these games yet.
Rather than get one of the larger form factors, I decided to try out the Mini version. This Mini GM screen has six 4×6″ portrait pockets on it — it holds a ton of information despite the smaller size.
So why the Mini?
Well, one of my major points of contention with the typical GM screen is the screen height. With the typical screen coming in at 11 inches tall, I often zxfeel removed from my players, as if there is a giant wall in front of us (which there kinda is).
My goal in purchasing the Mini screen was to have the information I needed close by, but without creating separation from my players.
In this regard, the World’s Greatest Screen - Mini did everything I could have hoped.
The World’s Greatest Screen - Mini ready for play
Here’s the basic features of this screen according to the Hammerdog Games website:
- 6 sturdy panels/12 pockets
- Fits 4″ x 6″ index cards, post cards, and photos printed tall.
- Can stand tall, lay flat, or be folded into a mini easel/character tent.
- Write on it with wet erase markers.
- Add your own inserts.
- Available in white.
I used Pages (Apple) to create my inserts, then printed them out on 4″x6″ index cards. The cards were are pretty tight fit at first. Once I inserted and removed my custom cards a few times the pockets loosened up and putting the cards in became much easier.
HINT: Shaving a sliver off the side of your index cards (1/8″ or so) makes them much easier to get into the pocket.
Once the screen gets broken in a bit more, I can see myself changing out the pocket contents with maps, stat blocks and notes as the encounters change. As the screen is wet erase marker compatible, I may also look into creating a simple initiative tracker insert. I can then write the order on the outside of the clear pocket as each encounter unfolds.
I snagged some artwork off the net to help my players get into the spirit of the game, and included breakdowns of the Major, Minor and Variable Actions for their reference. You could put all artwork on the player side of the screen, or fill it with reference materials for their use.
Here’s the front side of my screen:
I really like the idea of having both sides of the screen provide utility, especially when players are new to a system!
The full-sized version of the World’s Greatest Screen opens up some additional possibilities as well. Use it with the Pathfinder Combat Pad to handle initiative. Simply slip the Combat Pad into a free pocket, then list the names of heroes and foes on the included magnets using a wet or dry erase marker. Place them in initiative order. When the order changes, simply slide the magnets to their new places.
If you are in the market for a fully customizable game screen, the World’s Greatest Screen is perfect for RPGs or any game where you have to track a lot of information. I heartily recommend it.
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