Dungeons & Dragons 4th Edition Core Rulebook Collection [Box set] [Hardcover]

This boxed set of the first three core rule books for 4th Edition Dungeons & Dragons is great for anyone looking to run thier own game. You only need this set if you plan on being the Dungeon Master, a.k.a. "DM". Otherwise you should look into picking up just the Player's Handbook. This new 4th Edition of the game streamlines the whole experience and focuses on making the game more fun and less about micro-managing your numbers and stats. The newly designed books are easier to read and find what you are looking for. The Player's Handbook now has a section for Magic Items, which used to be exclussively found in the DM's Guide. As good as the Player's Handbook is, the Dungeon Master's Guide is a well rounded book explaining everything you need to run a fun game and answer any questions or problems you may encounter. Finally the Monster Manuel is a wonderful addition to this set. Listing hundreds of monster with full color layouts and background and tactics, you can make any game night one filled with adventure and montrous battles. I would say that this new version of the game runs very well, but for those who truly liked the feel of the older games, you need to know that this is a newer version that may feel different to some, or a return to it's former glory to others. It is very easy now to pick up and play, and even people who may have been put off by earlier games will probably find something to like here. I can't recommend it enough. I just want to add that I still play AD&D 2nd edition and D&D 3E with my groups, and 4th Edition has won a place at on our game nights.

Like all core books of dungeons and dragons this one did not disappoint. If you have seen a core book before do not expect anything different from the Formula used by Wizards for Dungeons and Dragons. Only disappoinment was the 4th edition ruleset itself.

Now that the 5th edition of D&D has been announced I finally decided to purchase this box-set. I bought it mostly because I am completist, not because I ever planned on playing it. The plans of Mice and Men -- I have had the opportunity to play the 4th edition and much to my surprise, I enjoyed it. I found the colour scheme and layout of the books somewhat confusing at first, but I have grown to see how at the table they are useful. This edition of D&D definitely has its roots in the video-game era and if you accept that from the outset, 4th edition is definitely fun. And in the final analysis what better gauge is there for the success of a game?