Books Dungeons and Dragons Core Rulebook Gift Set, 4th Edition
Books and Publications Average Rating:

Rating: - An improvement over "game-play"
Definitively this new edition is a big improvement on the gameplay mechanics, from both the player and DM perspectives. Fighter players love to have more options now (not just the Wizards), all characters classes are enjoyable, and for the DM is much easier to prepare encounters.

It does not affect role-playing at all, it is still D&D, the books just not make rules to cover everything, only the areas where rules are actually needed to be.

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Rating: - Great Deal
A very good bargain. Beautiful books. Easy to use and very user friendly. I definitely recommend them.

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Rating: - Good Quality Publication
Everyone enjoys gaming in different ways. I won't cast my opinion on the rules content of 4th edition, but what I will say is that this three-volume set is very well made. The sleeve is nice and sturdy, and the books are exactly the same as the individually-purchased books. Definately a much better value than just paying coverprice. The only thing that would have made this a super awesome item, would have been if the sleeve had a closing flap, and a carrying strap. If you are thinking about buying the 4th edition set, check WOTC's website. They have already (as of August 26, 2008) posted 20+ pages of errata for these books (mostly Player's Handbook (PHB)). You may want to see if they are going to start publishing books with this errata already included.

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Rating: - Can I get a Refund Please?
The game specifically said Dungeons & Dragons ... it strayed way away from the flavor of the original. Unlike other reviewers, I found the tie-ins to MMOs to be very annoying.

The 4e system killed my favorite thing to do in D&D, Multi-class. I, as a player, ruled (in my humble opinion) at making outstanding multi-class characters. I was (and am still) never satisfied with cookie-cutter classes that limit my play options. Truth be told, I would rather go back to 2nd Edition Multi-class rules ... much more fun.

A lot of the writing in the books especially the DMG seemed to be written for people who had never played the game. And the authors liked to talk down to their readers. Did they not care if they got their old customers base back?

I guess I'll check to see how many used Gift Sets are for sale, I've got one I'd REALLY like to unload.