The Inside Scoop on Gaming

The 3rd Edition PH has a lot to live up to. With all D&D players one thing you have to watch out for is change. With D&D having been a long time staple and starting ground for most role-players this new edition must have seemed daunting to the creators. However, regardless of the barrier WotC pulled it off. By overwhelming the players with so many game mechanics that were sorely needed in the 2nd edition, and adding new and creative ways to play the game we all love. The following is a breakdown of the book;

Cost - only $20? Since such a large print run was done of these 224 page books and WotC needed to break the transition barrier between 2nd and 3rd edition, they decided to provide you this book at the very reasonable price of only $20, Kudos WotC.

Originality - the D20 system is different from everything in the gaming market, but it also is very similar to that of Ars Magica. the main difference is Ars Magica uses a D10 instead of a D20. The spells are mostly the same but have been ingeniously re-written to keep players from abusing loosely worded spells. The new Domain system for divine spells makes cleric actually an interesting class to play again. The new sorcerer gives players a class that doesn't have to memorize spells but is not as versatile and powerful as the wizard.

Playability - With the new skill system decided by a D20 roll and a bonus, this makes role-playing a breeze. the new feat system gives originality back to characters and something for the role-players to constantly tinker with for their own games. The combat system is very well put together but despite WotC attempt to not require a gaming mat and figures, it is difficult to pull off a smooth combat out without them.

Sturdiness - WotC went all out on this one, the way I carry around books like luggage all over the place I am surprised it isn't falling apart on me. the color is still glossy and the book still keeps its symmetrical shape intact.

Visual Appeal - What can I say, this book is beautiful. the combination of the jewels, sword, and book instantly give the feel of an old tome from a fantasy realm. Every page has an ornate border that unifies the book together seamlessly. some pages have a look like a piece of graph paper to give players that pen and paper game feel. the visual appearance helps you to overlook any typographical errors that might be scrutinized normally.

Style: 5 (Excellent!)
Substance: 4 (Meaty)

Topics	Author	Date	Latest Reply
Originality? How? (1) new	Chaos Voyager	11-13-2000 17:56	11-13-2000 17:56 new
Original? Not quite ... (1) new	Christoph Koegl	11-13-2000 03:23	11-13-2000 03:23 new

Dungeons & Dragons Player's Handbook, 3rd Edition
Author: Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook and Skkp Williams Category: game Company/Publisher: Wizards of the Coast Line: D&D Cost: $20.00 Page count: 288 insert ISBN: 0-7869-1550-1 SKU: TSR11550 Capsule Review by Quentin Schilling on 10/26/00. Genre tags: Fantasy	The 3rd Edition PH has a lot to live up to. With all D&D players one thing you have to watch out for is change. With D&D having been a long time staple and starting ground for most role-players this new edition must have seemed daunting to the creators. However, regardless of the barrier WotC pulled it off. By overwhelming the players with so many game mechanics that were sorely needed in the 2nd edition, and adding new and creative ways to play the game we all love. The following is a breakdown of the book; Cost - only $20? Since such a large print run was done of these 224 page books and WotC needed to break the transition barrier between 2nd and 3rd edition, they decided to provide you this book at the very reasonable price of only $20, Kudos WotC. Originality - the D20 system is different from everything in the gaming market, but it also is very similar to that of Ars Magica. the main difference is Ars Magica uses a D10 instead of a D20. The spells are mostly the same but have been ingeniously re-written to keep players from abusing loosely worded spells. The new Domain system for divine spells makes cleric actually an interesting class to play again. The new sorcerer gives players a class that doesn't have to memorize spells but is not as versatile and powerful as the wizard. Playability - With the new skill system decided by a D20 roll and a bonus, this makes role-playing a breeze. the new feat system gives originality back to characters and something for the role-players to constantly tinker with for their own games. The combat system is very well put together but despite WotC attempt to not require a gaming mat and figures, it is difficult to pull off a smooth combat out without them. Sturdiness - WotC went all out on this one, the way I carry around books like luggage all over the place I am surprised it isn't falling apart on me. the color is still glossy and the book still keeps its symmetrical shape intact. Visual Appeal - What can I say, this book is beautiful. the combination of the jewels, sword, and book instantly give the feel of an old tome from a fantasy realm. Every page has an ornate border that unifies the book together seamlessly. some pages have a look like a piece of graph paper to give players that pen and paper game feel. the visual appearance helps you to overlook any typographical errors that might be scrutinized normally. Style: 5 (Excellent!) Substance: 4 (Meaty)

Dungeons & Dragons Player's Handbook, 3rd Edition