Rating: ![1 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-1-0.gif) Summary: a shameless rip off Review: They have altered the monk slightly, revamped the ranger and improved the bard. They clarified a few things in the combat system and altered a few spell durations. Other than that its the same book. Basicly the changes amount to the "house rules" that most DMs make up when they play. In no way is it worth shelling out the full price for some minor fixes that could have been published in an issue of Dragon Magazine.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: Best Yet Review: I hope that these reviews don't become a "we don't need a 3.5" forum as this is a REVIEW but it is bound to happen. I for one like the revision that has been released. There were some great rule clarification issues that have been added to this version such as the extensive combat chapter as well as better spell and skill descriptions. 3.0 was such a change from Second Edition that they were bound to need a revision in the future anyway. What would you rather have, new revised core books or supplimental books that directly contridict the core books (that is what happened to 2nd Edition). I am glad that Wizards of the Coast is trying to make this game as playable as possible with these new revisions. And just in case you think they are into this only for the money than why do they offer so many free articles and downloads on their website? I am glad they have improved the game I have played since 1st edition...boy has it come a long way.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: Excellent Upgrade Review: This book does a good job in explaining the finer points of the third edition. There are more charts, the ranger class has been tweaked, and the pictures help out with movement, line of sight, and opportunity attacks. Partial actions have been removed so no more confusion there. For a group that goes by the letter of the rules, this book is a big plus!
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: Worth every penny! Review: There will always be those who resent the fact that WOTC and its parent company are there to turn a profit. Get over it - they're a business. So long as the product is original and of good quality, they're doing just fine.As far as version 3.5 goes, they deserve every penny. While there are quite a few new features, the new player's handbook is worth it for the revised/reworded combat chapter alone (chapter 8), which is much clearer, much more easy to understand, and gracefully incorporates charts and miniatures without forcing them on DM or player. Our group finally understands - and will enjoy using - dozens of combat nuances we just looked at in bafflement in 3.0. The character classes have been tweaked to give a cleaner balance between them, and a lot of attention has been given to one of the more slighted - the ranger, who finally emerges from the shadows of being a sort of fighter variant to shine in his own right. Tabletop RPGs are notoriously expensive hobbies. Core books cost. And 3rd Edition does work just fine. But if you can afford them, the 3.5's will both simplify and enrich your game.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: Still a great book Review: I like the idea of any occassional update on the core books. However, I can see why some players hate to spend more money to buy the core book. If you like playing Rangers or other sub-par classes, you defintitely want to pick up this book. Also, if you thought that the skills system in 3.0 needed fixing, here you go. However, if you only play your traditional cleric/fighter/rogue/thief or are short of funds, you can safely skip buying this book. The book is definitely an improvement, but one you can wait on.
Rating: ![1 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-1-0.gif) Summary: The Wizards money-(...) machine Review: After borrowing the Third Edition Player's Handbook from other gamers, I decided to get my own--and then I found out that Wizards was coming out with this Version 3.5. So I decided to hold onto my money until it came out. ... I think the new charts are a bit nicer/more organized, especially the huge Feats chart. And it seems that some classes, such as Monks, have been tweaked a bit (now you can do Flurry of Blows with weapons)...yet the Spells have also been tweaked (the Shield spell only provides a +4 bonus to AC now). Also, 3.5 does not point out the new changes throughout the book...I guess if you have read the old Handbook, you would know the changes anyway, or if you were a newcomer it wouldn't matter what the new changes were in the first place. But dangit, now we have to learn stuff all over again!!!...
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: D&D--better, stronger, faster Review: Like the Six Million Dollar Man, the 3.5 PHB is much the same as the 3E PHB--but better, stronger, and faster. Highlights: * All classes get some kind of new ability most every level, for levels 1-10 (spell, feat, new ability, or improvement of existing ability) * Ranger is less of a Fighter with Track and TWF, more of a unique class of its own; 6 skill points/level, d8 hit die, gains (revised) Endurance feat free, can progress along TWF or Ranged combat paths (light armor only), gains Aragorn-like abilities (like Fast Tracking) * Bards can cast bard spells in Light armor, lose medium armor proficiency, gain 6 skill points/level, gain proficiency in all bard weapons, gain new Bard spells * Many spells fixed (Harm, Heal, Haste, 2nd level stat buff spells) * Familiar bonuses streamlined and standardized * Paladin Horse is now summonable and dismissable, solving the problem of "What do I do with this big Paladin Horse during underwater adventures, teleports, dungeons, etc?" * More feats and expanded feats, including Weapon Finesse granting Dex bonus to-hit for *all* finessable weapons * Revised skills: more skill synergies, rules for using Knowledge skills to learn about monsters, using Intimidate in combat, Bluff in combat is opposed by BAB * Better Combat section: streamlined Cover rules (only three degrees of cover: full, partial, none), clarified AoO rules, better diagrams At the end of the day, this is simply a much more user-friendly (and thus more fun) version of the game you're currently playing.
Rating: ![4 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-4-0.gif) Summary: The 3.5 "Revision" Review: Now, I am not going to say that they needed a 3.5 edition. I am going to say that a revision does seem to make the classes and their abilities more balanced (by making some weaker and a few stronger). Monsters are much more powerful in general terms. Also, there is a lot more helpful information included in the books, especially in the DM's Guide. The Player's Handbook has interesting, more-balanced abilities, spells and supposedly updated material. I, however, am a bit distressed at the errors I am finding and others are reporting. Still, the changes that have been made are substantial but not too far different. This revision isn't unnecessary, but still appealing.
Rating: ![1 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-1-0.gif) Summary: Poorly Edited Review: The Player's Handbook is a poorly edited and, seemingly, rushed work. There are inconsitancies throughout the entire 3.5 core set. Changes were made in one area and then the old rule was copied word for word in another area or book. Avoid 3.5 until official errata or a 2nd printing.
Rating: ![1 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-1-0.gif) Summary: Not for gamers Review: Wussies of the Coast has completely destroyed the game this time. Their committee approach to game design has resulted in a bland, watered-down, thoroughly boring system. Character classes are now completely meaningless. Humans-in-funny-costumes Syndrome (HifcS) is now complicated by every character having access to every skill and every feat. Why not just play GURPS?
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