Rating: 
Summary: Dont judge a book by its cover....
Review: Boy is that ever true with the Third Edition Players Handbook! The great art stops with the cover of this twenty dollar waste. It can hardly be called dungeons and dragons at all anymore. I have written a full review of the book and I detail section by section all of the problems this book has. If you would like a copy of it just email me < arcanist@earthlink.net > for the gory details. If you want to read another brown nosing of WoC then read more reviews here, if you want the dirty low-down on why this was a waste of my money, drop me an e-line and get the full on flame of this piece of garbage. You will be lucky if you even get to see this review...its not good for sales.
Rating:
Summary: Yikes! What a mess!
Review: When I first got the 3rd edition in the mail I was excited to see the new facelift. However, I never stopped seeing the facelift...on every page. I haven't been able to find the text yet. Are there even words in the book? I can't tell if the new rules are good or not because all of them are covered up with those trendy and overstylized illustrations found on Magic cards. Not to mention the type is set at about 8 points (or it's just a really small typeface); in other words it's a difficult task at best to read the damn book (and I have 20/20 vision too). The over-abundance of graphics and color is far too distracting and amateurishly designed (kinda like a kid with a new toy or one that wants to use every crayon in the box just because he has the entire box to use). I think a valuable lesson the graphics department at WOTC could use is one in the theory of "less is more" when it comes to design. If communication is the purpose of design, then what WOTC is just mumbling when it comes to this new edition of the game. I'm just really disappointed that the rules are so disorganized, scattered, and difficult to read.Another thing I noticed is a lot of needless rule changes that seem to be made simply out of whimsy rather than necessity. There's not enough flavor from the other two editions to even resemble it. This is an enirely different game altogether. I mean it's not like the game came with a campaign setting from the beginning to where it might be able to mesh into the new rules. Like always, D&D IS its rules by default, not the campaign (since campaign settings come as separate supplements). For example, games like Shadowrun come with a distinct campaign setting. FASA could basicly change the entire rules structure (within reason) and it would still essentially be the same game as long as there were orks and elves toting around machine guns. D&D is an entirely different story. It was what it was because of it's unique (and wart encrusted) rules system. Now, with the 3rd edition, it's just like every other d20 based game out there. It's not Dungeons and Dragons. It's more like Magic: The Role Playing Game. I wish WOTC would have stressed this point more so, perhaps by saying something to the effect "Different game, same name." or some other equally trite and catchy slogan. An analogy came to mind; it's kinda like if George Lucas suddenly sold the rights to Star Wars to somebody like Ed Wood (if he were alive) or even worse, a cheap porno director. Although a Star Wars movie by the latter would be somewhat interesting, it wouldn't be Star Wars. This is the case with the 3rd Edition of Dungeons and Dragons, people. The 3rd edition is basicly produced by cheap porno directors. I also didn't like how the game has a strong and overbearing style to the illustrations, making a classic medieval fantasy campaign hard to visualize using the rules. It's almost like you're forced to play WOTC's vision of a fighter or elf or whatever. Forget about playing in that classic tolkien-esqe type of environment. This new edition is hardcoded into that cheezy "glammy" barbarian feel, e.g. movies like the "Beastmaster" and Lou Ferigno's "Sinbad of the Seven Seas". At any rate, I'm quite positive I'm out-voted when I say the illustrations are trash, but hey, that's my problem. It still doesn't change the fact that they are distracting and make the game hard to read. My STRONG advice to a reader thinking about purchasing this game, please understand that you are NOT buying the D&D game. It's just a perverse faximile and a cheap knock-off. If you don't already own the 1st or 2nd edition, you really should invest in a copy. You'll get a better idea of how D&D is supposed to be. This edition is destined to be remembered as that horrible edition that came out before the 4th edition. Let's pray ten years from now WOTC will have it's act together (if they're still around then and D&D isn't owned by Michael Jackson or something). SUMMARY: My main gripe is with the graphic designers and creative services department of WOTC, not with the editors and writers. I simply feel that the graphics department burried everything the editors struggled to achieve with an excessive and amateurish visual presentation. I'd give this edition 0 stars if it was an option. It makes me really sad to see something good go to hell and a handbasket just because somebody (WOTC) had enough money to buy it and butcher it. I feel like I lost a good friend today. Shame on you WOTC for your blatant and disgusting display of power. Pros+ Streamlined Combat (small improvements here and there) Streamlined Ability charts Sans Race/Class restrictions Cons- Overbearing Graphic Presentation (EXTREMELY Hard to Read) Disorganized Chapters (set up illogically) Loss of Original D&D Flavor (it's a COMPLETELY different game)
Rating:
Summary: This book rocks!
Review: To all the people who complained that this book was confusing and poorly written (Though I've only found one), I must say that you are in denial of this book's inherent greatness. This rating was given in order to attract your attention so that all those evil doers who think that they can knock the new rules will meet their end quickly. - A very satisfied RPG junkie who happened to be holding dice at the time this was written. (Not that keeping dice handy is a sign of insanity or anything... ((It's just good to have them close by in case you need to cast fireballs at people who treat your beloved literature so poorly.)))
Rating: 
Summary: New Players Welcome!
Review: I've been playing for over 15 years now, and I want to commend WoTC and TSR for breathing new life into the game I love. This is one of the best organized and attractive (both visually and intellectually) role playing rulebooks I've seen since I started roleplaying when I was 12 years old. It's beauty and well-described systems should attract a lot of new players and possibly some older, disenchanted players who "haven't played in years." If this book is any example of the quality we can expect from now on, I look forward to seeing a whole new generation exposed to the wonders of D&D and all that it has to offer!
Rating:
Summary: Not This AD&D Fan's Thing
Review: Perhaps being a bit "old-fashioned" I am not a big fan of Third Edition. While I will agree that the new Player's Handbook is beautiful and well presented as a book, I generally do not like the 3rd Edition game for several reasons. Mainly, I think that it makes characters a little too powerful. I can understand adding some power to a few classes to spruce them up, but allowing ability scores over 18? Adding a point to scores of your choice to the tune of 1 point per 4 levels? Perhaps the biggest thing is the less than smooth transition of existing characters into 3E and the fact that all of my old gaming supplements don't easily translate. As for the book, the biggest annoyance that i have is that the spells are listed alphabetically, not by class and level. Perhaps that is a pet peeve, who knows. Anyway, I am sure that the new game will appeal to many people but I for one will stick to my old favorite.
Rating:
Summary: slushdogg@yahoo.com
Review: At first, when 3rd edition was announced, I was suspicious of WotC. I had thought it was just ruse for a money-making opportunity on a game that was slowly but surely being replaced by other table-top RPG's. But now after reading through the Players Handbook, I am impressed at how much better of a game they have created. The exceptions are far less and instead of telling you what your characters can't do, they tell you what abilities the diverse characters can have (particularly with new concepts such as skills and feats). Through this book, the new rules are very easy to learn thanks to the easy rule layout and the consistency of the various checks you make which are all made with the d20(instead of d10 for initiative, percentile for thieving, etc). Also the larger numbers are always better so you don't have to worry about going down in Armor Class or Thac0(the latter which doesn't exist and is replaced by an nicer check called the attack bonus). At the end of the book there is a character generation program on CDROM and a 3rd edition Character sheet (for photocopying purposes). For their great work, I congradulate WotC and can happily say that this book is precise, entertaining and obviously had a lot of thought and effort put into it. There is no doubts in my mind that it won't live up to the players expectations. If you are a player, new or old, I really recommend that you check this one out (you'll be surprised at how many people have reverted back to D&D from other tabletop RPG's!) All it takes is couple minutes playing and you'll wonder how you ever stood 2nd edition. Try it out...you'll see.
Rating: 
Summary: It really could have been better...
Review: I know that this may not be a popular opinion amongst gamers, but this book should have been a lot better. I have gamed with basically the same group of people for some time and it looks like we will be sticking with 2nd Edition. However, as a die hard D&D gamer, I would say that picking up this title will probably be worth it just to stay abreast of new products. Who knows... this may turn out to be a worthwhile line (however, I am going to hold off switching to 3rd Edition). Know for a little rant that you may agree with... Now, the newsarticles released by Wizards claims that ARTWORK was of the upmost concern when designing the book. Honestly, I really do not see it. The cover? Great! Good job art team. The rest... Well, I am partial to the paintings of 2nd ed PHB, but do not miss the blue ink pseudo-clip-art. I just think that they have made elves look like half dragons from Council of Wyrms. Also, Gnomes and Halflings now look like little grease balls that are more apt to bum a cigarette than combat evil or go adventuring. I am a little afraid of the direction that this may be going. Like I said, I am going to stick with 2nd edition for now. There are still plenty of products available at both your local shop and on AMAZON. I encourage all my fellow gamers to buy what you think you will need while you still can. Good gaming to you all.
Rating:
Summary: Perfection...
Review: Just finished reading the new 3rd edition Handbook for the D&D game. Wizards of the Coast have changed many things streamlining the game, making it quicker and more fun. They have added several character classes each with their own abilities, each largely different that 2nd Edition, including The barbarian, monk, and sorcerer as well as retouching the old character classes giving each new and unique abilities that make them all interesting. Included in the book is a list of gods for your people to follow, they give mythos and what charater classes in the game would worship who. But if you are running a forgotten realms campaign I am sure that you can incorporate them into 3rd Edition without much of a problem. Ability scores are also revamped, no longer is there a maximums and the limit is endless, an adult red dragon for example has a 37 Charisma, and a 38 Strength. And your PCs can get there too, with a little work and a lot of role playing. Gone is THAC0, and the addage "lower is better for AC." Now with everything, including skills (proficientcies), higher is better and AC goes up. Also gone is demihuman level limits, and class restrictions, you want a dwarven wizard...go for it, a hafling paladin...done. Anyone can multiclass, and duel class. And for both you choose which class gets the XP and when, and you get all the benefits of both (all three, four, five...?) all the time no matter what class you are going up in. The changes that have been made have simplified the game in terms of speed of play, but in no way have deterred the thoroughness of this wonderful game. You can now get a way with just bringing a d20 and your damage die to a gaming session. If you are a D&D player your eyes will light up with possibilities when you read this book, you will not be able to wait to play it. If you are new to gaming and want to learn this book will teach you everything you need to know to start playing 3rd ed. D&D. This is a can't miss.
Rating: 
Summary: Complete change over
Review: This is the third edition of the Advanced Dungeons and Dragons game. I am an ADND vetren DMing and playing many adventures. The first edition was simplistic in its ways. Almost nothing to hold a player back. You could easily throw around rules. But for those who liked a challenge and wanted to define their characters more the second edition was thrown into the mix. The second edition meant well but fell a little short for my players and I. It read like stereo instructions. The third edition wiped the slate clean and started over. A new die system and new ways to make your characters very unique. A barage of new classes, spells, and rules let your imagination take control. There are little to no restrictions on your class and race. Dwarven Paladin, done, Half Orc magic user, done, or an Evil ranger, done. The new rules are an welcome improvement, they are somewhat easier to throw around then the others. The addition of proficencies always bothered me but these you have a little more freedom in where you go with them. With the additions of feats (an amazing ability/specialization granted by training or class) makes your characters strive for higher goals. New racial, personal, and size traits. Skill and class ranks now determin special increases in saving throws, diferent abilities, etc. A revised system of magic lets you counter and cast faster and more accurate then before. Its a good change if your looking for a breath of fresh air.
Rating:
Summary: New Life for the classic D&D system
Review: Many improvements over the older system and consistent rolls make this system very desirable. As a DM I have always noticed the problems that newer players, and sometimes older ones, have with remembering what is needed for a roll, that will not be a problem anymore. In addition character generation simplified over Players Option while still allowing players to create new and unique characters. The new classes and race options are also very interesting. There is a greater focus on race sub-cultures, which will give newer players a better understanding of the character they are playing and how they should relate to other races. They have made some tweaks to race abilities here as well. This should make the game more interesting for veteran players. Overall I am very excited about this new system. My only complaint is that I cannot start playing yet because the DMG is a month away!
| 
