It’s really amazing how Magic: The Gathering (M:TG) just keeps chugging along, releasing more and more and more cards without ever getting old. There was a time when Wizards of the Coast (WotC) bragged that M:TG had more than 1,000 cards you could use (and I had most of them). Now it’s closer to 10,000, and I can’t even recognize the majority of them by name.

If you want more opponents, and you’re anywhere near Charlottesville, Virginia (USA), check out ColumbiaCon, held February 22 through 26, 2012. Here’s why…

In a move that stunned and amazed role playing gamers everywhere, Wizards of the Coast (WoTC) announced a re-release of the original three hardcover Advanced Dungeons and Dragons books: the Monster Manual, the Player’s Handbook, and the Dungeon Master’s Guide. Just like in the old days, the Dungeon Master’s guide is a bit more expensive at $45 (it was $15 when it was released), with the others at $35 (original price was $12).

The first big box wargames came from a series by Milton Bradley almost 30 years ago. Axis and Allies, the most popular game in the series by far, spawned an entire line of related games, now from Hasbro. A somewhat distant second was Fortress America, set in the near future when America is invaded on three fronts by forces from Europe, Asia, and South America.

Each of those continents fields an army as big as America’s, and in any fair fight, America would stand little chance.

The fifth edition of Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) is in development ends months of heated speculation.

Buying a computer game as a surprise for someone else is a snap: Find something with top reviews, plunk down $50 and you’re set.

Granted, “find something good and give it” works in theory but, when it comes to buying for tabletop gamers, there’s a hidden risk: You might have to actually play the game.

This year’s lineup focuses on stuff that you can be comfortable giving, and you stand a real chance of having fun even if you normally want nothing to do with funny dice games:

Title: Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Beginner BoxPrice: $34.99Release Date: 2011Publisher: PaizoAge: 10 and olderPros: Gorgeous glossy artwork, many examples, solid introduction, minimal start-up timeCons: Only 4 blank character sheets included, no pencilOverall Score: Two thumbs up, 96/100, A, ***** out of 5

Fresh games often come out with a hefty premium price, but the price often drops in a month or two when the hotness finally cools off. After that, the game tends to be forgotten in the rush of next “A title”, and the game doesn’t really sell regardless of the price. This is a shame, because often those “golden oldie” games of just a few months ago are pretty good, and sometimes are even better than when they first came out, thanks to patches and player mods.

Gamersgate is having a holiday sale featuring many games of yestermonth…

Wizard Kings is a fantasy wargame from Columbia Games. While scenarios vary, players generally control a fantasy race or faction, led by – you guessed it – a wizard king capable of casting battle-altering spells.

Starting November 22, 2011 (and ending January 8, 2012), Matrix Games is having their big holiday sale. For the first two weeks, their ridiculously fun Panzer Corps game will be at 50% off (and they’re seriously selling themselves short at this price). After that, it’ll still be 25% percent off, and many of their other popular games will be on sale.