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).

Know someone who thinks gaming only counts if it’s around the table, with friends? Now things get trickier if you’re actually trying to buy a surprise gift he’ll or she’ll like. Tabletop gamers are a bit finickier than your usual gamer and it’s all too easy to get something that might be a surprise but also not something the gamer particularly likes. To avoid such an act of despair, here’s a quick guide of sure-fire gifts to satisfy all but the most finicky of tabletop gamers:

If you have any Nintendo DS system and a mere $14.99, you can now get you a sickeningly vast collection of Intellivision games. Intellivision Lives! has more than 60 games on it – more than my collection of Intellivision games as a child – and it includes half a dozen games made but never released more »

Title: Gauntlgrym (aka Gauntlgrym: Neverwinter Book I) Authors (Editor): R.A. Salvatore Publisher: Wizards of the Coast Release Date: October 2010 Price: US $27.95 (Hardcover) Rating: One thumb Up, One thumb Sideways; 85; B; * * * 1/2 out of five. Pros: Great characters, strong story of fantasy adventure and very emotional. Drizzt and other memorable more »

On November 3, 2010, Wizards of the Coast (WotC) announced its intention to discontinue the Heroscape line of games and accessories.

Introduced in 2004, Heroscape quickly acquired a devoted fanbase, with dozens of expansions in various forms as well as license adaptations to Marvel and Dungeons and Dragons. The last expansion is scheduled for November 16, 2010.

On October 19, 2010, Wizards of the Coast (WotC) has officially unleashed the D&D Gamma World Roleplaying Game to the general public, although select stores had copies for sale a few days earlier.

Gamma World (retailing for $39.99) is very nearly as old a game as Dungeons and Dragons (D&D), with the first edition (based on a previous game called Metamorphosis Alpha) first released in 1978.

Perhaps the biggest news from Gen Con was Wizard of the Coast’s (WotC’s) planned changes to 4th Edition Dungeons and Dragons, turning it into Dungeons and Dragons Essentials, a simpler and more streamlined version of the game.

The most easily seen change in the new version is more straightforward character development, making it easier for players to advance their characters as they level. There are many other differences as well including new magic item rarities (no longer can all items be easily be made by players) and new rules and guidelines for monsters.

If, like me, you’re a student, you’re probably nearing finals and are on the verge of an educational burn out. Sometimes all you need is something fun to play to distract yourself for a short time and so you can relax. After all, a calm mind will help you in the long run.

Here are a few tabletop games you can play to help you relax along with a few additional suggestions that should help rest (or reset) your mind…

Title: Gamers (aka Gamers: The Movie)Price: $24.95 (DVD)Release Date: May 6, 2008Distributer: Monterey Media, Inc.Rating: UnratedPros: A good mix of both subtle and outrageous humor with engaging characters. Surprisingly well made and funny or an indie film produced in six days.Cons: Starts a little sluggish and goes a little odd with a couple gags.Overall Score: Two thumbs up; 90/100; A-; * * * * out of five

Screw the lame-ass box art. Gamers is a great indie flick that will make anyone who has ever rolled something other than a 6-sided die snarf milk all over their mother’s teak coffee table.

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Title: Dungeons & Desktops: A History of Computer Role-Playing GamesAuthor: Matt BartonPublisher: A.K. Peters, Ltd.Price: $39.00Overall: A great resource guide that proves to be an educational, insightful and enjoyable look at computer-based role-playing games. A surprisingly readable history book that will certainly inspire a new appreciation for a long-lived and much-loved genre. Despite the old school art cover, this book is suitable for any gamer.Rating: Two thumbs up; A-; 90/100; **** out of 5

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