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 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

Dungeons and Dragons‘ value as a brand skyrocketed with the advent of computer gaming, and many titles are classics of the genre, from Pool of Radiance to, well, anything by Bioware. While those old, 2D, turn-based games haven’t aged well, they’re still packed with gaming goodness for anyone not too snooty to play a game with dated graphics. If you missed out on those classics or just want to see some old friends here is some great news: Atari is releasing two massive bundles of D&D games for the 2011 holiday season….

There have been a few Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) movies, hordes of D&D computer games, and uncountable fantasy knock-offs clearly influenced by D&D, so it’s high time for a documentary on the origins of the game that spawned the entire genre of role playing games.

On August 9, 2011, Wizards of the Coast (WotC) announced the official winners of the Neverwinter Mass Adventure at Gen Con 2011 to be the drow (dark elf, right side of the photo) mercenaries of the Bregan D’aerthe faction.

The competition was held between three factions: The warrior (center) faction of New Neverwinter was a close second place, while the evil wizards of Thay were a distant last place. I’m glad to hear only a small minority of people want to be power-hungry wizards willing to sacrifice any number of innocents for personal gain, although 18% is still a bit high for my taste.

Perhaps the most glaring omission from 4e Dungeons and Dragons (4e D&D) was a popular game location. Third edition D&D had Eberron, and older editions had the City of Greyhawk and Skullport, but nothing published so far has really resonated with the fans of 4e D&D, to set it apart from being just a generic fantasy game.

Title: Conquest of NerathPrice: $79.99Release Date: June 21, 2011Publisher: Wizards of the CoastAge: 12 and upPros: Plenty of nice pieces, the rules are very straightforward, game plays just as well with 2 or 4 players and plenty of carnage.Cons: The simple rules and setup make grand strategy and teamwork fairly limited, the linkup with Dungeons and Dragons is minimal and there are a few balance/design issues in the game.Overall Score: One thumb up and one thumb sideways, 82/100, B, *** out of 5

There is just the one Xbox Live Arcade release this week (excluding indie releases) but that could be enough for Dungeons and Dragons lovers. They get a treat this week with the release of Daggerdale, an action RPG for up to four players. It’s based on the fourth edition of the immensely popular role-playing product. The setting is the Forgotten Realms area on the continent of Faerun in a part of The Dalelands called, you guessed it, Daggerdale. Your hero can be a Halfling Wizard, Elven Rogue, Human Fighter or Dwarven Cleric. When playing with others, you can only have one character of each in your party. It’s 1200 Microsoft Points to make the treacherous journey to Daggerdale.