A Land Far Away

http://www.wizards.com/dnd/product.aspx ... /214420000

I was in a book store today and saw that there is a new version of D&D that looked pretty slick, using plastic figures, cards and interchangeable maps.

The rules look like a marriage of table top D&D simplified with a card and turn system similar to magic?

The game says ages 12 and up. Does anyone have any experience with these games? I am wondering if this would be a good introduction to D&D for my kids?

My wife is horrified I'm already planning to geek them up .

There's one of these produced with every version of D&D. I still have the 2nd edition one sitting next to a similarly-styled set of decks that are actually just reference cards on my gaming bookshelf. Atop the original World of Greyhawk box set, atop the original Dragon Mountain box set, atop the original AD&D box set, in fact.

They're all very simplified rulesets-- so much it it has to do with what you're trying to accomplish. If you want the careful contemplation and the strategic use of techniques and resources to triumph over challenges, it's a poor investment. If you want to brush rules aside without eliminating all real risk, then the cards get the job done adequately.

They've also got a Castle Ravenloft and The Legends of Drizz't board games. Apparently you can mix and match all of these three together... I'm tempted to buy one (all) and play with my kids or maybe some friends. I've never played tabletop before but I could see this as a cheap way of building a little miniature collection and getting into some D&D tabletop down the road.

yeah, this is what I'm thinking though mine are a bit young yet, maybe I'll buy a set for later when they get older. They look pretty slick- not sure how complex they'd be for kids or how well designed the game system is.

The ultimate goal would be to work the kiddies up to full blown table top D&D. Takes awhile to build a gaming group when you've got to start at conception .

A lot of reviewers mention they go through the adventures solo if their friends aren't around... Also, you can add to them with the five Dungeon Command sets. I hate you right now.

They wanna marry us, but are worried our kids will be like us.

Women.
Go figure.

I got all three of the DnD 4E Cooperative games (Castle Ravenloft, Wrath of Ashardalon and the Legend of Drizzt), and they are fun, and the not requiring a DM through their "scripted AI" is an interesting twist, and the slight randomisation of the scenarios isn't bad either, though out of necessity very simple.

However, they're not DnD or even Hero Quest - there is little to no development (there are a few linked scenarios and an attempt at "campaign rules" in Drizzt), and the gameplay (though not thematic) genre is "survival horror" - you start a map at your most powerful, and need to husband your almost perpetually dwindling resources to eke out victory.

Certainly a good bit of fun, but if you're looking for a "DnD" experience, Descent 2nd or 1st edition are far better propositions.

Get the games though, after all, having those extra miniatures never hurts .

Cheers,

Regas wrote:http://www.wizards.com/dnd/product.aspx ... /214420000

I was in a book store today and saw that there is a new version of D&D that looked pretty slick, using plastic figures, cards and interchangeable maps.

The rules look like a marriage of table top D&D simplified with a card and turn system similar to magic?

The game says ages 12 and up. Does anyone have any experience with these games? I am wondering if this would be a good introduction to D&D for my kids?

My wife is horrified I'm already planning to geek them up .

So I bought Wrath of Ashardalon Sunday afternoon and played a solo match with me running 5 PCs that night, had a total blast. I've played roughly ten adventures with my two oldest kids (4 and 7) since Monday, and they really enjoy the game, and I do as well. I've ordered the other two board games, and am going to bust out my paints and probably start painting minis again... Anyways, I highly suggest Wrath of Ashardalon for a starter game. I'll probably pick up the five Dungeon Command sets for Christmas to add some variety. If you have any specific questions feel free to ask me. I can also take some pics or whatever, though there are alot of those online already.

sweet!

I'll be ordering them this week!

HEEGZ wrote:Anyways, I highly suggest Wrath of Ashardalon for a starter game.

Ravenloft is actually the first in the series, but Ashardalon certainly shows some improvement in gameplay mechanics. So it probably is the best starting game indeed, and if you find you like the format, you can gobble up the others for completeness' sake.

It's still neither Descent nor Advanced Hero Quest though, and more in the line of Doom.

Cheers,

Yeah, I chose WoA first because it was the one that had campaign rules, had interesting boss room tiles, and a balanced selection of classes. I wasn't sure if I was going to buy the other two and it seemed the most balanced. Also, the boss/monster selection looked interesting: red dragon, beholder, rage drake, orcs, duergar, etc.

Buddy of mine,(with a bit of help from me and bringer) made a simple d20 dnd for kids. Easy to convert 2nd up to 4th monsters and campaign's over. It's very simple and has been play tested by 7-11 year old's and their non dnd playing mothers. Also has a simple character sheet. If anyone is interested i could send them a copy.

cant find my copy,but will see both buddy and bringer tuesday, i know buddy has a copy. We played with 7 year old's on up. Granted it was a bit hard keeping some of them focused, but some figurines helped. Just as soon as i fine it will send to those interested.