Finding these in one of my LGS, I found I really like the new way these are being marketed. I love being able to choose the large figs I want, helping me avoid unnecessary dupes. I also love that these are basic RPG minis we all need from the Monster Manual and not obscurities created for the sake of the now defunct minis game.
Most of the sculpts are great. Love the hippogriff, the chimera, the harpy, etc. I also love the brighter, wider color palette, which I feel is important at such a small scale.
On the downside:
A few of the sculpts were weak (Gnoll Huntmaster, what the hell is that in your right hand?).
I'm paying substantially more per mini (although to be fair, I'm getting something closer to what I wanted).
This first published adventure for 4e is lacking in the quality content department and perversely overpriced.
Just eight years ago, we were paying $20 for the 3e Player's Handbook. The philosophy then was to offer a low barrier to entry and drive up the number of players. (A strategy which succeeded.) To price this module at $30 is a shocking affront to the fans.
More than 20% of the pagecount (22+ out of 96 pages) in this module is a reprint of 4e basic rules (found in the PHB and DMG), to make no mention at all of the duplicate stat blocks and other nonsense.
Furthermore, I am constantly amazed by Wizards' content bias toward older players. Demonic cults? As the first introduction to the game? It's just as cliche as saving the princess from the dragon. (BTW, has Wizards *ever* done that?) Worse, it makes it much more difficult to pitch the game to potential new players.
There happens to be a culture war going on in the U.S., and Wizards has gone all in on one side of the war. Through their content choices, Wizards is effectively saying, D&D is a blue state game for 20- and 30-somethings. Doesn't sound like smart marketing to me.
Ever wonder what might be possible if someone started with the 3.0/3.5 d20 rules and created the races, classes, feats, equipment, spells and core campaign world from scratch, without regard for maintaining the status quo (Elves, Dwarves, Clerics, Rangers, etc.) of D&D or its heavy reliance on Tolkien archetypes? This is it.
My next campaign will be set here for sure. It's like Monte reached into my dreams of what D&D could be and pulled this out. Perfect!
I have not read or even looked at the book, but the soundtrack is excellent. Surprisingly impressive orchestral score that articulately evokes the feel of Eberron.
The main theme "Cut to the Chase" is very reminiscent of the original Tomb Raider soundtrack.
This is one of my favorite Dragon covers of all time. Vivid colors, beautiful subject, good balance. Nicely done.
The only thing wrong with the cover is calling Pazuzu "D&D's original demon price", which, if I remember September of 1977 correctly, was actually Demogorgon.
The Pazuzu article is the highlight of the issue, feature-wise.
This is obviously a core book without which it's quite difficult to play Dungeons & Dragons.
You're going to buy it anyway. Nevertheless, it's worth saying that the execution is exceptionally good: the creature designs, the art, the chapters in the back. Good, good stuff.
I do feel that the design and useability of the book would be improved if the creatures always started at the top of the page.
And I miss the "I have to poop" image of the Magmin that appeared in the 3rd edition version, although the replacement image is also excellent. ; )
Taken as a whole, my complaints are minor. Excellent work.
