2 Player Starter Set - Dungeons and Dragons

This starter set includes five FIXED and EXCLUSIVE figures and stats cards for the newest version of the D&D minis game (this means that each starter set contains the same five figures, and that this starter set is the only place you can get these five figures). You get three good guys (Human Sellsword, Elf Warlock, Dwarf Battlemaster) and two bad guys (Yuan-Ti Swiftscale and Young Green Dragon). The starter set also contains a book with the latest quick start and advanced rules (which have changed quite a bit in this edition of the game -- but are still easy to follow), a double sided map (one side contains two smaller maps for 100 point games, and the other side contains one larger map for 200 point games), and pretty much everything else you'll need to play right out of the box (a D20, damage counters, area effect templates, etc.).

The game is easy to understand and quit fun. There are a variety of interesting character types, special abilities, commander effects, and magic spells just to hit a few of the highlights. The game is also very flexible. For example, there are three alignments (good, neutral, and evil) four different factions (borderlands, civilization, underdark, and the wild), and enough different figures that you can put together virtually any army you can imagine (you can play this game right out of the box, but you'll probably want at least a few boosters for greater flexibility/variety -- at the time this review was written, there were two booster/expansion sets available for the newest rules, and they seem to release two to three new expansion sets each year).

A couple of other things are also worth noting. First, thought there are some similarities between the Star Wars minis rules and the previous D&D minis rules, there are also several important differences to keep the game different and interesting. Second, if you have an older version of the D&D minis rules (such as those released in the Harbinger or Aberrations starters, in the Miniatures Handbook, or in the War Drums starter), you'll find that they've changed the rules quite a bit (I've played all three versions of the game, and while I think the game has improved with each iteration of the rules overall, I have to admit that from time to time I still find that I like some of the older rules better than some of the newer rules). Third, and on a related note, they changed the rules so much that previous figures and stats cards are no longer compatible with the game (and, while I found this to be both disappointing and biggest drawback of the game, I've read that the Wizards of the Coast web page will be providing electronic stats cards for older figures that are compatible with this version of the game to help rectify the problem).

In sum (and at a minimum), I think this is a very good and inexpensive way for new players to try the game for the first time, and for experienced players to give the new rules a try. Of course, if you don't like minis games, this is not the game for you. But if you do like minis games (especially the Star Wars minis game or the previous D&D minis games), I think you'll find this one worth a try.

I've casually collected miniatures in the past. Recently I saw a new starter set at the bookstore and thought I'd give it a try. The miniature can be played for RPG or battle strategy games. In the past I've only played the RPG. This Starter is for the strategy game.

I quickly noticed differences for the strategy game. Some attackers can use a special attack to character who have been bloodied (bloodied means they've lost half their life). These attacks can deliver devastating damage. This appears to be new because I see nothing like this on my old stat cards.

Also though the new cards often have more information than average cards of old, the new cards organized the information so that it easier to read. They did this by dividing the stat card neatly and using symbols (swords and bow for melee and missile attack respectively) and the stat cards are colors coded. Also all characters have Defense, and it seems to be your AC, Armor Class, without the armor. Alignments have changed too, now their is only good, unaligned or evil gone are chaotic, lawful or neutral.

Still with all the changes the rules seem overwhelming at first but they tried to make it simple. First the rule book tells you to fight it out one on one. In this first match you don't use any special attacks. This is only to get you to understand the bare bones. Then after that boring game you are allowed to play with all the five pieces in the set. The bad guys get a dragon. The good side gets an additional dwarf and an elf. This match you have the option of adding more advanced rules. After the second match my brother said the match relied to much on luck and the dice was a bit weird he and I rolled the same number several times so we used a different dice.

The rule book mainly speaks of a larger game that you cannot play because you lack the pieces. So I was left wondering what the rules should be for the smaller game that I can play. I Suspect they want you to buy more miniatures. But I fear it may discourages those who are new to the game.