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naktine's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
sodacitygm's review against another edition
5.0
The best version of D&D yet. Streamlines for more focus on story and less around mechanics, although they still play a large part in the games.
ismildlypoetic's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
3 stars = I liked it!
As a certified geek and polyamorous person, it’s only right I join a campaign of D&D at some point. However, for some reason, my brain is terrible at wrapping around fantasy, and I’m the type of person who needs to read an entire rulebook to understand a game. Thus, yes I read every word of the D&D Handbook over the course of months.
It’s an odd book to review, but yes, it was helpful at understanding the rules of the game? I’m excited to actually start building my character now? Almost gave up when I just read spell after spell for an entire month but whatever?
Who knows, might do the same with the DM guide eventually
As a certified geek and polyamorous person, it’s only right I join a campaign of D&D at some point. However, for some reason, my brain is terrible at wrapping around fantasy, and I’m the type of person who needs to read an entire rulebook to understand a game. Thus, yes I read every word of the D&D Handbook over the course of months.
It’s an odd book to review, but yes, it was helpful at understanding the rules of the game? I’m excited to actually start building my character now? Almost gave up when I just read spell after spell for an entire month but whatever?
Who knows, might do the same with the DM guide eventually
thewallflower00's review against another edition
5.0
Well, it's what you expect--a standard manual for playing Dungeons & Dragons. As I understand it, version 5.0 simplified many of the rules from previous editions. I don't have any frame of reference, but I've played Pathfinder, which is based on D&D 3.5 and can vouch for that.
This is both good and bad. It allows the players more freedom, more imagination to do and go where they want. And obviously, this has its other side of the coin too, which you'd know if you subscribe to the RPGhorrorstories subreddit (quick clue: It's not about RPGs like Vampire: The Masquerade or Call of Cthulu). So that means the game is easier to play without a bunch of implements, like minis and maps. You could play it around a campfire. There's a bigger focus on storytelling than Pathfinder. But that means it's missing the mechanics that make combat so fun, like flanking and combat manuveur damage.
As a book itself, it's very beautiful. The art is spot on and the charts are easy to read. The text gets fairly dense, and it's not as subdivided in the general categories as I would like (meaning, I would like things to be sectionalized more for easy lookup). And don't forget to read the disclaimer in the front.
So if you thought previous D&Ds were too combat heavy, you might be into this. Otherwise, I suggest Pathfinder.
This is both good and bad. It allows the players more freedom, more imagination to do and go where they want. And obviously, this has its other side of the coin too, which you'd know if you subscribe to the RPGhorrorstories subreddit (quick clue: It's not about RPGs like Vampire: The Masquerade or Call of Cthulu). So that means the game is easier to play without a bunch of implements, like minis and maps. You could play it around a campfire. There's a bigger focus on storytelling than Pathfinder. But that means it's missing the mechanics that make combat so fun, like flanking and combat manuveur damage.
As a book itself, it's very beautiful. The art is spot on and the charts are easy to read. The text gets fairly dense, and it's not as subdivided in the general categories as I would like (meaning, I would like things to be sectionalized more for easy lookup). And don't forget to read the disclaimer in the front.
So if you thought previous D&Ds were too combat heavy, you might be into this. Otherwise, I suggest Pathfinder.
dmb18's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
reflective
relaxing
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.25
I have been a dnd player since 3.5 and it is great to see the series finally become so popular.
The manual has some flaws and some questionable balance choices, but it is a good start to the new edition.
The manual has some flaws and some questionable balance choices, but it is a good start to the new edition.
jfmcal's review against another edition
5.0
5 Stars
Super helpful for someone who has no knowledge on D&D at all and started playing Baldur's Gate 3 and is obsessed but has no idea what they're doing half the time (it's me, the someone is me lol).
Super helpful for someone who has no knowledge on D&D at all and started playing Baldur's Gate 3 and is obsessed but has no idea what they're doing half the time (it's me, the someone is me lol).
broccoli_aesthetics's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
revderrick's review against another edition
5.0
Solid book, good layout. I like the attention to detail in this edition that was lacking in 4th.