5 out of 5 rating for Curse of Strahd
As a long time D&D player and huge fan of horror (especially for the Gothic variety), I was super pumped to hear they were re-visiting the dread realm of Ravenloft. I initially hoped we would see a full campaign book on the setting so I was a little let down when I heard it would be an update of the original module from the 80's. However, having read and been running this adventure for several months now I can honestly say it numbers among the best adventures Wizards have done, and is certainly the best 5th edition adventure yet. Chris Perkins does an excellent job of updating the original module while also filling in information from other sources and expanding the original story to a full blown campaign designed to take a party to around 10th level. The "sandbox" feel of the module combines nicely with the card reading to give players a clear cut goal while also giving them an entire region to explore and goals to achieve. The expansion of Barovia is especially impressive as it takes the single village from the original and adds in several other settlements as well as multiple new dungeons to explore. Most importantly, each of these locations further enhances the Gothic feel of the module and ties back into Strahd von Zarovich's story and background. This gives the whole setting a feeling of dread and interconnection that never lets the player's forget that ultimately, all their paths will end up with a showdown with Strahd. Also impressive is the care that has gone into making sure that Strahd's characterization reflects his truly evil nature: This is not some sappy romantic anti hero (though he would have you believe otherwise) but a truly malign and viscous monster who will stop at nothing to achieve his twisted goals, which is how he should be portrayed. My only real gripes with the adventure are that a few encounters feel a bit "off" challenge wise (The "Old Bonegrinder" hags being an obvious example), and I'm not sure I like the idea of the "vestiges" serving as the Dark Powers. Still, these are fairly minor complaints against what is an extremely strong adventure. I heartily recommend it to those who are fans of the original as well as those who are looking for an adventure with some strong horror themes.