I played through the little solo adventure in the red box player's guide more times than I can remember. I recall getting Palace of the Silver Princess and Ghost of Lion Castle for Christmas in 1984. Ghost was a solo adventure and from that I concocted a way to run Palacee as a solo adventure. I would play many of the old modules that way.
I didn't actually start playing with other people until we moved into a nearby town where there were other kids around for me to interact with. I was writing and DMing my own creations by 1986.
It's been a long ride and there have been a number of years where I was only able to play a few times if at all (happened a lot during 3E and 3.5). It's easy to fault WoTC for a lot choices they've made but I've gotten so much sheer pleasure and made so many good friends because of this game, it's hard for me to be bitter about any of it.
I'm really happy about this new box set. I think of how enthralled I was when I discovered the game and I hope thousands of kids get to experience that same thrill. Turn of that XBOX, gather your friends, and kill some orcs!
