IS Gary Gygax's World Builder Hardcover any good?

[Buccaneer]

I went to check out the review on RPG.net and I don't think it's the same book. It is Worldbuilder's Guidebook but it's by Rich Baker and it was published by TSR (the date published isn't listed but that should tell you it's nowhere near recent).

Am I missing something?


On Amazon, the only thing that had Gygax on it recently is "Experts" basically a book on building NPC's (and he only did the foreward). The book is getting rave reviews btw. [edit: he also edited a Scarred Lands suplement apparently]

Yes, there is no review for the new book by Gygax, but the book was trashed by the board members at RPG.net. Here is the thread: http://forum.rpg.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=27823&highlight=world+builder

 

[Katerek]

Actually this thread just inspired me to buy the book.

And I usually avoid what EGG writes as a matter of course, but that is just personal opinion. This book sounds like something I could use. Although perhaps DM's Almanac would be a better choice for a name.

As to that other thing, sure I COULD buy a Dictionary, Farmers Almanace, Guide To Gems, Herbal Field Manual, Encyclopedia Set and/or spend hours on the Internet doing research but piss on that, Im Lazy!

Thanks for the capsule overview of the contents.

 

[Shard O'Glase]

ditto what Katerek said.

 

[EarthsShadow]

personally, I looked at the two previews, and all I can say is wow! This is exactly what I need to help me develop my world and add in those details that will flesh it out. Sure, I could go into many different links and websites, and also different encyclopedias, but since most of that will all be in one single volume of reference, sure it will be a good $30 well spent.

 

[EarthsShadow]

by the way, when is this book due to hit store shelves?

 

[ColonelHardisson]

I paged through this book at my local shop tonight. I found it intriguing, even though I couldn't exactly put a handle on what it was all about. It kinda looked like all the "dungeon dressing" lists and charts from the 1e DMG, which is material I liked, and still really like. Still, I haven't decided whether I want to buy it. I have books like the DM Survival Guide, the World Builder's Guidebook, the DMGR series, etc., as well as the HackMaster GMG, which has a number of similar charts. So, I have a lot of similar material already. It sure looks like a nice book, though...

 

[EarthsShadow]

then some FLGS/LGS do have the book in then and it is definately out? I'm going to call mine just in case, but they are usually slow in getting things.

 

[haiiro]

My FLGS just got this one in within the last couple of days. Amazon lists it as a "specialty product," and the shipping time is 4-6 weeks (with no discount). I picked it up yesterday.

I'm talking myself into writing a review of this book and posting it here, as I found my expectations and assessment of the book varied widely between when I first heard about it and when I actually paged through it.

In a nutshell: if you like details and "icing," and particularly if you like winging it as a DM (which I do), this is a pretty cool book. Definitely not for everyone, though. I'll save my more detailed response until I've spent more time with it.

Edit: clarification.

 

[EarthsShadow]

I just picked it up tonight at my store also. I called them before and asked and they said they didn't have it, then when I went in I found it on the back shelf. I plan on possibly doing a review for it myself, but I have never done one so before I do is there anything I need to know from the powers above me??

 

[Nathal]

My local shops don't carry the book Hopefully the Trolls will fix their wagon...

Distribution sure is slow...