Monte Cook's Arcana Evolved

[Zoatebix]

Ooh! I'll be getting a paycheck or two over winter break! That means I'll REALLY be able to afford it! Yaaaaaaaay! Now I'm inconsolably excited!

 

[Numion]

AU had tremendous production values. Sure, it wasn't color, but it was on very high-quality paper, had a totally drool-worthly dual-texture cover, great art, and some of the best graphic design I've ever seen in a gaming product.

Well, it's nice and clear, but in a simplistic way IMO. It doesn't really scream 'read me'. Maybe I was wrong in saying low production values, but it did miss something, that hopefully AE will fix.

 

[buzz]

Well, it's nice and clear, but in a simplistic way IMO.

I'll take AU's (i.e., Malhavoc's) elegant and stylish simplicity over the trend of every dang d20 company to cram their margins full of as much crabbed, busy fantasy-esque art as possible any day. Blank space is a beautiful thing; it also tends to be easier on the eyes. I was so happy that the Eberron CS went in this direction.

To each their own, I guess. I love the look, and wish more companies would adopt similar.

 

[Numion]

I'll take AU's (i.e., Malhavoc's) elegant and stylish simplicity over the trend of every dang d20 company to cram their margins full of as much crabbed, busy fantasy-esque art as possible any day. Blank space is a beautiful thing; it also tends to be easier on the eyes. I was so happy that the Eberron CS went in this direction.

Don't get me wrong, the style is excellent for PDFs, but something is just missing. Clarity gets extra points, of course, but for a 40 euro book .. I expect a little more. Like I think that FRCS had good feel to it - stylistic colors and such, made look like an old tome or something while still being readable. AU is a bit bland.

To each their own, I guess.

Amen.

 

[RichGreen]

Hi Monte,

If you're still following this thread.....

Will the new material be available as a separate PDF? I already have AU, Diamond Throne and the Player's Guide.

Cheers


Richard

 

[Thrommel]

From the AE FAQ...

At the same time, we will make available a full PDF verrsion of the book, which costs $23. If you just want the the important errata and clarifications introduced in this book, we'll have that online here for free.

So, errata and clarifications, yes. Strictly the new bits... sounds like probably not.

-Thrommel

 

[Thrommel]

Double post. :\

 

[scholz]

Just a little note about the price. Suppose you haven't played AU before and you decide to purchase Arcana Evolved for $50..
If you play one time with a group of five players.. $10 per game.
Two times.. $5 a game, the cost of a matinee where I live. People can understandably complain about game prices, but I think it is a little misplaced. After all, most of us use our book for years and get hours and hours of enjoyment from them. So I don't really mind. Of course, I don't buy every splat book that comes out, or miniatures, or CCGs, or XBox games, so I might have some extra cash.

I own AU in hardcover, and PDF. I will probably buy the Hardcover of Arcana Enhanced (I will give my old copy to a deserving player though). I've been pretty pleased with the stuff they produce.
(Now... if only he'd convert Banewarrens to AU...)

 

[Sorren]

I've got no problem with the $50 price tag.
For $50 you get: Arcana Unearthed (with errata) + The Diamond Throne setting + most of the Player's Guide + some extra goodies + one great looking package.

That's actually a pretty darn good deal.

 

[mxmarkargent]

You want to know why? Just look at the name: Arcana Evolved. Suddenly, no more brand confusion. That may not be the only reason, but I'm sure it didn't hurt when making the decision to release an AU update.

Anyway, a full color 416 page book for $50 is a *bargain*. Sign me up.