Recap of major RPG events over the past year?

[ColonelHardisson]

Some releases I feel are noteworthy:

Ars Magica 5th edition appeared. A nice revision of a true RPG classic. If you like wizards, this is the game for you.

HARP - High Adventure Role Playing - was released. A very good revamping and streamlining of ICE's old RoleMaster RPG. Worth looking at if one is looking for an alternative to D&D for fantasy roleplaying.

Castles & Crusades - In essence, this is one attempt to do "d20 Lite." It evokes early D&D, and seems to be a fine game.

The Black Company d20 - a very interesting RPG take on the popular low fantasy series of books. Includes a new magic system that got a lot of attention.

Unearthed Arcana - WotC's book of OGC optional rules. It's a really interesting and varied grab-bag of stuff to tweak your game. This book is exactly the kind of thing I'd been waiting to see released for D&D.

 

[megamania]

Depends on taste but for me the biggest news / controversies were-

Eberron (already mentioned)
Dungeon World (one book level 1-20 only 100.00)
Darksun 3.5 released by Pazio NOT Athas.org
WoTC Miniature game (the heck with the game use 'em for DnD)
Scarred Lands has stopped production (at least for now)
Starwars figures out (use for RPG)

I'm sure there is more but these jump out to me and my tastes.

 

[TracerBullet42]

A great setting book - Iron Kingdoms - from Privateer Press finally came out.

And the world guide hits shelves on friday...great setting. I'm anxious to get the new campaign going...