Should I subscribe to DUNGEON?

[Ogrork the Mighty]

After picking up issue #105, I was really impressed. It's come a long way since the b&w paper copies that I used to subscribe to. By halfway through I was thinking I should start subscribing again. But then I got to the end and found about 25% of the mag was devoted to Polyhedron. Crap, total crap. It was all sci-fi garbage and it really made me think twice about subscribing.

Is every issue like this? I want fantasy, not sci-fi. And I could care less about Polyhedron (kill it already!). The Dungeon I remember had nowhere near as many maps and didn't look half as good, but at least the entire magazine was made up of D&D adventures. The new Dungeon looks like it's half the size (with Polyhedron tacked on to the end) but more expensive.

So, should I subscribe or just pick and choose from my local gaming store?

 

[Krellic]

I have a subscription to Dungeon and I look forward to reading it. Having said that I don't buy it for Polyhedron though occassionally, Spelljammer and Incursion particularly, I've found it interesting reading. I read the adventures and add them to my huge supply of such. Mostly I find them of quality and well worth at least the consideration of adapting to my games.

I find it generally to be good value for my money. On the other hand careful perusing each month to evaluate the pros and cons of purchase has its value to.

Just don't miss a month...

 

[Selvarin]

Pros: you subscribe you're getting the issues at discount and they'll be delivered so you don't have to trot down to the store.

Cons: Your copy can arrive later than the same issue delivered to stores (at least it has been lately), also Mr. Fat-Fingered Mailman can mess things up by bending your prized mag into a U or O-shape (that b*st*rd!!!). *sigh*

If you care as much about its condition as its content (and don't mind paying retail), get 'em at your local store. Also, since not every issue will be to your taste you can pick n' choose what you want. If you don't want to miss an issue, however, subscribe.

 

[nopantsyet]

You know, I'll probably never run any of the Polyhedron mini-games, but I read every one--they're great for idea-mining. Especially if reading other genres inspires you within your chosen genre and you don't want to shell out for games you won't run. Plus the adventures are consistent quality. I use them for inspiration more than I actually run them. But I think it's worth the subscription.

 

[Longbow]

Poly isnt´so bad IMO. The last issues had the Dark Sun background info and monsters, a Greyhawk city and a Freeport adventure. Good stuff. Sometimes you get Star Wars or other non-fantasy articles, but that is a good read, too.

 

[Piratecat]

I love Dungeon, and I love Polyhedron. My subscription is one of the best RPG buys I make every year.

 

[Buttercup]

I enjoy Dungeon every month, and usually I like Polyhedron too. I wouldn't consider doing without it.

 

[Twiggly the Gnome]

You should subscribe to Dungeon, cut out the Polyhedron section, and mail it to me.

 

[Sir Whiskers]

According to Erik Mona, the format of Dungeon should be changing noticeably starting with issue 113 (#111 just shipped this month). If you like what you see at that point, go ahead and subscribe.

I too like Dungeon, but with the price hike I just can't justify it anymore. Nearly $4 an issue (subscription rate) for 2-3 adventures (most of which I never use) isn't quite enough for me. If they ever figure out a way to offer web content for their subscribers (downloadable maps, for instance), then I'll reconsider.

 

[Alaric_Prympax]

Yes IMO, it's well worth the money for what you get.