Long time readers are aware that I grew up playing role playing games. A lot of what I loved about rpg’s is the story and creativity they allowed me to explore and express during my formative years. I’ve touched on some of the great memories that playing dungeons & dragons allowed me to have growing up when paying tribute to Gary Gygax. Somewhere along the way D&D lost me and my love for rpg’s just faded to the recesses of my mind.

Enter the Pathfinder Beginner Box set by Paizo a product so perfect in it’s execution it should have other publishers sitting up and taking notice.  Judging by the recently announced plans for a new edition of D&D that aims to tie all the various version into one product apparently one publisher has.  The Pathfinder Beginner Box is how you not only want to introduce someone to your game system. It’s a masterful example of how to introduce someone to the hobby of role playing games.

Think about when you purchase something like a video game. What is the first thing you do? Do you read the manual or do you just start to play? Now think about classic rpg’s you had to read a lot of text, a whole lot of text before doing anything.

The moment you open the product you’re greeted with a sheet imploring you to stop what you’re doing and read it. The sheet guides you on what to do next. Are you alone? No problem open the Hero’s guide and run through the solo adventure on page 2. Don’t worry if you know nothing. about rpg’s as the solo adventure will have you rolling d20′s, checking your attack bonus and using a healing potion in no time.  If you’re sitting down with a group of people the Game Masters guide has you covered. Once again a few pages in you’ll be running an adventure for your friends. The guide will tell hold your hand as it teaches you the rules to running a game and the players the rules on how to play.

Four ready to play characters are included. Also in the box are blank character sheets, a dry erase flip map for using with the included adventure in the Game Masters guide and card board cut out for monsters and players.  Literally everything you need to play your first session in the Pathfinder universe is in the box and you can be playing in a matter of minutes.  After you have gotten a taste with the introductory adventure and characters you can then read on.

The Hero’s Guide literally walks you through creating a new character. Each section is clearly explained and illustrated and matches up to a section on the blank character sheets. The Game Masters guide gives you tips on running and creating adventures. Expanded rules on combat, magic and traps. There is even a section on monsters included in it to give you some vile creatures to throw at your friends.

Typically with a product like this a buyer is thinking what’s next? Put another check mark on the positive side as the box set not only points you in the right direction. You can download several pdf’s off the website which give you a new character class to play, mini adventures to run and more.

I can’t tell you the last time I opened a product and after going through it the word perfect came to mind. With the Pathfinder Beginner Box I can’t think of any other adjective to describe it. The product is well thought out, executed with a professional and approachable touch. The graphic designer on this product should win an award in my opinion.

The game most certainly will not fit the bill for a lot of veteran role players looking to switch to the system. The limited races and classes will likely drive them insane but I wouldn’t expect that audience to buy the beginner box in the first place.  If you’re new to rpg’s or Pathfinder in general and want a great introduction to the genre or system then you can’t go wrong with this product.

What’s Hot
Everything. This product is what other publishers should measure themselves against when creating an introduction to the genre.

What’s Not
It doesn’t include a dry erase marker…yes that is sarcasm.

Over All: A+
This is a must purchase if you fit any of the criteria listed above. Stop reading and go buy this product.