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devils. The second version of the Advanced rules eliminated all mention of devils and demons in the game but still included deities and demigods. The second and later editions also cleaned up some of the partially nude artwork which were included in the 1st Edition monster manuals.

Part of what drew players to the game were the comprehensive rules. Dungeons and Dragons has always been far superior, in my mind, to any of the other role playing games which have come before or since. The rules were extensive. This is particulary true of the Advanced Dungeons and Dragons set of rules. By the time this set came out no other role playing game at the time was even close to being as complete. Many of the competitors thought that it was too complete and attempted to sell their games based upon the premise that their versions were simpler to use. That, unfortunately for them, was not what most gamers were looking for. The more extensive set of rules in the Dungeons and Dragons game give it just enough realism to make it interesting and yet still allow a great deal for the imagination.

The advent of better and better computer and video-games has made inroads into role playing games in general. When I began playing Dungeons and Dragons in the late seventies video games mostly consisted of pong games and pacman and a game like Dungeons and Dragons could hold the attention of the average gamer. Now there are way too many other distractions available. But fantasy video games based upon the Dungeons and Dragons concept still live on. World of Warcraft, Everquest, Ultima Online and dozens and dozens of other role playing games and Internet based mass role playing games are extremely popular even now. While the original game may not survive forever there will undoubtedly be many others for years to come.

Learn more about this author, Joseph Mohr.
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