Editor's Comments: It's no surprise that a genre who takes its roots from tabletop dice-based games relies heavily on random chance. But has randomness in RPGs gone too far? Cidolfas delivers a rant on just how irritating the "random drop" loot system can be.

Editor's Comments: Why do gaming companies make games? Because we play them, of coiurse. Or is getting top dollar the bottom line? Are we, as consumers, getting our money's worth? Jeffrey expresses his disgust for money-grubbing retailers and developers alike.

Editor's Comments: JuMeSyn hates random battles. He really, really hates them. And as far as he's concerned, it's time for a change. He's here this week to tell us, and game designers, why the madness of random encounters should be stopped once and for all.

Editor's Comments: Some games have all the luck; others don't. Often times a terrific RPG goes unnoticed due to any number of factors. Nick has a game in mind, and he wants us all to know why he thinks it shouldn't fall into "Abyss"-mal obscurity.

In 1957, the classic film "12 Angry men" was released in the US to wide critical acclaim. The story of a jury who is in deadlock due to the dissenting vote of one conscientious juror has been told, retold, and parodied countless times in film and TV. Even more compelling than the trial itself is the interaction of the jurors, and the moral strength and conviction of the one man who feels the defendant in the case is innocent despite all evidence. The film is a simply-made but brilliant masterpiece, and deserves to be on anyone's movie shelf. I really recommend putting it on your Blockbuster list next time you go out for a flick.

We don't quite have twelve men this week; but we're certainly not short on strong opinions. We have four disgruntled, annoyed, irritated, and (may I say it) angry men, with four editorials to match. Cidolfas and JuMeSyn each rage against the elements of random chaos, while Jeffrey rails at game developers and the stores who sell their product. Finally, Nick protests the cold shoulder a certain RPG release recently recieved.

I'm a litle angry myself...my work situation's been miserable lately, and none of my last batch of applications have gone anywhere. But if at first you don't succeed, bang your head against it a few more times. That's what I always say. And so once more unto the breach, my friends, once more!

As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts, too. Send submissions to editor@rpgamer.com and we'll post your article in the next update. Until then, see you next week!