I hope everyone has had time to get settled into their new year routine. Gaming, gaming, and gaming, of course. Who has time for eating and sleeping, not to mention working or studying, right? I was rather disappointed that no one bothered to send in their top five product picks for 2007, but that will not stop me from discussing my top five. Just read on below to find that list.

On the review front, this week we finally get caught up on the Pathfinder Chronicles - Rise of the Runelords reviews with reviews of chapters three and four. Of course volume five is shipping any day now and we will be behind once again. I now have a huge stack of other products to review on my desk, so it may be a bit before we get back to Rise of the Runelords. I have yet to get my hands on any of the new Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition preview books either, which has been somewhat depressing.

We have launched some new games in the Roleplaying Forum. Of course we are always looking for new players and Game Masters who are interested in a little Play-By-Post. Swing by and start a game, or join one.

   2007 was a good year for tabletop gaming and the gaming industry in general. Here are Saving Throw's picks for the top five products of last year.

#1. Dungeons & Dragons: Rules Compendium - Without a doubt this book, a compilation of the 3.5 Edition rules, is a must-have for any gamer playing 3.5 Edition Campaigns. Only one product could have challenged it for supremacy in 2007, but sadly, the 3.5 Class Compendium does not exist.

#2. Monte Cooks' World of Darkness - Monte's last book, this is a conversion of the popular World of Darkness setting to d20 rules. It is a must have for those who wants to add a little bit of end-of-the-world flavor to their d20 gaming.

#3. Pathfinder - Rise of the Runelords - The new campaign setting from Paizo Publishing, previous publishers of Dragon and Dungeon magazines, did not disappoint the long time fans of those publications.

#4. Hero Lab Character Creation Software - Technically this was released at the end of 2006, but Lone Wolf has issued numerous updates throughout 2007, vastly expanding the options and supported game rules. This is a must-have for anyone wanting to speed up the character creation process.

#5. D&D Icons: Legend of Drizzt Scenario Pack - Yes, I will admit it, I love Drizzt. This scenario pack allows fans to relive one of Drizzt's most famous battles. The miniatures look good sitting on a shelf, as long as they are kept out of the reach of small children.

Next time, I will be back with a couple reviews of some older Green Ronin products: think Dwarves and Elves. I picked up numerous older products last month at a couple clearance sales, so the retro-reviews won't be ending there.

Again, if you have any suggestions, ideas, or other things you think might improve the column, just click on the email link below and send me an email. I am particularly interested in any ideas for format change you might have. I am thinking of doing some forum-based updates -- I always seem to get news items the day after I post the column as well.

Martin "Popsicle" Drury