One of the best RPG games in 2009 is Dungeons & Dragons 4th Edition. This pen and paper roleplaying game was actually released in 2008 by Wizards of the Coast. However, it has taken a little bit of time for the gaming community to really grab a hold of the game and embrace. There are still definitely a lot of naysayers for 4th Edition, but I believe this game is a landmark edition that will change how the best RPG games are built from here on out.

One of the spectacular things that Wizards of the Coast did with 4th Edition is that they made it even friendlier towards miniature combat. They made a great move when they combined their game to become very friendly with miniature combat. It brings the best of both worlds to a pen and paper roleplaying game. You get the versatility of a system that can either use miniatures or not use them. This benefits both the players and the company.

Secondly, they made a conscious move towards creating a game that was more similar to MMORPGs. One of the points that has been made is that pen and paper roleplaying games are a "dying" hobby. While I wouldn't necessarily agree with that statement 100%, it is definitely a difficult time for many businesses out there. With regards to even the best RPG games creators, this is no exception. Many hobby stores are having a difficult time staying afloat. Interest seems to be waning in the hobby. A new RPG needs to be able to attract new players. Dungeons & Dragons 4th Edition does just that. With its unique rules system and setup the game is somewhat familiar to players that have grown up playing MMORPGs online.

Third, the product quality that Wizards of the Coast is putting out is fantastic. They are putting out great products very frequently. This keeps the hardcore fans satisfied each month with new products. However, these products are not required for anyone to play just the basic game. On top of that, they've committed to coming out with a new setting each year. In the year 2010, the next setting that they will support is Dark Sun. This is very much a fan-favorite pick and shows that the game designers are in tune (at least a little bit) with their fan-base.

There are a lot of older gamers that are really stuck in the past. They don't see D&D 4e as an evolution in gaming. In fact, many of them see it as the anti-Christ. That's okay in my opinion. That is their right to like the previous edition of a game. I personally prefer Star Wars D6 over the D20 or Saga Edition. However, D&D 4e has only grown in popularity since its release. It is causing more people to get into the hobby, not driving them away from it.

Overall, I think Dungeons & Dragons 4th Edition is one of the best RPG games available right now, if not the best RPG game for the pen and paper genre. It mixes a familiar game and setting with solid miniature combat rules, fantastic looking products, and a huge fan-base from which to pull players from. If you are a gamer and haven't tried out D&D 4e then you're probably living under a rock or have made up your mind that you hate the game.