The components in this set are:
* 12 miniatures (4 heroes and 8 monsters)
* 4 map tiles, illustrated in color on both sides
* 6 dice (basic, solid colors with white numbers)
* 1 glossy sheet of counters (treasure chests, doors, etc.)
* 4 character booklets, 1 per player during the first adventures
* 1 Dungeon Master booklet, containing five adventures for the characters at level 1
* Advanced Rulebook, which includes level 2 character sheets for the four characters and a sixth adventure for the characters after they've reached level 2 by completing the First Adventure Book
Contrary to the Wizards of the Coast web site, my set has 6 dice, not 7, and 12 miniatures, not 16. There is only one ten-sided die, not two. The actual game box lists the correct components.
I think the components are well worth the money. You get a nice set of miniatures (including a dragon), some colorful map tiles, and a few basic dice. The rules booklets are a different approach, and I think an improvement, from the previous versions' use of character sheets. Each player gets their own character information, plus the basic rules, in one booklet. The Dungeon Master gets a booklet for the first adventures and uses the Advanced booklet after that.
This game will most likely be reviewed in comparison with its predecessors, the earlier D&D Basic Game and the D&D Adventure Game. In comparison to the earlier Basic Game, this set has, on the con side, four fewer miniatures and less interesting-looking dice. On the pro side this set has booklets with more information for each player than just character sheets, character sheets for level 2 in the Advanced Rulebook, and a bigger, bluer dragon.
On the true neutral side, the adventures in this set are presented as a series of one-shot excursions, between which the characters return to town. I haven't played them yet, but I'm guessing this will give players the chance to learn more incremently, take breaks, and talk about what just happened in a different way than with the previous set, which had one, long dungeon. But, even the previous set advised a return to town before encountering the final monster.
Given the quality of components in the Adventure Game, which has a glossy paper map and counters instead of miniatures, and originally sold for just under US$10, this current set is a bargain at the current price.
I like the Adventure Game and I like both versions of the Basic Game. I do not see the Basic Game 2006 as an improvement or enhancement of either of these sets, but simply a different approach. Although you get fewer miniatures and dice without flash, you do get another way to learn the rules. The change from character sheets to booklets, the inclusion of level 2 character sheets, and the separation of the game play into shorter adventures leading to a final, longer adventure are the major changes I see in this latest set. All of these changes give new players a slightly different way to learn the game.
As I am interested in games as learning tools, and love to see games whose creators seem to care about making the learning process easier, I thought this Basic Set's focus on changing the pacing of the first adventures and the amount of information given to players was worth the purchase in itself. And, now, my black dragon has someone to fight.
For slightly fewer components and an interesting, new approach to learning the game, I give the Basic Game 2006 four stars.
Happy gaming.