Having rediscovered D&D a little over a year ago, I have to say that I like most of the changes they've made since I last played in the mid-80s. To be honest, most of the differences people have pointed out don't even ring a bell for me; they just feel right, suggesting a natural evolution of the game. It's definitely much more complex now, with an intense attention to detail that can be intimidating, but it's all designed in a way that lets you customize the game to your own liking.
And, most importantly, it's still fun to play. Unlike video games, most of which are designed around an individual experience, a D&D game is a collaborative effort that encourages creativity and social interaction from every player. The only boundaries are those of your collective imagination.
This gift set is the perfect way to get back into the game, too, combining the three core books that include all the information you need to create characters, design adventures and populate them with an array of monsters to slay. There's even information on incorporating miniatures into the game, offering a visual aid for those who can't fully make the leap from video games.
Don't make the mistake of thinking D&D is either too complex for kids (my 9-year old niece plays), or too simple for adults (I'm 35). It's a highly-flexible system that can be easily tweaked for the enjoyment of all ages.
The occasional typo aside, the books themselves are well-designed hardcovers and the authors present the material in an engaging way that goes beyond simply explaining the rules of the game. All three books actually represent entertaining reads in and of themselves, something that's not always the case with role-playing publications. These are the cream of the crop.