Many moons ago, a man named Gygax put the 'Advanced' into D&D. While not nearly the on the same scale, Codex Martialis similarly puts advanced techniques into standard D&D combat. While I cannot comment on how the system actually plays (we have yet to use the book around the table), I can and will comment on how the system reads: in a word, excellently. My group tired of d20 combat and decided to look around for a different, yet familiar, system. CM may be just that. The product is filled with Old World quotes, excellent 1E-style art, and packed with information within a two-column format. CM adds an interesting dimension to combat, quite literally, by adding a "third" range into d20's standard ranged and melee attacks. Combatants can now close one another to enter grapple range, wherein weapon speeds (remember 1E?) are more critical. This is offset by reach attack bonuses for hitting enemies at range, when they first close your position. No short review can do the material justice, because it is complex - but it's not complicated. If your players are the ones who have tired of the standard Improved Trip and Disarm routines, this book is for you. It allows you to play the game you know, but on a new, exciting, and extremely deep level. At least - that's my hope! We intend to try the system at our next session.

In summary, CM is highly recommended for those folks who need just a bit more variety and tactical complexity in their d20 combat.