First off let me say that I hate the name of the next edition of D&D. It really makes you wonder what the next next edition of D&D will be called. It also gives one the sense, and not in a good way, that this is probably the last "official" version of D&D. Maybe they should just call it D&D Last.
One of the critiques of D&D Next that I have heard from many sources is its apparent lack of direction. It is pretty obviously a stripped down version of 3e with a couple of new ideas sprinkled in. To me, that is a direction. D&D Last would actually be an appropriate name because it is definitely a step back down the family tree away from 4e and closer to the roots of the game. It is closer to the last edition than the next. But in my opinion that is a good thing. I think a stripped down version of 3e with most of the skill system thrown out is not a bad edition of D&D. I will reserve final judgement until I see how complexity is added. If WOTC succeeds in giving options to the gamers that want to create really complex (mechanically) characters and still keeps the basic game this stripped down and light feeling, I personally will love it.
Agreed.
ReplyDeleteIt reminds me more of 1e (AD&D) than 3e. Especially with no grid or actions like opportunity attacks and flanking.
ReplyDeleteI don't actually think they'll brand the products "D&D Next", that's just what we call the project at this point.
ReplyDeleteI like the new edition. Not to say that 4E wasn't entertaining and I played it since it's inception. The problem with 4E is that it holds combat above all else.
ReplyDelete@AnonymousMay 31, 2012 5:50 AM
ReplyDelete"It reminds me more of 1e (AD&D) than 3e. Especially with no grid or actions like opportunity attacks and flanking."
I don't know. Ascending AC is just cosmetic, but the skill system (even stripped down) overlayed over the attribute based checks makes it seem like 3e light to me.
"I think a stripped down version of 3e with most of the skill system thrown out is not a bad edition of D&D."
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen the 5e playtest version with my own eyes but I utterly agree with your statement here. Though I had some difficulty running 3e myself, I surely enjoyed playing it a great deal. I did not leave the "official" D&D fold until fourth edition. So this direction does potentially bode well.
I created my own Cover which I will add to the Book when I get it as a dust cover: D&D 5th Edition with an old school D&D logo. If the Game turns out poorly I will develop it as the cover for my own Edition of D&D.
ReplyDelete