I'm sure everybody has already heard about the big 5E announcement from Wizards. I know there are some out there arguing that it isn't 5E but "something different" that should appeal to fans of all editions because that is what the press release said. I don't have the desire to look it up but I believe the exact wording was "the next iteration" of D&D - sounds like 5E to me. Let me bring this post back on topic at this point. This is nothing more than me doing what most everyone else had done on this matter - stating my opinion and/or reaction - so here goes.
My Opinion of 4E
I come from a background of many years of experience with A/D&D in one form or another. I have played many versions of the game throughout the years; it all started in the summer of 1980. I know all of the versions share many of the same terms and are put together with many of the same parts. I believe that Wizards took 4E just a bit too far. In all honesty, 4E would probably be a great game from another company; one to "compete" with the current set of D&D rules. As a set of D&D rules I think it just simply does not work.
What Can Wizards Do For Me?
I admit it - I signed up for the playtest offer. I am always curious about the newest version of the D&D rules. I must also admit that the days of purchasing the newest A/D&D rules immediately upon release are gone. I will approach 5E with an caution. I hope D&D makes a triumphant return but I have my doubts. There are a few things that will definitely make me happy.
- Bring back the pdf sale of older editions.
- Drop the reliance on miniatures for combat.
- Bring back Dragon magazine in print.
- Get rid of the spiky, dungeonpunk art.
I am really not that concerned with 5E. For older edition play, I have either the retroclones - hell, I'm even helping to write one - or the ability to purchase what I do not have from other sources such as ebay, etc. For new school D&D I have C&C and also Pathfinder. I even have a decent sized collection of 4E manuals since a co-worker is selling off his collection at $10 a book. I have all of the bases covered at the moment so 5E is going to have to be pretty nifty for me to buy in.
