[Coglio]

Nice review. I've read a few reviews and playtests now, and they all seem to agree on a few items.

One, 4e is much more combat oriented and much streamlined (i.e. simplified.) The classes offer much fewer options, which can be construed as good (they are simpler to get into) and bad (less customization, more cookie-cut).

Two, everyone who plays it seems to have fun. This is the acid test, of course. The game is clearly much unlike 3e, in that it downplays social role playing. However, battles seem to be more enjoyable, and combat has always been the meat and potatoes of D&D since the old Chainmail booklet days.

It seems to me that 4e is not necessarily an improved D&D, but a different D&D, which can be a good thing depending on what you are looking to get out of it.