[Hogscape]

Yes, another outstanding review, but in fairness, only as good as all of Lev's other outstanding reviews (hey, a few typos but given the word count, not an issue).

Lev talks about a poor 'substance to page-count ratio' in several paragraphs and although I know what he means (lots of words but little else), he's never never really explicit.

I understand completely why Wizards created 4e - they were making scads of cash from miniatures - why not merge their customer base and make more cash? A new edition was always going to create waves (well, ripples) in a hobby born of and sustained by independent creativity but the truth is (as Citadel/Games Workshop already discovered) that the money sits with the kids. Younger gamers like crunchy rules and figures - older gamers drift towards lighter rules and less paraphernalia.

I won't ever buy 4e but I would play it if someone else put the effort in - but the bottom line is: D&Ders will go with what they love (a lot of people out there still play 1e) regardless of the latest trends and newer, younger players will ride the fashion train. However, any new blood in the hobby is good blood. The youngies eventually get older!