The Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition Player’s Handbook provides the newest incarnation of the oldest role-playing game. This edition focuses heavily on high-powered tactical combat, updating the way characters function in-game and doing away with many of the nitpicky rules of previous editions. Fans of games such as Savage Worlds take note: D&D is back with a vengeance. Those who loathe miniatures in their games would be well-advised to stay away.
I'm going to be playing D&D 4th this week, or the next. I've played all editions since 1982, so it'll be interesting to see what happens with 4E. I have only read a small chunk of this book, so I can't judge it fairly one way or the other. As for 3.5, I haven't played that version for nearly 2 years. I have played a little bit of fantasy, but largely other genres through the wonderful Savage Worlds system. I'm one of those guys who doesn't mind having minis on the map, but I'd prefer things not to get too bogged down. I think Savage Worlds does a fine job of tactical without going overboard. 3.5 and Star Wars D20 revised went a little too nuts with it. I've only played sprinklings of fantasy through Savage Worlds, and it seems to be alright for that genre. It definately delivers the goods for other genres however. Truth be known, the game that I call D&D these days is Troll Lord Game's Castles and Crusades. It's C&C for "most" of my fantasy needs, and Savage Worlds for the rest. Actually, SW has some fantasy campaigns that are good, as well. Getting back on topic about 4E. I'm hearing some people say that a gm has his work cut out for him to run this new edition. And, I've been hearing a mix of good, bad, and ugly. All I can do is stick with just the phb for now, and play in my friend's upcoming campaign. I see myself playing it, but probably not running it.
I'm not a 4e fan, but this was a very good review.
The only point I disagree with was the 'high-school' reading level comment. I don't think 4e isn't an example of high-school reading level. Students are reading literary classics in high school. I'd call 1e AD&D at a high-school reading level. 4e is very easy reading. -It's one thing I really dislike about it.
I'm not a 4e fan, but this was a very good review.
The only point I disagree with was the 'high-school' reading level comment. I don't think 4e isn't an example of high-school reading level. Students are reading literary classics in high school. I'd call 1e AD&D at a high-school reading level. 4e is very easy reading. -It's one thing I really dislike about it.
But, like I said, nice review.
Hi Markkat,
My intention was to state that I thought the book was written towards a younger generation who had never before been exposed to a role-playing game. As the careful explanation of "what is a role playing game" is now old, old hat to me, I found this tone (which pervades through much of the book), to be unnecessary.
Thanks for the positive feedback. I'm glad you enjoyed the review!
I'd put 1E more at college level- it's quite dense and not easy to access at times. In high school you generally read the literature that's still somewhat accessible- ROMEO & JULIET, OF MICE AND MEN, etc.
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Also, regarding this statement early in my review:
Thus far, that’s all we have seen from other reviews out there.
Please note that I wrote this review just a few days after the game was released. Since then, we have seen many more reviews appear, and most of them very good reviews. So, if you reviewed the PHb, please don't take offense, I probably wasn't referring to your work!
Cutter?? I think I know you. You make a good point about the price of SW. Best deal in the rpg industry these days. And, you have enough there to play many genres(including fantasy) out of the box, so to speak. That said, I'm not sure if you'll get the bountiful load of fantasy offered by any of the previous editions of D&D. Don't get me wrong, I'll probably be thinking of Savage Worlds the entire time I play 4E. But, I think SW's fantasy toolkit pdf's, along with the 10.00 rulebook might be closer to delivering the fantasy goods. That's nitpicking, of course. Either way, make mine SAVAGE WORLDS, and Castles and Crusades!
Well, you can't argue about a $10 rulebook, especially since SW is a great game. However, it's not D&D, and anytime I've ever played fantasy while playing SW, it felt like I was "faking D&D."
Also, I really think that D&D 4e is offering a lot of game that SW does not.
1) A more robust tactical combat system
2) A lot more flavor - the magic and fantasy rules for SW feel generic.
3) A lot more magic items, monsters, etc.
4) A more robust and dynamic character development system
Now don't get me wrong. I love SW - I happily used it for a Deadlands game, and I'm glad to see D&D 4e adapting to some of the more modern mechanics such as deadlands employs (action points, mook rules, etc). But for an action-adventure fantasy game, I'll take D&D, hands down.
4) A more robust and dynamic character development system
please explain. I really don't see dynamic anywhere in 4e except where it differs from previous editions. imo, the classes are more confined and development more narrow unless one plans on getting the splats.
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Last edited by NeoSamurai; 06-17-2008 at 09:28 PM..
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