[RPG]: Dungeons & Dragons 4th Edition Core Rulebook Gift Set, reviewed by Lev Lafayette (4/3)

[RPGnet Reviews]

http://www.rpg.net/reviews/archive/13/13986.phtml

Lev Lafayette's Summary:

With significant changes to the D&D game, the new edition will not appeal to quite a few fans of previous editions with a narrower highly combat based focus. The overall craftsmanship within this focus however has improved and the kewl powers will appeal to others. Still suffers from an appalling substance to page count as per previous editions, but by the same token still comes with industry-setting high production qualities.

Go to the full review for more information.

[Lev Lafayette]

remains a continiung Achilles Heal

Ahem. Achilles Heel. Although I do like the idea of an Achilles Heal.

[furst]

This is probably the best review I read this year, good work!

[Cuneiform]

Thanks for the thoughtful review.

The core books very systematically express a set of design preferences. I think you underestimate the systematic nature of these changes, perhaps because the preferences expressed by the designers are not your own.

Otherwise, I think this a neutral and even-handed review.

I also have to ask why would you say that D&D did developmental psychology "surprisingly well" in previous editions?

[Portin Astorm]

I agree with the above: very well-done review. You tackled one of the most devisive, partisan producing products out there in RPG-Land with admirable neutrality.

Kudos.

[Mescalin]

Good review!

I have to say I am loving 4e.

I think it is the best incarnation of D&D yet - easy to prep for - and combats really rock in it.

We are roleplaying 50% of the time, and 50% time fighting - running Paizo's Rise of the Runelords storyline with it - great stuff!!

will still play other games for different moods/ feels/ genres (eg: Cthulhu,WFRP, Fading Suns, etc) BUT love this game!

Archmage Mescalin.

[Lev Lafayette]

Originally Posted by furst

This is probably the best review I read this year, good work!

Goodness. That's high praise indeed. BTW, I like your icon - and Adorno (being an aging Frankfurt School fan)

Originally Posted by Cuneiform

Thanks for the thoughtful review.

I also have to ask why would you say that D&D did developmental psychology "surprisingly well" in previous editions?

Ahh well this an interesting one. In moral development one first learns to conform and obey roles before taking principled positions on 'goodness'. In early D&D the Basic, Expert sets etc accorded these stages to the relevant age category, that is Law-Neutral-Chaos, whereas AD&D - aimed at an older market - alignment became a two-dimensional orientation; it was possible to be good and chaotic. I rather suspect that this was not accidental and the authors were at least somewhat aware of the difference.

Originally Posted by Mescalin

Good review!

I have to say I am loving 4e.

I think it is the best incarnation of D&D yet - easy to prep for - and combats really rock in it.

I have to say I really appreciate these remarks - I personally don't like D&D4e because it doesn't suit my BadWrongFun (which has very little combat, for example). But the fact that people who do like it still say this is a good review gives me a warm inner glow

[smascrns]

Great review, Lev. I specially liked the fact that you related DD4 to board and CCG fantasy games. A lot of people are linking DD4 to MMOs but my impression is that it targets more the card and board gamer. After all, it's easier to lead one of these to play a tabletop rpg than a computer gamer.

[Yo! Master]

Originally Posted by smascrns

Great review, Lev. I specially liked the fact that you related DD4 to board and CCG fantasy games. A lot of people are linking DD4 to MMOs but my impression is that it targets more the card and board gamer. After all, it's easier to lead one of these to play a tabletop rpg than a computer gamer.

The comparison to Japanese strategy CRPGS (think 'Final Fantasy Tactics') still remains the more accurate, though.

[La Maupin]

Originally Posted by Yo! Master

The comparison to Japanese strategy CRPGS (think 'Final Fantasy Tactics') still remains the more accurate, though.

To my mind as well - 4E's game mechanics are too dependent on turn-based play to be very effectively based on MMORPG game mechanics.