Comments on: 4th Edition - Adoption Rate?

By: d21 Gaming » The Outsider

d21 Gaming » The Outsider — Thu, 22 May 2008 15:43:21 +0000

[...] release draws ever nearer. Sixteen days or so as of this writing. I’ve been on the case since April 1st, and am eagerly awaiting for my lovely pre-ordered package of goodness to arrive from Amazon on [...]

By: d21 Gaming » More On: Adoptions, Corrections, Subscriptions

d21 Gaming » More On: Adoptions, Corrections, Subscriptions — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 12:52:58 +0000

[...] last week’s post, KarasDjun and itsman really hit closest to the target with their comments on D&D 4E early [...]

By: itsman

itsman — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 09:19:55 +0000

I’m shocked to hear that perfectly sane gamers who saw the errata problems in the first couple of printings of 3.0 are lining up with their $$ for the likely sub-par product that will flood shelves this summer. I guess you guys indirectly make it possible for us ‘more demanding’ customers to get the product we want in the long run, so …um… thanks? I will wait for a later print run with all the fixings : )
I got to sit in on a 4thEd demo at the Gamestorm convention (Portland) last weekend. My first impression was that some of the choices seemed a little silly, but that might have been influenced by the lame GM. Healing bursts & online subscriptions & draconic PCs? I’ve got no problem with any of that, per se, but it doesn’t really smell like “D&D” to me just yet. Dumbed down for a new generation & wider marketability? More like MMORPGs? Idunno. I’m not sure what to think at this point, but I am usually interested in trying a new gaming system, so I’m sure I’ll buy 4thEd soon enough. My first impression was that it was not what I really wanted in a 4thEd — a radical evolution beyond the days of 3.X with lots of elegant metarules for the GM and a completely revamped & scalable magic system.
I hoped to be “wowed” by 4thEd as 3.0 had done. From the little I saw I wasn’t so impressed to need to preorder 4thEd. I think 4th ed will just be different from 3.X, and ‘easier’. Oh well — it will be a fantasy RPG and I will play it. Maybe it’ll grow on me after more playing?

By: KarasDjun

KarasDjun — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:52:32 +0000

Speaking strictly as a consumer, I would not pre-order these books. I was burnt on 2nd edition and 3rd edition. My suggestion is to wait until the 5th printing before diving in. By then the glaring errors and inconsistencies should be completely fixed. If they only do an internet reprint with errata, then they are really not understanding how people play this game. I waited an entire year before ordering the 3.5 gift set and was very happy to have done so. No, I won’t be ordering 4E. I won’t be playing 4E. I’ve found the comfortable niche I want to stay in. There is no incentive there to entice me. I have a bookcase filled with games I haven’t played in years. Maybe it’s time….

By: The Emperor

The Emperor — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:36:15 +0000

Regarding “bending” lighting bolts, I’ll have you know that lightning bolts can be created at maximum length at 5′ wide, or half length and 10′ wide. It didn’t bend, it was just extra wide!

By: Random

Random — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 19:47:02 +0000

Those of you who’ve read my various criticisms of 4E may be surprised to hear that I’ve pre-ordered as well. (I couldn’t pass up the value of that Amazon Gift set.) I don’t expect a lot of conversions of 3.x campaigns to 4E. There are some people who will try to recreate their old characters in the new system to continue their campaigns. I am constantly amazed at how reluctant RPGers are to try new things. When someone says “I want to start a new campaign” their group often assumes it is in the same system that they have always played. This may be the biggest hurdle that 4E faces. They’ve changed the base of D&D to something entirely new and that may keep some groups from adopting it.

I am looking forward to playing in a 4E campaign the same way I look forward to someday playing in a Spirit of the Century game, a Serenity game, or even a Call of Cthulhu or Ars Magica game. It will be something new and that’s usually enough to make it fun.

By: ChrisMcD

ChrisMcD — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 12:18:28 +0000

I am definatly getting 4th edition when it comes out. I was hoping to play the 4.0 demo at UBCon but I heard the demo had been cancelled.

By: Hunter Rose

Hunter Rose — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:29:27 +0000

I've pre-ordered from Amazon. There isn't a FLGS near where I live to support :(

The group I run is not switching to 4e for a good long while. After we finish Expedition to Castle Ravenloft, one of the players is going to take over GMing and run Star Wars Saga Edition: Dawn of Defiance. (4e lite, if you prefer).

The group I play in is going to try 4e with one of the pre-written adventures that ship with the system before deciding whether or not to stick with it. One of our concerns is that we prefer a low-magic setting and 4e looks to be headed in a different direction.

Having very much enjoyed d20 Modern and reading the new Star Wars edition, I am very hopeful for 4e and I am looking forward to giving it a spin.