I actually like the mechanics being so easily manipulated, except when they go overboard and get gonzo. In other words, if you want to make a cool magic sword for your players, no problem. The trick is not making it an artifact and kill everyone's fun. If there is a formal system for determining the power and value of a magic item, I've missed it.
The world is also pretty interesting.
The game play mechanics are easy for someone new to gaming, except maybe that weird armor check number, the acronym is escaping me. Ignoring that, just roll a d20 and if you roll higher than 5, you hit. That's simple.