Now that D&D 5e PHB is released, what is your opinion of it compared to previous version of the game? What met or beat expectations and what fell short?
Right now it's still 3.5e, followed by 2nd. However, 5e has impressed me greatly, so I wouldn't be surprised if it gets the nod once I've taken it out for a spin or two.
Right now it's definitely 4th edition. It just works perfectly for our group.
That being said, we've done two sessions of the Starter Set now and we're really into it. 5e might match or even exceed 4e soon, tho I still have my doubts.
Prior to 5e's release my favorites were 4e and BX/1e. 5e seems to be replacing BX/1e for me. It still remains to be seen if it will scratch the same itch 4e does for me. I really want to see the DMG for that.