D&D 4E 4E: The Biggest Changes in any D&D Edition Switch

[Roman]

4E is introducing major changes to D&D. I think that the scale of the changes involved is larger than in any previous D&D edition change in both lore and mechanics, but I have not played all the editions, so I cannot be sure. Consequently, I am wondering what other people think on the matter.

Please vote regardless of whether you think such radical changes are good or bad for the game.

 

[Raith5]

I voted "In both Crunch and Fluff"

I have played all editions of D and D and while 3rd ed was a big change in maths and mechanics, this is long chain of changes in terms of the ways classes work, how spells work and how monsters operate. I hope it works!

 

[Simon Marks]

I moved from BECMI to AD&D and back again. Then to 3rd. The Crunch differences between 3rd and 2nd are larger at this point. (Unification of Attributes, total reworking of saves, Feats, Unification of XP, removal of set XP values etc.)l

The difference between BECMI and AD&D fluff wise? Way larger.

 

[Zulithe]

Based on currently available info, I'd say the alterations are especially large in comparison to previous edition switches. But I am much more excited about 4e than I was about 3e. I only wish that the Druid had made it into the PHB because recently available info sure makes it sound fun ^__^

 

[Wormwood]

In both.

Hallelujah.

 

[Dr. Strangemonkey]

On the whole I see way less change than I have in prior editions.

2E - 3E changed nearly every aspect of crunch.

2E - 3E (in terms of core books) changed the very idea of fluff for the core books. And that's not even counting the fact that the shift killed whole game lines with their own fluff and core rule books.

Basic Folders to 1E also seemed like a huge shift in fluff.



In terms of gamist concepts this may be a big new edition, but overall it seems like the gentlest edition change I've seen.

 

[Simon Marks]

In terms of gamist concepts this may be a big new edition, but overall it seems like the gentlest edition change I've seen.

Disagree, sorta.

1e->2e was less severe, 3.0->3.5 was less severe, Holmes -> BECMI was less severe.

But those? Those weren't really edition changes. Those were mostly just revisions. So out of 'real edition changes' it's not that severe.

Maybe I'll go off and write up the 'major changes' between editions. I've got 2e, BECMI, Holmes, 3.0 and 3.5 lying around my house.

Or maybe I'll play with a puppy instead.

 

[Baka no Hentai]

In my opinion, the shift away from Vancian magic and the advent of At-Will powers for everyone is enough to make it at least even to 3E as far as Crunch changes from previous additions. Everything else pushes 4E right over the edge. (In a good way IMO, I have liked 95% of the crunch changes I've seen thus far.)

 

[MaelStorm]

In crunch & fluff.

 

[thundershot]

OD&D to 1E was more of an expansion. Hence the "Advanced". 1E to 2E wasn't that bad. 2E to 3E was the biggest change in crunch. 3E to 4E will be a HUGE change in fluff, but only slightly more crunch change than 1E to 2E. For the most part, the continuity of the planes and gods and such has been kept intact. This time they're changing things big time...


Chris