alternate class features/substitution levels

[freyar]

I've just been reading through the first couple of chapters in the PHBII, and I've found the various alternate class features interesting. That reminded me to look through substitution levels (which, to my mind, are essentially the same thing) in other books (particularly Champions of Valor, since I've got a PC who might end up taking a substitution level from that book).

I'm curious about your experiences with alternate features and substitution levels. Are the usually balanced with the features that they replace? The most interesting responses will be those with actual in-play experience; some of the variants are somewhat complex (druid shapeshifting variant vs wildshape, for example).

Thanks!

 

[WayneLigon]

So far, we've enjoyed using them a lot. I look to seeing this type of thing used a great deal more in 4E.

 

[dagger]

Complete Champion has some nice ones, especially the one that replaces Paladin spellcasting.