Do the Etools patches make it work?

[StumpwaterJack]

Also the 1.3 patch has been sent to WOTC for there stamp of approvial. Along with most of the datasets. So according to Mynex, it should just be a couple of weeks now.

IIRC, this patch isn't going to address 3.5e issues. That's targetted for late August, I believe. (I'm not sure if you're saying it does or not, but it could be taken that way).

As far as the original question, I agree with those that say E-Tools is now a usable product, and I think it's getting better all the time. It's definitely worth the money now.

SJ

 

[DMFTodd]

>> Are there any similar programs on the horizon that will make me wish I had waited?

I don't know about "on the horizon" but there are a couple of different options available right now. Most of these aren't going to be charging for the 3.5 upgrade either. Try: Campaign Suite from Twin Rose, DM Genie, Roleplaying Master, and Crystal Ball if you're on a Mac.

 

[Henry]

Re: Re: Do the Etools patches make it work?

Originally posted by Maniac
The interface from the original Char gen program from the PHB was great is Etools similar?

Yeah, it was. Unfortunately, the interface for eTools in not even remotely similar. It's basically a MS Access database with a few graphics from the core books. The interface is unattractive, but I'm not sure that I'd call it kludgy.

Strangely enough, I was one of the ones who lobbied hardest back in 2000 for Fluid to dump what I consider to be the absolutely, ugly, cartoonly, and unfriendly interface from the old Chargen program. ActiveX overhead for programs drives me nuts, and it's one of the things I love about more standardized interfaces - that, and being able to figure out how to print, save, etc. instinctively.

I think I am going to bite the bullet and get this despite its problems. I really need some sort of computer aid.

Are there any similar programs on the horizon that will make me wish I had waited?

One word about E-tools: Codemonkey Publishing has literally raised the dead where E-tools is concerned. Given The CMP staff's drive and passion for PCGen, and watching the love that has gotten put into that program over the past three years, I can only expect E-Tools to keep getting better and better. Between them, and Davin Church, E-Tools has a great support community.

As for other programs, Todd just gave a very good list of the best choices out there, as far as I've seen. I will add PCGen, though, because that's my poison of choice.