Jacob Lewis
Ye Olde GM
Fourth edition is still my favorite. But in truth, there is something appealing about every edition to me. Whether it is a particular mechanic, support for a setting, or an experience I had during a particular time, each has given me something I remember fondly over the 3 decades I had been involved.
All, that is, except 5e. Which is a shame because it is the edition I wanted 1e or 2e to be, and more popular than I hoped any edition could be. But it lacks something I really enjoyed about 3e, and fails to evolve forward from the innovations of 4e, which I really came to appreciate. For me, 5e is a step backwards, but it is a good step for bringing new people into the hobby where it is no longer guarded by the baggage of grognards like me. In fact, I give credit to 5e for moving me past the D&D threshold after so long and allowing me to find other games and hobbies that I have enjoyed more than I ever could if I were still committing the time and energy I did for just one game.
Speaking of which, that was one of the major strong points of 4e for me. The system was so well balanced, so meticulously measured, and so easy to scale, it was less of a chore to DM than any edition I had ever played. Everything was laid out clearly and concisely. Monster abilities were simple but interesting, and roles varied enough so that no two encounters with the same species would feel like a repeat.
Sure, there was room for improvement in several areas. I had hoped the next edition would continue the good design changes that started appearing towards the end. Or at the very least, allow other parties to pick up where they dropped things leaving their fans in the mud, so to speak. But I still have my books, and a working copy of the offline tools if I ever get the urge again. For now, I still prefer board games, (maybe) the One Ring, and (mostly) the Star Wars RPG. And it is hard to come back after experiencing all of that.
All, that is, except 5e. Which is a shame because it is the edition I wanted 1e or 2e to be, and more popular than I hoped any edition could be. But it lacks something I really enjoyed about 3e, and fails to evolve forward from the innovations of 4e, which I really came to appreciate. For me, 5e is a step backwards, but it is a good step for bringing new people into the hobby where it is no longer guarded by the baggage of grognards like me. In fact, I give credit to 5e for moving me past the D&D threshold after so long and allowing me to find other games and hobbies that I have enjoyed more than I ever could if I were still committing the time and energy I did for just one game.
Speaking of which, that was one of the major strong points of 4e for me. The system was so well balanced, so meticulously measured, and so easy to scale, it was less of a chore to DM than any edition I had ever played. Everything was laid out clearly and concisely. Monster abilities were simple but interesting, and roles varied enough so that no two encounters with the same species would feel like a repeat.
Sure, there was room for improvement in several areas. I had hoped the next edition would continue the good design changes that started appearing towards the end. Or at the very least, allow other parties to pick up where they dropped things leaving their fans in the mud, so to speak. But I still have my books, and a working copy of the offline tools if I ever get the urge again. For now, I still prefer board games, (maybe) the One Ring, and (mostly) the Star Wars RPG. And it is hard to come back after experiencing all of that.
