Generic Classes - any good?

[Host of Angels]

Has anyone tried using the generic classes from Unearthed Arcana? I was having a look last night and was contemplating using them for a new campaign. I could see that there were possibilities aplenty - but wondered if the spellcaster class was up to scratch. Would a spellcaster be a match for a straight wizard? They have reduced spells, spontaneous casting and a bunch of extra feats.

So - I wondered if anyone has given this varient a whirl?

 

[Bryin]

I havnt played the class in a champaign but a quick play of a spellcaster of 6th level showed me that it can kick some trolls face in with no problem if one knows how to use a magic using class, i mean it can choose spells of divine and arcane. arcane damage and some protect spells with the cleric spells of heal and boosting abilities (dont like to play cleric as much, i like the standard high level sorcerer with a rogue or bard class or two for skills and extra special abilities, evation at second level for rogue can say "Goodday fireball/lightning, how was your day?" if he makes the save)

 

[Host of Angels]

I was thinking of allowing a spellcaster to take the specialist wizard modifications (also in Unearthed Arcana) as feats - that way I would encourage the player to create more interesting specialist characters. Which I like...

 

[Christian]

I don't think the generic classes in UA were supposed to be balanced with the core classes, were they? Just with each other ...

 

[adwyn]

I've had two players use the generic options. The one who chose the generic fighter type felt it was weak when compared to the others and soon dropped it. The player with the wizard though is in 7th heaven and loves the versatility.

Primarily it came down to what each wanted in a class.The first player wanted up front, strait forward bonuses while the second enjoyed utilizing some options that normally would require multiclassing to get.

 

[Host of Angels]

I was thinking of limiting the players to the three generic classes - but given that I use alot of bought material (Green Ronin primarily), and I don't have time to convert everything - the PCs would be up against lots of standard NPC with the usual slew of classes. So, my concern was that it may unbalance encounters.

If that makes sense...

 

[Host of Angels]

... The player with the wizard though is in 7th heaven and loves the versatility...

What has this player done with the class? I would be interested to know how they moulded it with the extra feats and stuff like that. And have they come up with any killer combo spell choices?