Is 3e a different game than 1e/2e?

[johnsemlak]

I've seen people state offhand in various threads here and elsewhere that 3rd Edition is a 'different game' that its predecessors. Recently, I saw a poster on a different forum say "3rd Edition is not D&D in any recognizable form".

So what is your opinion on this matter?

My opinion is, it is a new edition of the same game. It is certainly the most distinct of all the editions, and the most difficult to convert to/from. But nearly 100 percent of the mechanics and terms are the same or very similar.

Having played earlier editions, it is far easier to understand D&D 3e than if I hadn't, that's for sure.

3e is far closer to 1e than, for example, GURPS or Lord of the RIngs RPG.



OK, please post your opinions.

 

[Crothian]

I said no. It's obviously different in mechanics, but not in feel. I was running second edition up till two months befopre third edition. That campaign came to it's conclusion, and we played some d6 Star Wars while we waited for the new d20 stuff. When it hit the shelves, I started another campaign using the new system and the feel was the same. There were a few minor changes in the world becasue of the new mechanics, but it was very seemless.

 

[John Crichton]

I voted no.

Like Crothian, I was running 2e well up to the release date of 3e/d20. The conversion took some work but it was still D&D. Same amount of fun, same types of stories, etc. All of it with just slightly tweaked and better mechanics for running the rules of the game.

 

[arwink]

I voted no. Ran a 2e game right up the point where 3e was released. Explained a few minor differences, converted the characters and went on without a beat.

The only ripple was the sudden realisation that Hold Person only effected a single target. Apart from that, people barely noticed a change after the first two games.

 

[Ridley's Cohort]

I said yes. I think it has both different mechanics and a different feel.

The key change is now I get to build my own character. In 1e/2e, the play value difference between characters was almost entirely caused by stats and magic items, neither of which the player has any control over. There was virtually nothing to customize. I found that maddening.

I have a nice collection of other game systems at my disposal, most of which have very clear advantages in my mind over 2e. I had ambitions of converting my gaming group away from D&D. 3e has put those plans on a backburner. Not that 3e is perfect, I still believe some other rpgs have something to offer D&D does not; but I recognize that 3e is a meaty, solid game with a lot of play value to me that 1e/2e did not have. I feel like 3e is a new game in all the right ways.

 

[Oni]

I say that essentially they are the same with the exception that 3E is simply better.

 

[Umbran]

I vote no, for reasons akin to those already mentioned by others.

I was playing 2e right up to, and some months beyond the release of 3e. We converted a whole campaign, and while there are some mechanical differences, the characters and story are pretty seamlessly the same. If it were really a different game, that wouldn't be commonly possible.

 

[bloodymage]

I say that essentially they are the same with the exception that 3E is simply better.

Hey Oni! Take a look at your sig!

(A closed mind will surely suffocate.)

3e is not better. It's different (not to say it's a different game, though I voted yes), and you may prefer it, and more power to you for that. I reserve a certain derogatory term for people who claim they're preferred gaming system is "superior." Open thy mind, young one.

 

[Crothian]

3e is not better. It's different (not to say it's a different game, though I voted yes), and you may prefer it, and more power to you for that. I reserve a certain derogatory term for people who claim they're preferred gaming system is "superior."

Third edition is better, at least for me. The system and game mechanics works better with the type of game I run. It's an opinion, each DM has a different style and the many different systems out there work well or not so good with the individual style.

 

[MGibster]

Hey Oni! Take a look at your sig! 3e is not better. It's different (not to say it's a different game, though I voted yes), and you may prefer it, and more power to you for that. I reserve a certain derogatory term for people who claim they're preferred gaming system is "superior." Open thy mind, young one.

I think the original Night of the Living Dead was a superior movie when compared to Resident Evil. I also think that 3E is a superior game to AD&D 1E and 2E. Just because I happen to think my choices are superior doesn't mean I have a closed mind or look down upon someone who disagrees.

Marc