Is it still D&D?

[Umbran]

To quote the bard:

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet."

What matters isn't if it is "real D&D" - if for no other reason that we, collectively, cannot ever agree on what that means. What matters, in the end, is if it is fun to play.

I think we'll get a whole lot more interesting conversation if we stop worrying about whether it is really D&D, and instead focus on whether or not it'll be fun, and why...

 

[Ourph]

So, no, current D&D is not like the stuff I originally played, not by a long chalk. And that's fine. All that matters is whether you enjoy playing or not.

That goes for me to. 3e is not OD&D, B/X D&D or 1eAD&D, it's a different game (at least as different as all of those previous editions were from each other) and there's nothing wrong with that.

 

[jdrakeh]

Nothing out now not even the same game of D&D you started with will be the D&D you remember. I wouldn't chase down a phantom of your past you'll never catch and learn to enjoy the current games for what they are.

Wise man.

 

[cougent]

To quote the bard:

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet."

What matters isn't if it is "real D&D" - if for no other reason that we, collectively, cannot ever agree on what that means. What matters, in the end, is if it is fun to play.

I think we'll get a whole lot more interesting conversation if we stop worrying about whether it is really D&D, and instead focus on whether or not it'll be fun, and why...

I agree, even if I didn't make that clear in the first post.

I loved playing AD&D back in the day, and once I got used to it I loved playing 3/3.5.

Much of what I am reading about 4E sounds very interesting, IMHO it even sounds closer to AD&D in some ways. More role play, less roll play; which is always a good thing to me being a story teller DM. Not for everyone I know, but we are what we are.

I went through this same thing with the Ford Mustang during the 80's

 

[Desdichado]

Hey, but the current Ford Mustang is really awesome!

But I may be a bit biased... I work for Ford.

 

[scourger]

It's hard to define what D&D is. It seems easier to say what isn't D&D. Nonetheless, 4e doesn't sound like a transition I will make. I drank deeply from the d20 cup, but I think 4e will be my ticket off the merry-go-round. I prefer 3.0 to 3.5 as a rules system, although 3.5 is better organized & explained. The basic problem is more likely that I get bored and need something different periodically. Our group's RPG time has been 90% D&D so far this year, and I'm ready for a change. I don't think 4e will be it.

 

[Hairfoot]

Ideally, the system should serve the ideas, even if it's not always that easy. I have a positive attitude to 4E. I think it be faster to run, and less bogged down in rules and number crunching, which is a big drawcard for me.

As to an alternative, I'm quite happy with Castles & Crusades, although I've only run a couple of experimental sessions. Or, if you like the taste and texture of OD&D, Basic Fantasy (www.basicfantasy.org) is also nice. And it's free! FREE!

 

[Howndawg]

That's about where I am as well, with the emphasis added. I play 3.5, but I'm done with DMing it. It just isn't an enjoyable experience for me. Meanwhile, my 1e AD&D game that I do DM is moving along quite well.

In the bigger picture, I game with people, not rulebooks. The folks I'm chucking dice with have more to do with my enjoyment of the game than edition.

3e didn't and 4e won't sneak into my house at night, burn my AD&D stuff, crap in my Moldvay Basic boxed set, melt my Grenadier minis, or grind my Gamescience dice into dust. YMMV.

Ditto on the "people, not rulebooks". I'd much rather play a game I can't stand with people I like than I game I like with people I can't stand.


Howndawg

 

[DaveMage]

Yes, even 4e is still D&D. There will be dungeons, there will be dragons, and it will still be the #1 selling RPG. All other RPGs are pale imitations of the real thing.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Hey, but the current Ford Mustang is really awesome!

But I may be a bit biased... I work for Ford.

I need to talk to you about you guys discontinuing all of the really cool colors, just as I'm starting to planning on getting a new car. A Mustang was the first car I fell in love with as a kid and you guys are messing with me just as I'm getting close to acquiring one!