Pathfinder 1E Pathfinder

[Khuxan]

What do you all think of Paizo's decision to pursue this modified version of D&D 3.5?

I worry that Pathfinder is trying to be something its not. Instead of focusing on 3.5's strengths (e.g. skill points, non-combat material, daily resource management) it seems to focus on 4e's strengths (no skill points, non-combat material silo'ed or RP based, action resource management). Without changing the maths behind the system, it can't fight 4e on 4e's terms: I think it should fight 4e on 3.5's terms.

I think Pathfinder could be an enjoyable successful alternative to 4e, but only if it's a real alternative.

 

[mrswing]

[1] To anyone who's tempted to say "No it isn't!" here: Deny it all you want, I see it and you're not likely to convince me it isn't there. Let's just agree to differ on that point, okay?

Keith Baker has explicitly stated that MMO's were one of the sources of inspiration for the new rules design, so anyone who's tempted to say 'No it isn't' is at least partially wrong, given the objective facts.

 

[Hunter In Darkness]

I wanted to post this here.http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/pathfinder_rpg_group/
it's a pathfinder yahoo group drop by and share your thoughts.

 

[nutluck]

It was smart but like many I am not sure it was gusty. Honestly WotC backed them into a corner and left them little choice.

What I would like to see out of the Pathfinder game is the core rules be not that far off form 3.5 so those that want can easily use their stuff. But I would also like to seem them add in a host of optional rules that really take apart and fix some of the problems with 3.5 No by doing this they can't fix all the problems but they could fix a lot of them and the ones they can't they can make less of a issue.

Then they can still capture those that wanted 3.5 and just a upgrade and options lets them tap into the end of the 3.5 style books and those that liked them but think 4e is just going to far with the changes.

The only decision they made that I question is, announcing Pathfinder when they did. I think a better thing to do would have been to say they have decided to support the 3.5 for now as they are out of time and do not have the GSL in hand for Gencon products. Then announce the Pathfinder RPG and just say. Hey we are going to start alpha testing it and want your help. We are looking at option for a future and decided this is one of our options is to create our own game and support it. Once we get enough feedback, gotten the GSL and 4e rules and seen how the market looks later in the year we will make a decision.

Of course that might have backfired and not created enough of a stir to attract people to rally around their banner too. So not sure if it was a good or bad decision how they did it, only time will tell. But I am glad it is a option and they are exploring all their options. I wish them the best and plan to keep a eye on Pathfinder RPG and take part in the alpha and beta testing.

 

[joela]

Pathfinder RPG Alpha Release 1.1 - Development Notes #1

FYI if you have the first draft and want to see the impact on it:

http://paizo.com/paizo/messageboards/paizoPublishing/pathfinder/pathfinderRPG/feedback/alpha1/general/pathfinderRPGAlphaRelease11DevelopmentNotes1

 

[Ranger REG]

What do you all think?

If Pathfinder spurs a line of products including adventures, that mean I can keep and use my 3.5e books a little longer. (At least 2 more years?)

Hopefully when I get tired by that time, 4e or 5e will be on sale.

 

[Rauol_Duke]

If Pathfinder spurs a line of products including adventures, that mean I can keep and use my 3.5e books a little longer. (At least 2 more years?)

Actually, the line of products - Pathfinder (Adventure Paths), Pathfinder Modules and Pathfinder Chronicles - have been in production for almost a year now... and are most likely what has caused the Pathfinder RPG to be a worthwhile venture.

Paizo is (and has been) producing adventure paths, stand-alone modules and system-light supports products for 3.5.

 

[joela]

Pathfinder, d20 Modern, d20 System & OGL Games

For reference, this will be the correct forum to discuss Pathfinder in. We won't move the other threads until next week, though.

Hey, thanks for the (slight) name change in the forum title

 

[Hellcow]

Just as a quick aside...

Keith Baker has explicitly stated that MMO's were one of the sources of inspiration for the new rules design, so anyone who's tempted to say 'No it isn't' is at least partially wrong, given the objective facts.

I did indeed "explicitly state" that I can see places where 4E has drawn inspiration from MMOs, although in the same thread pointed out that it's not just a copy of an MMO - it draws inspiration from certain MMO principles and adapts them, just as when I've worked on MMOs, I've been inspired by ideas from pen and paper games.

However, given that I'm not an employee of WotC (or for that matter Paizo) and didn't even work on 4E in a freelance capacity, my opinion is just that... opinion. If you're claiming that I'm such an expert on the subject that my every observation is fact, I guess it's cool to be me. But aside from the fact that I have actually played it - and am thus a step ahead of people who are completely guessing - I'm not privy to the design philosophy or process that went into 4E.

 

[Rauol_Duke]

Keith,

Soon the disclaimers in your sig will be longer than your actual posts.

That said, thanks for lending your expertise around these parts.