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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Sir Whiskers" data-source="post: 1164439" data-attributes="member: 6941">A couple strengths of d20 are (IMHO):1. As others have said, the OGL. While WOTC has taken a step backwards concerning the d20 logo (at least many people have complained about their stand on content approval), we can't forget the huge amount of quality material available specifically because WOTC allowed others to publish using the new rules.2. It's D&D. For many gamers, D&D (whatever version) was our first introduction into roleplaying and there's a lot of nostalgia involved. I quit playing before 2E because it stopped being fun. 3E got me to try it again and I'm enjoying the new version much more than the old.That said, a few weaknesses of d20 (IMHO):1. Yeah, it's rules-heavy. I'm reminded of this every time I try to teach someone new. Sure, it's better than some, but worse than others in this respect. And telling us that DM's can always Rule Zero problems reminds me too much of Microsoft telling me "It's a feature, not a bug". I'd really like to see rules-lite version.2. The experience system (as published) promotes hack-and-slash. Yes, I know any DM can change how experience is awarded, but I'm talking about the published rules. Characters get experience primarily for defeating opponents, which usually means killing them. If a DM wants to encourage non-combat play by his players, he has to not only provide the option, but create a system of rewards for it. Unfortunately, eliminating experience for killing opponents and moving strictly to story awards would break one of the main ties the system has to D&D. Which leads me to...3. It's D&D. Just as MS Windows will always have problems because it tries to be backwards compatible, d20 retains some archaic conventions from D&D that can make the rules a bit clunky, or (as I said in 2. above) can encourage certain styles of play over others. It's a trade-off. If d20 ever completely severs the tie to D&D it's possible the rules would be improved, but at the cost of what many players want: D&D.</blockquote>

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