The New Classics

[Desdichado]

None. At the time those others came out, that's all there was to play, nobody had experience with anything else and everybody played them.

Now, not only do most RPGers have lots of experience with RPGs, they probably have experience with RPGs that don't even do adventure modules. Nothing will truly be classic in the sense that those original modules will be.

That being said, I never played any of the "classics" either. I have no interest in adventure modules of any kind. But I think the environment is too different -- classics probably have to come from the beginning of a movement like this.

 

[Sir Edgar]

If I may add my personal list of "classics" from 1st edition AD&D:

1. G1-3, D1-2, Q1: Giants, Drow, and Lolth herself! What can beat that? This is the epic adventure.

2. A1-4: The Slavers series was challenging and had players rely on their wits.

3. S2: Great cover art, cool magic items, and I just remember it as fun!

4. C2: The Tower of Inverness had some creative scenes.

5. B1-4: Good beginner series, gave insight into how to DM, etc.

6. T1: Simple, fun adventure with a small town.

7. Judges Guild stuff: Starsilver Trek, Rat on a Stick, Heroic Expeditions, etc.

8. Role Aids stuff: Dark Folk, Dwarves, etc.

I don't find anything since the early 80's to compare with any of these modules. Sure, they may be technically better written and edited, but they're just not fun and lack a feel of adventure to me. Also, I prefer the illustrations from back then.

 

[fusangite]

I2 Tomb of the Lizard King is a superb module; it is connected neither to I1 nor to I3-5 the Desert of Desolation series. In my view, I2 stands as the best AD&D module. Its villain also showed thinking that was a precursor to the template concept in 3E.

That stated, I think pretty well the platonic ideal of the perfect D&D module was B4 the Lost City, an adventure expandable into a campaign and one that could function under original Basic D&D rules -- like a sonnet, the constraints of form and genre produced a disciplined, well-executed product.

 

[jmucchiello]

At the time those others came out, that's all there was to play, nobody had experience with anything else and everybody played them.

That was the point I couldn't quite find. Those 1st ed modules are classic not because everyone played them. Everyone played them because there was nothing else to play. That's why they are classics.

Joe

 

[Bonehoard Taffer]

1st Edition

B1 In Search of the Unknown
I6 Ravenloft
S1 Tomb of Horrors

2nd Edition

Return to the Tomb of Horrors
Axe of the Dwarvish Lords

3rd Edition

Rappan Athuk Series

 

[Joshua Randall]

I'd like to cast my vote for the Saltmarsh modules (U1, U2, U3) as some of the best classic 1e AD&D adventures. Ever.

You've got plots within plots. Clever antagonists. Truly nasty villains. Variety of settings and objectives. Hack'n'slash and role-play.

Truly an amazing, well-executed series.

 

[fusangite]

I have to say, Bonehard Taffer, I'm intrigued as to why you think Tomb of Horrors was a good module. You're the first person I've run across who thinks so.

 

[jmucchiello]

I have to say, Bonehard Taffer, I'm intrigued as to why you think Tomb of Horrors was a good module. You're the first person I've run across who thinks so.

Not good, classic. Tomb of Horrors is a horrible module from the player's point of view but it is certainly a classic module. It was the first meat grinder dungeon.

 

[Psion]

I'll second adding d1-3 to the 1e classics.

2e classics: one I'll always remember is Rod of Seven Parts

3e classics-to-be: it goes without saying that it is too soon to tell which adventures we will reminisce about in the long term, but I think If Thoughts Could Kill and The Ghost Machine have left indelible marks at least for the short term.

But I would agree today's gamer is more independant... even as far back as 2e. The adventures I will always recall personally came from the fevered imagination of yours truly and a number of GMs I have had over the years. Even modules tend to be more customized. With so many individual experiences, and a much larger variety in the market, I imagine it will be a bit harder to pin down a classic-to-be from the 3e era.

 

[La Bete]

while i dont normally indulge in nolstalgia....

X1 (?) The Isle of Dread (Basic D&D)

I played or DMed this module in Basic/1e/2e, and will probably encounter a thoroughly modified version of it in 3e.


As for 3e - probably Return to the Temple etc....