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Message: <blockquote data-quote="WSmith" data-source="post: 3838192" data-attributes="member: 106">As someone that had started on the Holmes Blue Book Basic set, I can tell you that by not putting out some kind of Basic set in the vein of the old red Basic D&D sets, WotC are missing out big time on one heck of a marketing masterpiece. The Basic set I started with, for those that don't remember or are too young, covered levels 1-3, at which time you were to progress to the 1st edition AD&D rulebooks. It also had, in that same paragraph of where to go for levels 4+, a brief description of additional races and classes that were not presented in the Basic set, (it had the classic 4 classes - 4 races.) I remember reading about the ranger thinking about how I couldn't wait to advance beyond level 3 to try out the new classes. It also mentioned higher and more spells. More goodies. It was, however, completely playable on its own. You could even expand on it yourself for higher levels. You could buy the Monster Manual itself and use that, as it was compatible. I can say from experience that with the right presentation, a 4e Basic Set would be a far more enticing "gateway" to the whole shabang! Two things I would change right off the bat if I were doing a basic set for 4e:1. I would take it to maybe 5th or 6th level. The 3e boxed basic sets were too expensive to send someone off to level 3 that soon. Plus I really don't think that 2 level is enough time to soak in the experience.  2. I think this is the single biggest flaw of the 3e boxed sets: no rules for character generation. Making your own characters  gives the player a taste of the customization available in D&D. Granted those two things might keep the players playing a lot longer with the set before getting the 3 core books, (and some might never upgrade.) However, but there would be a whole lot more players that stick with D&D in the long run if given a better introduction. The rules would not have to different. They could be the same 4e rules, just don't present so many of them. Keep some options limited, like classes, races, spells, weapons, equipment, etc.My 2 cents.</blockquote>

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