My original intention for today's post was to compare and contrast the Pathfinder and D&D 3.5e rules. Well, I don't really have much to say on that topic. Judging solely from the content in the Pathfinder Beginner Box (I don't own any of the core rulebooks), the game system seems like a logical evolution from 3.5, with a few minor differences (for example, the rules for feats like Power Attack and Cleave) and a few clear improvements (for example, At Will powers for spellcasters). I'd probably have more to say if I got the opportunity to play it for a few game sessions, but for now I'll put the rules aside and give you my general impression.
To date, my experience with Paizo is limited to the aforementioned Beginning Box, the Free RPG Day modules from the past couple of years, and a few small purchases (a couple of GameMastery Flip-Mats, a pack of Pathfinder miniatures, and a slim volume that summarizes the nations of the Pathfinder campaign world), but in all cases I've been impressed by the quality of their products. I don't just mean the quality of the game itself (which is very good indeed). I'm referring to the quality of the physical products; the artwork is great, the paper quality is great, the Flip-Mats are amazing, and the miniatures are just as good as the pre-painted plastic D&D minis. All in all, Paizo is a very worthy competitor for Wizards of the Coast, and I hope their success will spur Wizards to make some improvements of their own. I feel that Wizards has become a bit too...complacent...over the past few years, so having Paizo in their rear-view mirror is definitely a good thing.
I find that Pathfinder adds a lot of unique ideas to enhance the game and character purpose. Their SRD website is filled with content and pulls ideas from different sources. It is well organized and easy to follow for new users.
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