I've shared a lot of my thoughts about the first public draft of 5e, but we haven't heard from any other Front Porch players yet. I sat down with Amy to get her take on the game. Here's what she had to say...
Prester: What are your general impressions of 5e so far?
Amy: I think it's more like 3.5 than 4. I like it better than 4, but basically I just wish they'd stop changing editions and stick with one system.
Prester: I hope 5e will be that system. Now, did anything about the game surprise you?
Amy: The backgrounds surprised me. They were a fun element to add to the character.
Prester: What aspect of the game did you like the best?
Amy: I liked that at first level I had a decent spell selection, and decent attacks. I also really liked the healer's kit item.
Prester: What aspect did you like the least?
Amy: I thought it was a little too easy that my character could manufacture all these different healing items for so little expense, and then turn around and sell them for a profit.
Prester: You played the cleric of Pelor. What was your favorite spell?
Amy: Spiritual Hammer!
Prester: What was your favorite class feature or feat?
Amy: Herbalism. Even though I feel it was too easy for her to make and sell all these items, I did like this feature the best.
Prester: What do you most hope to see in the next iteration of the rules?
Amy: A druid! Well, what I really want to see is a system that doesn't completely change its rules every couple of years.
The playtest focus is on improving managing gameplay instead of character development. Both 3.5 & 4th editions had diverse character options. It would be great if they could upgrade the 4e system instead of putting everything in 3.5e format.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Amy on most points. Characters have a few new neat features & there are some rule improvements.
Honestly, I can't help thinking that it is like an upgraded operating system or office suite. A forced upgrade with little thought or organization. A few new bells & whistles, but nothing to run out and purchase the next iteration.
I hope they will release more details/sample materials. It would be great to critique to all aspects of the game (rules, character development, special situations, etc) instead of a limited group they have released.
Future iterations of the playtest will include character creation rules and other features.
DeleteIt sounds like you've had a chance to review the current materials. Consider doing a post that expands on the ideas above to give our readers your review of 5e as it stands now?