You know, after playing this game for two and a half decades, I really should get the picture. The fact of the matter is, I’m a fanboy. I always have been, always will be. Let me explain.
When 3rd edition D&D came out, I was skeptical. I was happy with my AD&D, and so were my players. I had no compelling reason to switch. I wasn’t a convention goer at that point, so it wasn’t like I was being bombarded with 3E the way that sometimes happens at cons.
But, before too long, I switched.
We met some new friends who were also gamers, and they were playing 3rd edition Dungeons and Dragons. They convinced us to try it. Once I tried it, I never looked back.
Fast forward. WotC announces Dungeons and Dragons 3.5. Once again, I declared that I had no compelling reason to switch. I was happy with my 3.0. My players were happy with my 3.0.
But, before long, I switched.
You see, my players bought me the Player’s Handbook, Dungeon Master’s Guide, and Monster manual for 3.5. I opened the book, recognized that, yes, Harm had indeed been broken, and was now fixed. Once I tried it, I never looked back (although, to be honest, I do miss 3.0 haste).
So, the thing is: all of this talk about 4th edition, all of the rumors, all of the cries of hatred being railed against WotC and their corporate parent, in the end, I know something.
I’m going to switch. And, unless you’re still playing AD&D (and I know that some folks are, God bless ‘em) you will to. Be honest with yourself. You’re not going to be able to help it. You’re a fan of the game. And rightly so; it’s a good game. Hell, it’s a great game.
The only real question is how long after release will we switch.
