4E Starter Set...

Treebore · Post by **Treebore** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 6:04 am

Even though I did not fall in love with 4E, let alone switch to it, I have to admit I think WOTC did a nice job on this. I still think most people will be turned off by the rules overload, but maybe how cool and interesting all the "extra stuff" looks will intrigue them enough to plow ahead.

If they do I think they will like it. I think they will appreciate not having to do any more thinking and figuring out then is necessary. I think they will like not having to do any character creation. I think the new DM will like how much is done for him, and still feel challenged in mastering what is there to learn.

I think it also does a good job of showing whoever is the DM that they can do a lot with their imagination with this game.

I think this will do a good job in piquing enough interest from the DM and players to get them to seriously consider buying the PH, DMG, and MM.

I still think there is a slimmer way to present a "Starter Set", and make it look less intimidating, but I think this is the best "Starter Set" I have seen for D&D. Its certainly good value for my money, and I bought it at full price at my LGS. Plus I have no intention of ever playing 4E again. If I do, I'll at least have a good resource to show me the basics, so I'll catch onto whatever I am shown from the core books quickly.

Plus, looking at the DM sections, there is a fair amount of "replay" able to be done with the suggestions, variety of monsters, and even the tiles. Showcasing how fun it can be to exercise your own imagination and creativity within the RPG environment.

So over all I think WOTC did a pretty darn good job with this, and would be a good product for other RPG companies to emulate.
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DangerDwarf · Post by **DangerDwarf** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 12:02 pm

It is a pretty decent set. The DM Book does do an excellent job for new people to the game.

My two dislikes about the set are:

1. The box. It's pretty and it works, I just wish it was built like a more traditional box set instead of opening on the top.

2. I think the quick start rules should have had race/class info for new folks to create their own character. NOt full on listing, but at least 4 races and classes would have made it great.

My son is wild for this set. Granted, he's only 7 and I think most of the reading goes over his head. He is chomping at the bit to play when he gets home from school today. So, I'm going to run him and my wife through a modified version of the dungeon from the set.

The badguy behind everything isn't going to be a hobgoblin shaman though, it's going to be Baron Stockmer's advisor...

Bargle.

Treebore · Post by **Treebore** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 3:35 pm

I think not addressing your problem #2 was a smart thing to do. The set tells them if they want to know how to build a variety of characters they need to buy the PH. In the meantime they can do plenty of playing with the PC's provided. So I think race/class building rules are awesome bait with which to lure people into buying the PH.

After all this is a Starter Set, not a 4E version of the Holmes boxed set. So having all the rules for a complete game in one little product is not their goal.

I agree the box sucks, but since Scott Rouse has made it pretty clear they did a lot of things to keep the retail cost as low as possible I can at least understand why its crappy.
_________________
The Ruby Lord, Earl of the Society

Next Con I am attending: http://www.neoncon.com/

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DangerDwarf · Post by **DangerDwarf** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 3:51 pm

You're right Tree, and its no different than starter modules for Shadowrun or other games. It works too I suppose, my son picked up the PHB to learn more about the races.

Lord Dynel · Post by **Lord Dynel** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 4:02 pm

How much is it going for?

I'm debating on picking it up, but haven't decided for certain. If for no other reason than to better understand the enemy.

DangerDwarf · Post by **DangerDwarf** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 4:04 pm

$16.99 MSRP

$13ish at NKG

$11ish at Amazon.

Lord Dynel · Post by **Lord Dynel** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 4:05 pm

DangerDwarf wrote:
$16.99 MSRP

$13ish at NKG

$11ish at Amazon.

Thanks for the speedy reply!

DangerDwarf · Post by **DangerDwarf** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 12:01 am

Ran the mini adventure for my wife and son today. It went great and I think he's sold on it.

He can't wait till my next days off for our 2nd session.

The set is doing its job. He's even sitting in the living room with the DM book from the set right now.

Lord Dynel · Post by **Lord Dynel** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 4:58 pm

DangerDwarf wrote:
Ran the mini adventure for my wife and son today. It went great and I think he's sold on it.

He can't wait till my next days off for our 2nd session.

The set is doing its job. He's even sitting in the living room with the DM book from the set right now.

Must be a proud moment for you, sir. I know it would be for me. I'm quite looking forward to that, to be honest.