JamesDixon
GM Extraordinaire
I'm curious to see what everyone's opinion is on fantasy RPG that's out there. For the sake of this discussion, D&D will refer only to D&D Basic-BECMI and AD&D. Anything beyond that is DANDINO or D&D In Name Only.
I really enjoy the simplicity and settings of AD&D 2E. I find that it's a logical extension of what was done in D&D Basic-BECMI while cleaning up AD&D 1E. Gary was a great idea man, but a lousy writer. Original D&D rewarded quick thinking and role playing.
If I want a bit more cinematic experience, I go with Fantasy Hero which is powered by Hero System from Hero Games. Instead of picking races and classes like you do in AD&D/D&D you choose your racial and class packages. You can freely mix the two. As long as your character has the points to spend they are free to be built as you like.
Endurance plays a big role in how you fight as it is the final attribute that shows if you have enough steam to get through an encounter. That's the great equalizer between casters and melee. Both require the use of Endurance for casting spells and swinging swords. Also, there isn't anything inherent to prohibit a wizard from wearing plate armor other than the GM's world. It does have built in mass combat support as well.
The downside to Fantasy Hero is that you need to homebrew your world or be prepared to spend a lot of time converting existing worlds to the system.
I really enjoy the simplicity and settings of AD&D 2E. I find that it's a logical extension of what was done in D&D Basic-BECMI while cleaning up AD&D 1E. Gary was a great idea man, but a lousy writer. Original D&D rewarded quick thinking and role playing.
If I want a bit more cinematic experience, I go with Fantasy Hero which is powered by Hero System from Hero Games. Instead of picking races and classes like you do in AD&D/D&D you choose your racial and class packages. You can freely mix the two. As long as your character has the points to spend they are free to be built as you like.
Endurance plays a big role in how you fight as it is the final attribute that shows if you have enough steam to get through an encounter. That's the great equalizer between casters and melee. Both require the use of Endurance for casting spells and swinging swords. Also, there isn't anything inherent to prohibit a wizard from wearing plate armor other than the GM's world. It does have built in mass combat support as well.
The downside to Fantasy Hero is that you need to homebrew your world or be prepared to spend a lot of time converting existing worlds to the system.