I love 5E. I know some people here hate 5E, but I appreciate its virtues, and a much streamlined and simplified approach. I also love AD&D, and OD&D too. All of these games and different rule sets have merits and flaws alike, with different ordered priorities and emphasis with each. Open your mind, and enjoy them. There really is no need to be hostile or mean-spirited.
I agree with the sentiment. While I have my preferred editions, and might reject this or that edition for various reasons, I don't *hate* any of the editions and certainly see no need to berate people for choosing to play them, or argue that my preferences are superior (objectively or subjectively). They're just my preferences. The way I see it, we should play what we enjoy.
Greetings!
Hey there, Philotomy! Good to hear that I'm not nuts for thinking this. I agree as well. Playing AD&D for *years*--and previously, some OD&D, it is difficult for me to hate on the system. It worked, and worked quite well. So many games, crazy adventures, and fun times! As much as a fan of 5E as I am, and appreciate so many aspects of the 5E system, through the evolution of 3E to now, I suppose it can take some time being immersed in the "New systems" so as to come face to face with and realize what has been lost, and left behind. I think it is during such a time of experience, that one can often reflect back on the older system, and view it with a fresh approach and a renewed sense of appreciation for the deeper, robust mechanics, the simplified systems, and just as importantly perhaps, is the *why* the systems were made the way they were, what was the goal, and what errors, problems or headaches were sought to avoid, and why. There is a lot of the modern problems and *FAT* that is avoided with the older systems, though I admit some of these problems are only fully realized after you have been immersed in the new system long enough for these dynamics to come to the surface. It's then that I often have these enjoyable moments where I reflect on, wow, Gygax and company were such geniuses. They foresaw precisely the problem I'm dealing with now--which is why they established this dynamic system X over here.
Then, there's those instances where, like with Armour Class ascending, it's like, yeah, this is much better than the older system, clearer, and more intuitive. Some of the older system dynamics were unnecessarily vague and sometimes needlessly complicated. Which then recalls the memory of some critiques of Gygax and others needing a better editor, or just an advisor that had an ability to write in a more succinct and clear manner in explaining a process or rule. I also generally enjoy having a more detailed skill system, but even in that, there are dangers that can easily grow and smack you hard. I've come to the conclusion that it is a tricky balance, and not easily achieved, between having just the right amount of accurate, robust and diverse skills, so as to provide simulation, degrees of competency, and distinction gradients, without then ballooning into a bazillion skills and an absolute mess.
I sometimes wonder, would some of these people blast their friend or someone nice they met at a Con or at the local game store, if they said 3E or 5E is ok, but they really *love* AD&D, or the opposite? Would they blast them with, "WTF? How can you be such a Grognard moron?" Or you know the drill in the opposite manner, such with the litany of hate against 3E or 5E. I mean, can you really imagine talking to a friend and fellow gamer like that, for just having a different set of preferences? It also reminds me of the different dynamics in preferences of game play for most of the guys I game with--and compared to the women. Their game preferences are in huge conflict, usually manageable of course, but it definitely requires that I devote extra attention and regard for the distinctly different set of preferences. The guys want fighting, gold, death and drama. The girls want romance, making friends, emotional drama, complex relationships, shopping, and intrigue. Neither of them are *wrong*--they just have different priorities and preferences for the game play style and the way they develop their characters. Imagine telling your wife or girlfriend, "What? You want to play your character what way? And do what? That's retarded."
Good stuff though, Philotomy!
Semper Fidelis,
SHARK