Which edition/version?

[Headstone]

I was always a second edition guy.... love the 18/XX strength

[Aosaw]

I'm a Pathfinder enthusiast. I like looking at the archetypes for each class and imagining how each of them would play in a game. 3.5e was similar, but it took a lot more planning to get to the point where you were playing the character you wanted, whereas in Pathfinder you have your concept right from first level. It's similar to the Class Kits from AD&D, which is something that I really enjoy.

Unfortunately, I'm past the point in my life where I can reasonably purchase books for D&D, so when 4e came out, I transitioned instead to Pathfinder. There are still some things I dislike about it, such as the nonlinear XP progression (the 3.5e progression could be predicted much more easily), but other elements - such as CMB and CMD instead of separate mechanics for every conceivable maneuver - were a welcome change of pace for me.

Also, as was already pointed out, all of Pathfinder's rules are OGL, including third party materials, making it a lot easier to get exposed to new publishers and mechanics. I think Paizo's universal OGL really did a lot for the industry, and gave publishers like Dreamscarred Press a fighting chance instead of shouting in the dark while the giants of the industry (White Wolf, Wizards of the Coast) made the bulk of the profits.

[Sulldawga]

Originally Posted by Norrin Radd

I was just looking at the 4th edition players hand book on Amazon and there are like 6 different editions....deluxe edition, players hand book collection, players handbook...2...3...4. You gotta be kidding me. What ever happened to that old red box...lol. Lots of money to be made out there I guess.

Think of the PH 2, 3, and 4 like splat books. They expand on the original PH. 3.5e has the same thing going on.

I do hear what you're saying though. Add in Martial Power, MP2, Primal Power, Arcane Power, Divine Power, Player's Option: Heroes of Shadow, PO: Heroes of the Feywild, and PO: Heroes of the Elemental Chaos, and there are a hell of a lot of books to consider.

At least with Essentials, it's a bit easier. You can buy the new Red Box, or you can buy Heroes of the Fallen Lands and Heroes of the Forgotten Kingdoms.

[Unbounded]

I favor the 4th edition for one simple reason: my wife will play it with me.

[evorord]

my opinion is 3.5 becuse give you more space for roll playing and less for boardgame

[RayzRyd]

Ive never played any of them so my input is completely invalid. But I am going to have to agree with the person that said try them out and see what you like and then play that way.

[jaredh]

2e is the best for RP. 4e if you want to hack'n slash.

Note there's a kinda 2.75 that changes some stuff around in 2e (some for the better, some not)

[aramil248]

3.5e is more like real life 4e is more like a video game

[Farva]

I recently purchased the 4e PH then saw the essentials books online. Do the heroes books change things or just break up the various PH's into soft cover books?

On another note I saw at my Barnes and Noble a brand new (still in plastic) 3.5e PH, MM, and DMG. Are they reprinting them or old stock that I should go and get before someone else finds? I'm new to all versions so am open to anything and love buying books.

[JustDave]

I gave 4e a try and personally like others found it played more like a video game or a card game (ala MTG) with every attack or spell full of keywords that interact with other and creating statuses. It's probably more strategic but less flexible, so it might interest you if that's what you like. I just discovered Pathfinder and as others have said, you can get a feel for it online.