Second! But seriously, let's talk 4th classes

[fang_of_fenris]

Speaking as a bit of a munchkin, I know that 3rd ed D&D was VERY munchkinable with its numerous items, prestige classes, and whatnot. Of course, it is at any DM's option to limit those ever-munckinable aspects of 3rd ed, but who would?
The point I'm working towards here is that 4th ed has done a good job so far at pulling back the reigns on all that. The truth of the matter is even though many of us love tinkering with the possibilities and trying to make ultimate combinations, the heart of D&D does not lie in character-construction, but the adventure of the game!
After having dabbled in various game systems a little, I conclude that 4th ed D&D is a comparably good base set. I'm pretty confident that I won't try to buy any further additions to this edition, but for a basic set, I think it rules!

[darkfather]

4e is, so far, the most balanced of the editions of DnD. The reason is they play tested with both linear models (all characters advance a certain amount at each step) and horizontal models (all players at each level are the same amount of encounter power) set against a dps criteria. This is very different from previous dnd versions in that out of combat powers and abilities were given zero weight (in the process limited the munchkin effect of maxed combat builds versus balanced RP builds.)

That said, this process did throw one wrench in the works - the time needed to create the characters and powers was much increased, so many stock characters, many powers, and some races where tested and exist, but did not make the first PHB. A second PHB will bring them in, but this may be a year away.

[fang_of_fenris]

Indeed, Darkfather. That was a textbook description of 4th ed, or would be if there were any textbooks on gaming. The way you said it reminded me of the sensation experienced when putting on a new sweater; in my experience, it is not the most comfortable thing in the world to transition to the open and liberated world of 3rd ed (like a T-shirt) to a more pre-set, path-driven system (the sweater). In reality, the only issue is one of acclimation, but that is worth noting.

As for me, I really want to try out the Warlock next, so I can see how it compares to the 3rd ed version. Gonna rock the Fey Pact, oh yeah!

[starforge]

I like 4e alot. It fixes many of the issues I have with people breaking the game open. Like class combos and feat combos.