Essentials Concerns/Questions

[Matthew AC]

Let me first state, I'm currently all aboard the Essentials train. I own everything to date. I greatly enjoy the format, balance,and fluff of this re-jiggering of 4e. However as I prep for my next campaign I have a few concerns/questions:

1) In Dragon we are seeing Class Acts for classes that have come before, yet the bulk of the new books are giving us Essential-style characters. Will WotC continue to support both types of builds?

2) If so, do the Essentials builds rob players from making as many meaningful choices? Or would you argue the Essentials emphasis on making classes differ from each other counteracts the loss of a handful of power choice decisions.

Hmm, I thought I had more. I guess the thing about question number two that bothers me is the fact I worry the less complex Essentials characters may get stale as they advance. Some of the earlier powers include some fun tactical options (tripping, moving, multiple attacks, etc.)

Comments?

[Matt James]

Firstly, welcome to my site. Though I blew it up, I'm glad people are finding their way back ;)

Right then, on to the comments.

(1) Essentials is the flavor of the week. You are seeing a lot of content for it probably because they are trying to sell that product. I don't foresee it staying in the forefront unless an ungodly amount of people are really enjoying it and WotC is making a ton of cash on it (markets drive content!). That being said, I am not a WotC insider and know little more than you. Personally, I've had no issues continuing on with the aspects of the game I enjoy.

(2) Essentials is for specific people. That's my view at least. Essentials is great for people like my wife who want to play D&D to support her husband but don't have the time to learn every little thing. She gets to make her Mage and run with it. It's a great entry point for people and it would have been great if it were out since the beginning. Alas, hindsight is 20/20

Not sure if I dodged your questions or helped out. Let me know!

[ERJHolton]

On the first, it's hard to know what Wizards' long term plans are, as the player-option related releases that are known for next year are quite thin on the ground (I've only seen three for up to July). What I can guess from what information I can find is that the Essentials format is the permanent new standard, and that pre-Essentials classes will eventually all be recast in that vein, starting with the cleric, fighter, rogue, warlord and wizard in the February release Heroes of Sword and Spell; while preview information currently information for the March release of Player's Option: Heroes of Shadow suggests that the new class build options it presents are more in the vein of Essentials' railroaded builds.

For the second, I wouldn't be surprised if the Essentials format eventually becomes the only way for everyone; I can see in the next year, maybe two, that WotC could discontinue support for "classic" 4E the same way they've phased out support for the "classic" character builder and the "classic" monster builder.

[Matthew AC]

Yeah, from what I've seen, it looks like Essentials format is the direction they are going. In a sense, that is good. You do not want to split the game into two discernible formats if only because trolls will burn down the internet if you do.

However, I wish they'd come out and say that, or at the very least, up the production of Essentials options. I understand the Essentials print products are for new gamers. Hell, I've been playing for nearly 20 years, and I think they are awesome. But gamers want options, the ability for my Slayer to differentiate from your slayer . . . I wonder how long until this line gets there.

Thanks for the responses.

[Matt James]

I don't think Essentials will take over. It's just like Players' Options from back in 2e.

[ERJHolton]

Well, my guesses are based on preview content and speculation. The 2011 releases will tell the real story.

[Steelfiredragon]

I don't think Essentials will take over. It's just like Players' Options from back in 2e.

you're all thinking it, I'm just saying it

We shall see