It is over simplified and over priced. It is combat oriented only and all powers or spells are all too similar. It seems to want to simulate an online MMORPG but falls way too short for that as well. Characters have too few abilities and the abilities are too limited in their effect to be diverse. Some races and classes are not included anymore. The one thing I was looking forward to was the 3D online part but even that is too expensive. For $10 a month I might as well be playing a real MMORPG. My only guess for the new direction is to get new players who play online in some way or another, and introduce them to table top. Then sucker them in to buying one new book after another, that makes up for the limited scope the first books cover. I can only hope that the fan boys, who think Wizards can do no wrong, sell their 3.5 stuff to used book stores so I can rake them in at a cheap price. In my discussion with others on the 4.0 D&D all veteran gamers agree that it sucks. The DM's Guide does not ever talk about spells. If it outlined ways to make new spells the game would be better. I feel like it is a new Lego set and all the pieces are glued together. The one good thing about the game is the Monster Manual. They have been created with multiple power levels so they will last longer as a viable encounter. They talked about extending the sweet spot for spell casters. Well that is easily done with things like wands, scrolls, rods and staffs. Sorry, I was really hoping for better.

Beautifully laid out, lovingly crafted, and fun to play, Dungeons and Dragons 4th edition is what D&D should have been from the start.

Although quite a few sacred cows have been slaughtered, enough have been retained to make the game still feel like it has a bit of old D&D in it.

Having played several 4th edition games, I have found that it does NOT detract from roleplaying, and makes combat something far more exciting than it was in any edition before it.

The game has evolved into a roleplaying game with horizons broader than those any edition has ever achieved.

If you like to play through cinematic, heroic campaigns, then 4e is 4 you!