HI! I've actually stumbled across this site and product by a few friends I know from Candlekeep forums. They HIGHLY recommended this for anyone who is a new player, or has been out of the game for a while. I have been out of the game for some time, so I checked it all out. I have missed my 3.5e days, and now I can see just how amazing and streamlined this system is. I've done nothing but research after research on this ENTIRE community of Pathfinder players and products/source books. I have to say I am impressed from the testimonials, presentation, and over-all praises this system gets from all these satisfied customers/players! I have already made a purchase of the Beginner Box set, and am HIGHLY excited for it to get here and begin playing with my brother and sister. I'll have more news about the game and our experiences (as well as a review, naturally) when it gets here and we tear into the box like nine year old kids on Christmas day. My question is, is it really as simple to get back into and even learn as easily to be a new DM with this system? It speaks for itself of course, but I was curious from other seasoned and new players themselves! Just to get myself more excited for this, as well as getting back into tabletop rpgs that I love SO MUCH! Thanks everyone!
The begginer box was designed to get people who have NO experience with gaming up and playing in 15-20 minutes. If you have experience with 3.5, then it really shouldnt take much time at all. That is the whole point. Open the box up, pick a dm, pick characters and start playing. Once you get comfortable with whats in the box, you can move on to any number of other paths, but you should be able to get started literally in minutes.
Even with 3.5 knowledge, the BB is a good place to start. There are distinct rule differences from 3.5 and it is good to have a jumping off point like the Box to reset your expectations of the rules. Then, when you've learned the simpler rule-set of the Beginner's Box, you can move up to the full rules set of Pathfinder (which, again, is not 3.5 and takes a different, and I would say superior, approach to the game).
Great to have another player (or group thereof). I only started PnP last summer (and pathfinder shortly after that) and have been having a blast.
One of the funnest thing is that practically all relevant pathfinder ressources (except for adventure paths) can be found for free (and legitemately); so the moment you feel comfortable with the basics you can dive into the entirety of the system. That's what made my passage to this the easiest; the entry cost of ZERO dollars got me in, and I've been expanding my collection for a little while.
Well I must say, thank you all for the responses. I am quite excited to begin, it's been FAR too long since I have last played any Tabletop Rpg. This shall be a great way to get back into it, and the idea that it's a more superior and streamlined version of 3.5 makes it better. I cannot wait, thanks everyone so far who has given some input and information to me on this matter!
Happy gaming! and if you have any other questions, concerns or you just want to tell us how awesome your 5th level wizard is, come back and post again.
Haha spot on Kolokotroni, I do plan on having a wizard! But thanks all, I shall come back for more stories and reviews in the NEAR future.