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For me the main difference between older versions of #DnD and more modern versions, is player vs character. And this ties somewhat in with "character lite" vs "character heavy" versions as well.
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In older editions of the game, the focus was on challenging the player, while newer editions is all about challenging the character.
This is an important distinction as it highlights the mindset of everyone who is playing.
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This is an important distinction as it highlights the mindset of everyone who is playing.
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Character lite D&D games tend to do this as well.
When you have feats, skills, and a slew of special traits, you *will* rely on them to play your character. And the DM will use them as they are "forced" to - otherwise they are not ultilizing the character's potential.
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When you have feats, skills, and a slew of special traits, you *will* rely on them to play your character. And the DM will use them as they are "forced" to - otherwise they are not ultilizing the character's potential.
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But if you don't have those, or they are loosely defined, suddenly you aren't relying on them - you are relying on your own wits and skills - a player's wits and skills and experience with the game.
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The less the character is defined, the more the player will need to step up.
To me this seems a more exciting way to play as it gives the player way more autonomy and connection to the game than just playing a bag of stats and traits.
It brings them closer to the game.
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To me this seems a more exciting way to play as it gives the player way more autonomy and connection to the game than just playing a bag of stats and traits.
It brings them closer to the game.
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It's almost as though the player is kept at arm's length from the "realities" of the game. Protected from thinking too hard because their character has a particular skill. "Let me roll for it" is the cry.
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Player vs Character is always a balancing act.
Depending on the version of D&D you play, you will be relying on your wits & skills as a player, or relying on your character to do most things.
Neither is fundamentally right or wrong. Just very different styles of play.
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Depending on the version of D&D you play, you will be relying on your wits & skills as a player, or relying on your character to do most things.
Neither is fundamentally right or wrong. Just very different styles of play.
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