I've recently had the pleasure of exploring the Old-School Essentials Advanced Fantasy Player's Tome by Gavin Norman, and I'm thoroughly impressed by what this book accomplishes.
The Perfect Blend of Classic and Modern
What immediately stands out about OSE Advanced Fantasy is how it brilliantly walks the line between faithfulness to the original Basic/Expert and Advanced D&D rules from the late 70s/early 80s while presenting them in a thoroughly modern, accessible format. This isn't just a reprint or clone: it's a thoughtful reorganization that maintains the spirit of old-school gaming while addressing many of its original presentation issues.
The book introduces itself as "a heady mixture of the best of 1970s and 1980s fantasy gaming," combining the streamlined core rules from the Basic/Expert tradition with the expanded character options and magic from the Advanced 1st edition game. This hybrid approach delivers the best of both worlds.
Exceptional Organization and Layout
Perhaps the most impressive aspect is the crystal-clear layout. Information is presented in a logical, easy-to-reference format with generous use of white space, clear headers, and intuitive organization. Rules explanations are concise without sacrificing clarity. Something the original TSR publications often struggled with. The book is thoroughly cross-referenced, making it easy to find related information. The tables are particularly well-designed, providing important information at a glance without overwhelming the reader.
Expanded Character Options
The Player's Tome delivers an impressive array of character choices:
- 13 character classes (including classics like Fighter and Magic-User alongside favorites like Assassin, Druid, Paladin, and Ranger)
- 10 playable races (Human, Dwarf, Elf, Halfling, Half-Elf, Half-Orc, Gnome, Drow, Duergar, and Svirfneblin)
- Over 200 spells across multiple spell-casting traditions
The class descriptions strike a good balance, providing enough mechanical detail to make each class feel distinct while keeping the overall rules light enough to maintain the old-school focus on rulings over rules.
Elegant Rules Presentation
The core mechanics remain gloriously simple, focusing on the essentials of exploration, combat, and magic. Optional rules are clearly marked as such, allowing groups to customize their experience without cluttering the main rules.
The game maintains the traditional descending AC system but provides ascending AC equivalents in brackets for those who prefer the more modern approach—a thoughtful touch that bridges different play styles.
The Art of Old-School Gaming
The black and white interior artwork perfectly complements the text, evoking the feel of classic D&D while maintaining a consistent aesthetic throughout. The illustrations aren't merely decorative, they help communicate the mood and style of play the game is designed for.
Conclusion
For those seeking to experience the best of old-school D&D without the confusion of poorly organized rulebooks or the complexity of later editions, Old-School Essentials Advanced Fantasy is the perfect solution. It respects the original game's simplicity and creativity while presenting it in a thoroughly modern package.
Whether you're a nostalgic veteran looking to recapture the magic of early D&D or a curious newcomer interested in experiencing classic fantasy roleplaying, OSE Advanced Fantasy offers an accessible, well-crafted gateway to old-school gaming. This isn't just a revival; it's a refinement that celebrates what made those early games special while making them more approachable than ever.
Comments
Post a Comment