Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: A First Look

I have had a chance to play the new Pathfinder Roleplaying Game system for a few weeks now before its official launch. Let me define my gaming cred first. Growing up, I was lucky enough to live next to GameScience's headquarters. Needless to say, my friends and I grew up playtesting and buying roleplaying games of all kinds. My true love will always be the golden years of TSR and AD&D. I have never been a big fan of the d20 system.

Apparently, I have just never been introduced properly to what d20 had the potential to become. When d20 became the new standard and the open gaming license machine starting pumping out rulebooks and guides by every company with a computer, 3.0 and later 3.5 became a hodgepodge of rules. In my opinion, there was a lot of content available but the game never really seamed enjoyable with any of our game groups.

We have been playing the Pathfinder RPG system now for a few weeks and enjoy it very much. The rules system is very streamlined in comparison and there is no need for an advanced math degree. Also, not since Greyhawk have I ever seen such a detailed world. The core rulebook weighs in at a hefty 576 pages! There is also another fifteen setting "Chronicles" that detail areas and campaigns, twenty-two ready-to-play modules and six companion books. That list does not even include the two seasons of "society scenarios", terrain, minis and adventure paths that are also available to purchase. Not to mention that all that 3.5 material that you couldn't use, because 4.0 is the current rage, is compatible...

Description from Paizo Publishing, LLC.

Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook

Enter a fantastic world of adventure!

The Pathfinder Roleplaying Game puts you in the role of a brave adventurer fighting to survive in a world beset by magic and evil. Will you cut your way through monster-filled ruins and cities rife with political intrigue to emerge as a famous hero laden with fabulous treasure, or will you fall victim to treacherous traps and fiendish monsters in a forgotten dungeon? Your fate is yours to decide with this giant Core Rulebook that provides everything a player needs to set out on a life of adventure and excitement!

This imaginative tabletop game builds upon more than 10 years of system development and an open playtest involving more than 50,000 gamers to create a cutting-edge RPG experience that brings the all-time best-selling set of fantasy rules into the new millennium.

* The Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook includes: All player and Game Master rules in a single volume
* Complete rules for fantastic player races like elves, dwarves, gnomes, halflings, and half-orcs
* Exciting new options for character classes like fighters, wizards, rogues, clerics, and more
* Streamlined and updated rules for feats and skills that increase options for your hero
* A simple combat system with easy rules for grapples, bull rushes, and other special attacks
* Spellcaster options for magic domains, familiars, bonded items, specialty schools, and more
* Hundreds of revised, new, and updated spells and magical treasures
* Quick-generation guidelines for nonplayer characters
* Expanded rules for curses, diseases, and poisons
* A completely overhauled experience system with options for slow, medium, and fast advancement
* ...and much, much more!

The Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook is a 576-page full-color hardcover.

Bottom Line: If you are interested in truly epic gaming in a detailed fantasy setting, then you can not do any better than the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game. Its familiarity and ease of use will appeal to novices and seasoned gamers alike.

Pathfinder is available for purchase in print or via PDF from Paizo Publishing, LLC.