Yajin wrote: ↑Mon Jan 17, 2022 10:47 pm
Good evening:
I'm curious what the opinion is here regarding OSE vs. S&W. I notice there is no OSE forum.
Thanks!
What a question. I'm decidedly split. I've got all the OSE and Advanced OSE stuff, and I've got all the S&W stuff. I've spent a fortune on the OSE books and a relative pittance on the S&W stuff (both Compleat and White Box - FMAG).
OSE: I love B/X, it's amazing for its simplicity, and how it lends itself to house rules and customization. It's layout and pleasing format are real plusses for me, and are the main reason I bought all the stuff I did. It's beautiful, useable, and a good gateway RPG for someone who is curious about OSE stuff.
S&W: FMAG is simple, cheap, and to me is really at the heart of what OSE is about. I was lukewarm to it initially, but now it's my favorite system. I wish more people published stuff for it. I really love S&W Complete, and the new box set (I have both) and S&W is to simplicity as OSE is to layout and formatting. I like the simple rules, the easy learning curve (especially if you are old like I am and can explain OSE well) and the support with games and stuff found online.
While I love both, and despite spending a FORTUNE on the OSE stuff, hands down, S&W is my preferred RPG. I just like the flavor and format of it, and I appreciate the relative low cost that the creators and contributors have kept as a cornerstone of it. Easy to house rule, and familiar (for lack of a better word) it seems well-suited for what I use it for - mostly playing with experienced players and new ones - even young ones like my kids (8-12 years old) they've tried D&D 5E and didn't care too much for it....
Hows that for a convoluted answer?