First edition D&D in the 8" x 5" pamphlet format was my first encounter with D&D in the mid 1970s. It was simple and left lots of room for interpretation and imagination. AD&D made it more complex without adding a lot to the experience. The key thing about D&D and paper, pencil and dice based RPGs was that they brought people together around a table for a shared experience. Computer RPGs, single or multi-player, involve less imagination, more repetition and less connection with other people. I’m sure I’m being nostalgic, but in hindsight, for me, RPGs have all been downhill since those first D&D sessions with old friends.
I’ve gotten rid of boxes of AD&D books and modules, but I still have my old 1st ed. D&D pamphlet set. Maybe I’ll give it to my kid and see what she can make happen with it.
