The OSRIC 3.0 layout sucks.
I backed this (of course!) and had high hopes that this would be THE definitive reference, even though I own all of the originals in fantastic condition.
I almost never bash other OSR products. From me it's usually praise or silence. I despise making this post, but it must be made. (I'll slaughter WoTC all day long).
Call me crazy, but I expected OSRIC 3.0 to be the most faithful adaption of AD&D 1E possible... with AMAZING layout.
By all that I've heard, Matt Finch is a great guy... so don't take this personal for God's sake! Doing this is no doubt a herculean effort... and it is much appreciated by many!
But I think many are about to be disappointed.
The art is fine. The font is fine. The layout... ugh.
The center line between columns isn't necessary, unless there's a table on one side. And the columns are far too close together.
The tables are atrocious! They aren't centered properly and they often overlap onto the next page. Tables should always be self contained on one page, I don't care if this leads to white space and more pages. That's what filler art is for. (Weapon and equipment tables can be an exception here). What are you going to reference during play more than tables? They should be a joy to look at. As it stands, joy is not the word that comes to mind.
I was always tempted to purchase the previous OSRIC hardcover, but never did because the layout kind of bugged me.
This is worse. This is no way an improvement. Perhaps the rules are more accurate, but they're still not 100%. And the folks who'll buy this already know the rules.
THEY WANT A NICE LAYOUT.
OSRIC 3.0 won't inspire anyone and won't make it easier to play this game, so what's the point?
I hope to God this looks better in physical form, but I would urge serious layout changes be made, even if it takes another year. Treat the latest free release as just another beta.
We can wait.
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