One of the game designers I respect the most reviews D&D 4e. His short summary – “It’s an interesting system that didn’t so much feel like D&D in play; nonetheless, the brand power of D&D all but ensures this will be a success and it may even redefine what D&D means for the next generation.” Yeah, I think that’s about what I figured. He compares the game play to more akin to a CCG than the “sounds like an MMO” critiques.
And, of course, WotC is still screwing around and hasn’t made the GSL or new rules available to third party publishers yet, even those waving $5k in the air, despite their announcing it on January 9th…