Why did D & D feel more exciting in 1978?

Why did Dungeons & Dragons feel more exciting in 1978? Was early D&D really more dangerous, or is it simply nostalgia? After nearly 50 years playing D&D, I look back at my original 1978 character sheets, hand-drawn maps and miniatures to discover why those first adventures felt so magical. In this Then vs Now comparison, I explore the differences between 1978 D&D and 2026 D&D—from deadly goblins and rare magic to modern miniatures, beautiful terrain, digital character apps and cinematic adventures. This isn't about saying one edition is better than another. It's about understanding what made those early games unforgettable. Using original material from my own campaigns, I'll explain why danger, imagination and discovery created a unique style of roleplaying that still influences my games today. What do you think? Did early D&D really feel different? Do modern characters feel too powerful? What do you miss most—or love most—about today's game? I'd love to hear your memories and opinions in the comments. If you enjoy videos about Dungeons & Dragons, Old School D&D, OSR, Greyhawk, roleplaying games, tabletop gaming and the history of D&D, please consider subscribing for more videos every week. #dnd #dungeonsanddragons #osr #ttrpg #greyhawk #tabletopgaming #rpg #oldschoolrpg