Core Rules

 
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If it ain't broke don't fix it. Maybe I'm just being cynical, but after Wizards of the Coast's takeover of TSR, I can't help but think that the 3rd Edition rules were more of an attempt to stamp their own brand over the product rather than do a worthwhile update. It is still the best RPG ever though. 
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This revamp of the the rules was more than welcome. Over the years, the core rules had spread like a vomit and had become way to convoluted and complex and yet still carried the awkward charm of a game, albeit a fabulously successful one that had been put together by hobbyists. This edition clarified and tidied the whole thing up, and got rid of the crappy 1st Edition art. Unfortunately commercial pressures soon let this edition swell into a ridiculous size as well. 
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Another welcome update to the best RPG ever.  		    
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Without a doubt one of the worst aspects of the original game was the generally atrocious quality of the art. This new edition rectified this is glorious style, not only having some beautiful illustrations, but going full colour into the bargain. 
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This is the edition which was released after TSR had been forced to remove the Cthulhu Mythos from the original. This is a nice collectors item now. Still, there was more than enough material in here to drive the religious right nutty and fuel the "people who play Dungeons and Dragons are all satanists" argument Nice one TSR. Of course we all knew that all the best demons were in the Monster Manual. . . . ..