Bugbears And Borderlands
What would it look like if Moldvay was asked to create a Basic version of 5e? I suspect something like this. While there is an existing official Basic version¸ it includes all of the rules (not very basic) and hardly any Player Character option.
Bugbears and Borderlands flips the script on that. The rules have been streamlined to the very basic core¸ while still offering a lot of character customization options at character generation¸ WHILE also being very easy to learn and play.
Hundreds of pages can be daunting for newer or younger players. It's a reason why Moldvay's B/X back in the day brought in so many new gamers¸ because it was an easy read and easy to play. B&B emulates this philosophy while being largely compatible with core 5e.
NOTE: This is for the 8.5x11 single book version. All rules are presented in this single black and white volume. If you prefer the 6x9 full color booklets (one for Players and one for GMs)¸ please click on myPubllisher Hyperlink and select those options.