You can download a free 65-page PDF of the Pathfinder RPG rules based on the 3.5 OGL.  This is an “open play test” as Paizo is currently listening to player feedback and tweaking the system until it’s final release sometime in August.

The new pathfinder system provides some updates to the DnD 3.5 fantasy RPG rules, including revised classes, new skill system, updated spells, new combat options, and more.  This could be a great alternative to 4th edition for folks that don’t want to invest into a whole new system.

Here’s the info from the Paizo press release:

Paizo Publishing® today announced that the final Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Alpha playtest release is now available for download at paizo.com.

“I am really excited to get Alpha 3 into the hands of our playtesters,” said Paizo’s Lead Designer, Jason Bulmahn. “It includes all eleven base classes—including first-ever looks at the Pathfinder RPG Bard, Monk, and Ranger—a host of new rules, and a mountain of changes suggested by the folks on our Alpha playtest messageboards.”

The Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Alpha playtest release 3 represents the final Alpha release before the massive, full-color, softcover Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Beta releases this August for $24.99. The Beta will be available on paizo.com, at Gen Con, as well as through hobby distribution at local game stores. Just like the Alpha releases, the Beta release will be available as a free PDF download on paizo.com. As Wizards of the Coast’s core 3.5 rulebooks are expected to go out of print with the release of 4th Edition, Paizo will use the Pathfinder RPG as a replacement for the 3.5 core rules. The Pathfinder RPG Beta release will represent Paizo’s first published take on an updated 3.5 system, and playtesting will continue through spring 2009, when Paizo will incorporate the open playtest feedback and create a Pathfinder Roleplaying Game hardcover for release August 2009.

To date, more than 17,000 gamers have downloaded the free Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Alpha playtest PDF from paizo.com. To learn more about the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game, visit paizo.com/pathfinderRPG and download the free PDF of Paizo’s exciting new look at the 3.5 edition of the world’s most popular fantasy roleplaying game.