I would go to FPGAs, but Im on a kind of retro-trek through the different eras of programmable logic. Im quite enjoying it.
![Azn ^-^](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/azn.gif.pagespeed.ce.7t5xC2ZH_H.gif)
Atmel had some software called ProChip Designer which allows you to write VHDL/Verilog for this series of PLD, but they dont seem to provide licenses for the simulation tools any more. Perhaps that can be overcome with other tools.
Other reasons for looking at these devices in particular is they are easily available in "hand solder friendly" packages, e.g. TQFP, or PLCC which can be through hole socketed, hence they are still relatively hobbyist friendly. I havent looked in any great detail at FPGAs yet, but anything I looked to use I would want to be the same, and a lot of FPGAs are in not-so-friendly packages like BGA.
Other things to consider are working voltages. Im looking for something that operates off 5V, not just 5V tolerant IOs.
Its very much for the retro aspects than anything else at this point. I will get to FPGAs.