#RPGaDay2024
The superhero RPG genre has a wide range of approaches. Great games like Mutants & Masterminds by Steve Kenson or Champions push to the “crunchy” side with detailed powers, mechanics, and a good bit of math. On the other side are Masks or Icons (also by Kenson) that simplify the approach and generalize the powers.
I tend to lean more toward more straightforward mechanics, but lately, I’ve been fascinated with Sentinel Comics and its interesting midpoint of crunch. Masks and Icons take a bit to learn, but one supers game stands out as the king of “quick to learn,” Spectaculars by Scratchpad Publishing.
It has a simple percentile mechanic where a skill is a skill – even powers. Obstacles to combat or overcome are presented, the skill or power is declared, roll and go. What makes the game easy to teach is the components of the box set. You pick an archetype character sheet, cards for your role in the team, secret identity, and powers. The cards “slot” on your sheet. All the rules you need to play are at the bottom. Start playing.
I ran this last year at our bi-annual Camping for Gamers. Everyone picked a sheet, a tray (to hold the cards, etc.), and some cards. Heroes were built, and we started playing. They have workbooks for the GM to create adventures, worlds, and thematic teams—everything you need to play. In the end, I prefer something with a bit more to it, but I wouldn’t hesitate to bring out this game again – especially for players new to RPGs or who have only played D&D.
What is mind-blowing is they are selling the $75 box set for $20 right now. I hope this means a new edition and not the emptying of the warehouse before shutting down.
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