Best Super Herp RPG for D20

[lobstermagnet]

I want to run a Super Hero RPG, but don't know which game I shopuld use. I have played Campions and love that game. It's just that I want to run a d20 version for my players to make it easier for them. Any suggestions? I am looking at M/M and Age of the Sentinels.

 

[JoeGKushner]

Silver Age Sentinels d20 was horrible. If you're going to go that route, spend the extra $5 and get the full color Tri-Stat version which is much better system wise and value wise. Otherwise, go Mutants & Masterminds.

 

[King of Old School]

Mutants & Masterminds, hands down the best supers game for d20 (or any system) IMO.

I think SAS d20 is incredibly kludgy and inelegant, but that is a plus for some people so YMMV.

KoOS

 

[Bretbo]

I would agree with King on Mutants and Masterminds. M&M changes the rules a bit, but you and your players should have no problem picking them up.

If you want a "pure" D20 game (actually, more D&D 3.5), I'd suggest Deeds Not Words. It's a PDF only game you have to buy through RPGNow, but it is well done and extensive (its' over 250 pages). It retains all of the D20/D&D 3.5 conventions (like Attacks of Opportunity) with the addition of super-power rules.

 

[Thanee]

I have played Champions as well, and HERO is really a great system.

Mutants & Masterminds incorporates some very similar ideas. You have character points, called power points (also levels (power levels in MM), but they are not nearly as limiting as in D&D, they just give you a limit on the number of power points, and a maximum level for each skill/power - similar to the Champions limits on active points, OCV/DCV, etc), powers that can be modified with advantages (extras) and disadvantages (flaws), but the system is a lot easier, as all those extras and flaws just change the cost per level by +/- 1, so not fractions to worry about, skills, feats (a mix of D&D feats, and stuff that's similar to HERO Talents/Perks and even some low-cost powers), and also weaknesses, which limit the character but give you extra points.

You have quite a bit of freedom, you can spend as many points on attributes, skills, feats, powers, etc as you like (and can afford), there is no level progression as in D&D, you just gain 15 power points per level and your rank limits are increased by one.

Also there are no hit points, which is very good. The damage system looks pretty cool. Whenever you get hurt, you make a damage save (like a fortitude save) and usually you just get a -1 towards any future damage saves (until rested), but if you roll too low, you get stunned or knocked out.

It really looks like a very well thought out system. And while it does not have the ultimate flexibility of the HERO system, it retains enough of it, but makes character building a lot easier.

I don't know any other d20 superhero game, but Mutants & Masterminds looks very good. The book (layout) is also done in a very cool style. You can't go wrong with that one.

Bye
Thanee

 

[Pierce]

You might also check out Blood and Vigilance. We've used this and had much fun. Here's a link to a thread regarding its launch. Here's another discussing extending the powers available. And finally, here the story hour from the game to give you an idea of the powers in action.

HTH

 

[Aries_Omega]

And The Winner Is?

You all got it wrong. Deeds Not Words hands down is the best system. It is low priced and you get free....FREE...FREE updates of all your books when the books get updated say from version 1.0 to 1.1

It is an great system. You can tailor make your hero at 1st level with a system that Scott Lynch uses in the system similar to buying the powers on "credit". The downside is with a character with a great number of powers is that they advance slower then those with fewer or none since their CR is rated higher and also they have to pay back the "credit" over the course of the game.

Super Attributes are handled really well I feel in DNW. I always had a problem with systems that say one bad roll equals a failure even if you have say...a 45 STR vs. an 18 STR.

The magic and psion system is bare bones and well thought out with interesting spells for modern day as well a great system for those character who's "shtick" is having an enchanted item.

I have tried the other systems before this and I like DNW best. I been looking for a LONG time for a d20 super game and even tried to make my own by converting "ol' skool" Marvel Superheroes RPG to d20 and by and far DNW is the best on the market and a low price to boot. It is ever evolving and the creator takes suggestions and constructive criticism from fans well and uses it in his updates. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to play a supers game.


Aries

 

[Ranger REG]

I got to go with MnM.

 

[Emiricol]

I want to run a Super Hero RPG, but don't know which game I shopuld use. I have played Campions and love that game. It's just that I want to run a d20 version for my players to make it easier for them. Any suggestions? I am looking at M/M and Age of the Sentinels.

SAS D20 left a lot to be desired (in my opinion!). I strongly recommend M&M for D20 superhero goodness. I think it's the best supported, and purely subjectively, I like it the best.

 

[Bill Scott]

If you go for M&M, as I would suggest as well, wait a few weeks for the revised edition to come out.