Pyramid Review
UNTIL Superpowers Database (for HERO System)
Published by Hero Games
Written by Steven S. Long
Interior Artwork by Nate Barnes, Storn Cook, Andrew Cremeans, Keith Curtis, Jonathan Davenport, Nick Ingeneri, Eric Lofgren, Bryce Nakawaga, Scott Ruggles, Greg Smith, and Chris Stevens
272-page b&w softcover; $24.99
The HERO System has arguably the most detailed and involved power creation system of any superheroic RPG. As discussed in the review of the 5th Edition, powers are not categorized into real-world classifications that have defined abilities -- such as a Gravity Blast power -- but instead broken down into the component effects of the power. Thus in the HERO System our Gravity Blast power may cause some damage, make the victim lose some Strength, and/or keep him immobile.
This system is great if you are creative around a set of rules and know how to come up with cool powers. But if you don't, it can be a royal pain; there isn't as much of a "shopping list" of interesting abilities that can spark your imagination. Thus many first-time HERO System characters are some variation of Flyingenergyblastingforcefieldman, covering the triad of basic offense, defense, and movement.
The 5th Edition book went a fairly long way in addressing this concern with large numbers of sidebars detailing specific applications of powers and power groupings. But there are still those wanting more . . . those who would benefit from a superpower supermarket approach. For those people, the . . .
This article originally appeared in the second volume of Pyramid. See the current Pyramid website for more information.
Article publication date: July 4, 2003
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