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Heroes Unlimited 2nd Ed. - Palladium Books
This review is for the second edition of Heroes Unlimited.
Heroes Unlimited is a generic role playing game in the super-hero
or comic book genre. The game gives complete rules for the
creation of every type of comic book style character from aliens to
mutants to robots. Other options include the use of psychic powers
or magical powers. In all there are 22 different basic character
types that can be tailored to every player's whim. There are over
100 different super powers, 40 psychic abilities, and 100 magical spells
to chose from and even mix and match. Characters can be made with
extensive sets of skills to round them out. The book also includes
complete rules on creating vehicles, gimmicks, weapons, robots, and
cyborgs. All of it is tied together with a comprehensive combat
system that covers all types of combat situations whether it be using
super powers, fighting with melee weapons, shooting guns, or piloting
cars, tanks, jets, or spacecraft. The possibilities are
nearly unlimited.
Heroes Unlimited is an excellent game for any comic book, or
cinematic style super hero game. The system is fully fleshed out,
and rounded out. Everything is included in the book and set out
in an easy to find matter. There is no particular game world.
The book is written with this in mind and draws references only
from the real world plus the comic book conventions that make it a
super hero game. All types of heroes are represented whether one
wants mutants with strange powers, macho men with guns, or martial
artists. There really is something for everyone. The rules
system is robust and detailed but not so much so that it cannot be
pared down or even have things added to it. It is a part of the
Palladium Megaversal rules and is therefore compatible with all of their
other game books. This 2nd Edition has included a new character
type, the Mega-Hero to portray more powerful super-powered individuals.
Also included is information on how to play legacy heroes, heroes
that have taken up the name and costume of a previously existing hero
whether they have died in the line of duty, retired, or simply passed
everything on to a new generation.
Heroes Unlimited also has other books in the series that add to and
build upon the system. These other books are less generic and
begin to build worlds that are purely unique to Palladium. The
books available so far include: a Game Master's Guide, Villains
Unlimited, Aliens Unlimited, Aliens Unlimited Galaxy Guide, Century
Station, and Gramercy Island. Also slated for release in the
near future are: the Mutant Underground, Hardware Unlimited, and Powers
Unlimited (detailing tonnes of new super-powers).
(
Thank you for reading my review.
Bob Male)
All ideas, opinions, and information are from the reviewer
and are not representative of any company or group involved with the creators
and/or staff of the materials being reviewed.