"Superhero Minis Game Options" Topic

Hi, a few months ago I bought a whole bunch of Heroclix minis (both DC and Marvel) that I was hoping to play with the kids but we're not really taking to it. I was hoping someone could direct me to an alternative maybe a more RPG type system.

Thanks in advance for any help

Supersystem is deservedly popular.

Supersystem, from Four Color Figures. You can get 2nd edition through Old glory, or pdf (and once in a while print) copies of 3rd edition through Saber's Edge:

sabersedge.com/fourcolor.php

Both editions are quite good – 3rd is a bit more polished, understandably. They have versatile design-your-own figure rules and a built-in experience system for having your superteam improve over time, and can be run in a pseudo-RPG mode with minimal effort, or as a straight head-to-head skirmish game. Many supers from Marvel & DC have been unofficially statted out on this fan site:

link

The other major contender would be Pulp City, from Pulp City (logically enough). I like Supersystem better myself, but YMMV:

pulp-city.com

Champions had a good system.

Agree on champions. As with any RPGs system it would take some preparation time – preparing your characters, the bad guys etc. However it is a fun system and uses handfuls of six sided dice, which young'uns seem to enjoy.

Champions is way too crunchy, especially for kids.

Mutants & Masterminds RPG if you like d20.

Ultimate BASH RPG from RPG Now.

ICONS RPG. They have an official DC version. Easy to play.

All can be played with minis, though ICONS only has broad range categories and no real tactical movement. A fun system.

Marvel Heroic Roleplaying. Own it but haven't done anything with it.

Check them out.

Hey thanks very much…the Supersystem sounds just what I'm looking for…although I'll take a look at those other ones too

Has anyone tried both Champions and Supersystem…just to get an idea of comparison. Also keen on ICONS RPG since my kids (and me) are big JL fans

Sorry CP what does "crunchy" mean? …too complicated? I did want something fairly simplistic and fun…

Great suggestions and food for research…thanks

Any advise on how to modify those Heroclix stands… I presume they're no addition to the other systems and I don't particularly like their look…

I have a suggestion for a full roleplaying system -

Its called

Squadron UK –

It has just come out as a second edition, and I have been playing its previous incarnation golden heroes for twenty years (actually longer).

It is quite lightweight, as far as roleplaying goes,

I think you can get a basic PDF of the basic system cheap,

Champions is very crunchy and complex, but it is also the inspiration behind most of the more recent attempts. 5th and 6th edition are also victims of over thinking by the authors. Scare up a copy of 4th edition if you can.

For primarily tabletop miniatures play, certainly start with Supersystem. If it seems too simple, the other options provided, Champions included, become worth looking at.

Has anyone tried both Champions and Supersystem…just to get an idea of comparison.

I've played both from 1st edition to the present day. I'd agree with GypsyComet, Champions/Hero Games was at their best around 4th. Champions is a true RPG that can be adapted to tabletop use, and is probably more complex than what you're looking for. Supersystem is a minis rules set with a layer of roleplaying added on, not only in the sense of character advancement and linked scenario play, but in little things like "Soliloquy Attacks" that give you a once-per-game attack bonus if you precede the attack with a suitably dramatic speech. If you're after something with a bit more depth than Heroclix but not much more in-game complexity, it's probably the way to go, maybe "graduating" to a dedicated RPG like Champions or Mutants & Masterminds in time.

The Heroclix models are usually pretty easy to re-base. The most common trick is to stick them in the freezer overnight, which makes the glue brittle enough that it's easy to crack the mini free and stick it on a washer or plastic base afterward. Kill's your resale value to 'clix players, but it doesn't sound like that's a major concern for you.

Brilliant Chief,…I've downloaded Supersystem, sounds like the best all round fit for now at least. Thanks very much to you and all for your help and advise.

No problem, glad to help. Hope you enjoy the game – and do take a look around the Annex I linked to. The guy who built all that makes me look like a piker when it comes to boosting for Goalsystem games. :)

Yes I've already set it to favs….brilliant resources for the game… I'm sure I'll get loads of use of it especially when I'm interesting in the actual comic characters…Now I hope these kids like it after all this or I'll end up playing it on my own :)

For sheer weight of support, Mutants and Masterminds.

Our Toy Battle System games Atomic Super Humans and Giant Monster Rampage are perfect for both adults and kids.

link

The games use any figures from standard miniatures to action figures and use stackable blocks for buildings and walls so you can have fun destroying the city while you fight.

-Ken
Radioactive Press

I recommend two sets:

1) Atomic Super Humans – for when you just want to get the figs out and go at it

2) Supersystem 3rd – when you want more detail (ie rpg lite)

Many characters can be found already converted for Supersystem here ( link )

Wow I had no idea there was so much stuff out there. I've been out of the loop a long time and would like to share some fun time with my kids. I used to D&D and RP with an old Judge Dredd RPG but never tried superheros.

Sounds like theres no actual worthwhile official DC or Marvel which surprises me considering the interest in both comic book and RPG. But theres no shortage of independent gear to check out…

I've been reading a little of Supersystem and it seems really straightforward which is kind of what I'm after for now. But I'm going to look at all recommendations for future reference if we want to upgrade to something more sophisticated later. Atomic Super Humans looks very interesting too

Thanks again

Both Marvel and DC have been attempted a number of times. Very few of those attempts have been playable long-term. We looked at the d6 version of DC last year and found their points and package deals very odd. The M&M version might have more potential, but M&M has its own set of odd tradeoffs and balance issues.

Ok …Sounds like its best to stay away then… thanks

As an RPG, I found the old Mayfair edition of DC Heroes to be fantastic. It's not particularly suited to miniatures, but it is a great RPG. If you can scare up a copy of the 2nd edition you get quite a lot of gaming material.