M&M: How much of a pain are Variable structures?

[Charles Gray]

I'm working on a game and I was thinking of including elementalists that would use the variable powr structure to simulate their direct control over the elements. However, how much a pain are VP's to use in gaming since i've not actually seen them used that much 'round the table?

[Black Mamba]

They are not a pain at all if you have the players create a dozen or two power combinations before play. That way everyone comes to the game somewhat prepared. :) Beyond that, the amount of pain really depends on how well each person knows the Power rules. If someone constantly needs to look-up the cost of everything during play it can be a real pain, IMO.

[TRM]

I'm working on a game and I was thinking of including elementalists that would use the variable powr structure to simulate their direct control over the elements. However, how much a pain are VP's to use in gaming since i've not actually seen them used that much 'round the table?

VPs can be rough if the player hasn't done the "homework" to use them quickly. I have seen plenty of Players take VPs for their characters, and not really use them. Most of the time Dynamic Alternate Powers and the occasional Extra Effort cover the bases for most flexible character concepts.