If you want to do modern gaming, and you want to do it with a system that enables you rather than obstructs as the main 'competitor' often seems to do, Dark Champions should be your choice. You can't go wrong with it. Hero system really shines through at the 'Heroic' power level, and it particularly does so in this book.
Post originally by James Durnon at 2004-09-06 10:38:28
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A good review. I have to disagree with one of your points. I think Hero system does Superheoric best, not Heroic. I actually don't like using the Heroic power setting at all in this system.
Post originally by arcady at 2004-09-06 12:41:46
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We'll just have to disagree on that.
This book is built for Heroic level, and I happen to find that power level plays faster and with fewer complications.
If you don't like Hero outside of super heroes, this is simply not the book for you. But if you want to use Hero in multiple genres, with Dark Champions it now handles the modern genre quite possibly better than any alternative system on the market. Certainly better than the present lead system.
Post originally by Grym at 2004-09-06 15:35:16
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It is really too bad that the game lacks gun descriptions. I am familiar enough with hardware to recognize the major players (MP5, Glock, USP), but beyond that, I really don't know. I would actually prefer to select weapons based on style rather than stats. I have to say, Feng Shui has one of the best and most entertaining gun sections I've ever read.
Post originally by William A. Peterson at 2004-09-06 20:51:42
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Actually, I consider this to be a small advantage...
There are PLENTY of other books out there that describe guns, so I'm not hurting for that.
And, given what I've seen Mr. Long do in previous products, I would tend not to trust what he comes up with, in either descriptions, or in stats! {Sorry, but I'm NOT a big fan of Steve Long!}
As to Feng Shui, it's a great game, but a lousy source of research material...
Even in the revised edition, they list the Colt M1911A1 (also known as the 'Colt 45) as being a 9mm weapon, when (of course!) it's a .45 ACP!
On the other hand, I don't think any Hero Games product is ever going to give you a Damage Bonus for working the slide on a 12-gauge shotgun, just because it makes a cool sound! :->
Post originally by tetsujin28 at 2004-09-06 23:19:33
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I've been playing Hero for 23 years, and it does the Heroic level just swimmingly. Whilst I now prefer M&M for supers, Hero is still my first choice for any sort of Heroic modern campaign.
Post originally by Sang at 2004-09-07 11:43:39
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I have always felt you go to the high level supers, you are better off with the likes of DC Heroes, with bits like the benchmark systems, non-teatotalling tracking of gadgets, etc.
Turn the knobs down a bit, I think that is where HERO begins to sing.
Post originally by Jack Fortune at 2004-09-08 14:08:11
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In my experiences with Hero, I agree completely with you, Sang. I had the most fun at the Heroic level. The game moved faster and everyone got about the same amount of game time. High-level games tended to favor the speedsters and Dex guys just because of the higher SPD, hence more playing per session. DC Heroes is the opposite (I think) where there is more individuality in the characters at high levels. Low level(secret agents or Easy Company)characters tended to have the same stuff on their character sheets.
Linear Mode
