[RPG]: With Great Power..., reviewed by C.W.Richeson (4/4)

http://www.rpg.net/reviews/archive/12/12621.phtml

Christopher W. Richeson's Summary:

<i>With Great Power...</i> provides a super hero RPG that truly simulates comic books while maintaining a focus on what your character is willing to sacrifice to save the day.

Go to the full review for more information.

[Dan Davenport]

Great job as always, Christopher!

It sounds like this RPG skirts <u>very</u> close to the realm of "storytelling game," and is, at least, what I like to call a "3rd person RPG" -- i.e., the players experience the setting in 3rd person rather than through the "eyes" of their characters.

As for the power level issue... I'm not sure that deciding not to address an issue mechanically means that a game can "handle" the issue. If Daredevil can take Galactus barring GM (or, in this case, player) fiat, the system's not "allowing" for different power levels. It's just ignoring them.

[C.W.Richeson]

Originally Posted by Dan Davenport

Great job as always, Christopher!

Thanks, Dan!

It sounds like this RPG skirts <u>very</u> close to the realm of "storytelling game," and is, at least, what I like to call a "3rd person RPG" -- i.e., the players experience the setting in 3rd person rather than through the "eyes" of their characters.

I wouldn't disagree, but at the same time a lot of RPG groups already do this. With Great Power... just embraces the idea of having folk talk about what they would like to see happen and contribute ideas. The game is clear that the player has final control over their character's decisions, and even in Enrichment Scenes the player can veto how someone else is handling a character.

As for the power level issue... I'm not sure that deciding not to address an issue mechanically means that a game can "handle" the issue. If Daredevil can take Galactus barring GM (or, in this case, player) fiat, the system's not "allowing" for different power levels. It's just ignoring them.

I'm not so sure. I turn on Justice League Unlimited and I see Batman and Superman fighting together. Superman's powers are clearly far beyond Batman's specialized training. The only real reason they can fight together is that Batman is cool, and his being cool is why he's just as effective as Superman. The Green Lantern takes care of problems in space, and he might be fighting with The Green Arrow who definitely doesn't have that kind of power. In the comics and cartoons, they all beat down the big bad guys.

Wasn't it the Fantastic Four, specifically Reed Richards, that ultimately took down Galactus in the comics? I know they're a much loved super hero team, but their powers really aren't that crazy. Stretching and being a genius, telekinetic fields and invisibility, fire control, and being a grouchy brick - all nifty powers, but if we want to apply real logic to the situation they couldn't trounce Galactus either. If only the Man Without Fear can do battle with Galactus, how is he going to do it? Will he find the weak spot on Galactus' giant body? Will he convince the Silver Surfer to betray his master? Will he be the only being that stands Galactus down when all others have fled, impressing the Planet Devourer?

I'd like to say something like Galactus is an exception, but it really isn't in superhero comics. Great powers from the beyond threaten the Earth regularly, and it's always a strange mix of heroes that ride out to face down that thread. Whether they're using martial arts and human cunning or throwing around the power of stars, all of those heroes tend to do just as well at saving the day in the comics - something With Great Power... recognizes.

[Thor Olavsrud]

I've run a With Great Power campaign and played in a number of one-shots. They've all been first person, speak as your character affairs.

There's nothing in the game that gets in the way of that sort of play. However, you do need a willingness to allow/make bad things happen to your character. You don't really have what it takes to take down the villain until your girlfriend has been kidnapped, a reporter may have uncovered your secret identity, and you are questioning your dedication to your most closely held ideals.

[BlackSheep]

Originally Posted by C.W.Richeson

I'd like to say something like Galactus is an exception, but it really isn't in superhero comics. Great powers from the beyond threaten the Earth regularly, and it's always a strange mix of heroes that ride out to face down that thread.

There are a few good examples from Grant Morrison's JLA run:

1: The white Martians. Supes gets one, Flash gets one, Lantern gets one, Wonder Woman gets one...Bats gets the other four.

2: The Key. Takes out the entire roster. Gets punked by Green Arrow II.

3: Darkseid. Kills Superman, kills Batman, kills J'onn, pretty much wipes out every superhero left. Gets taken down by Green Arrow II and the Atom.

[C.W.Richeson]

Way awesome examples, BlackSheep, thanks!

[BlackSheep]

And, of course, there's always Squirrel Girl.

[Michael S. Miller]

Thanks for the great review, Chris. I'm glad you liked the game.