[QUOTE=smiling bandit]
Not critically flawed but also no strong points. It’s not a bad game, but I don’t really see the need for another C+ game. Mostly, I just hate the fact that it uses levels at all. It was neither necessary nor useful.
[/QUOTE]
I’m definitely with you on that one: the whole game is practically on a point-buy system already, so I’m not sure why the designers felt a need for formal levels.
Levels are a way of balancing Superman with Batman in the game. It’s a bit arbitrary, but it seems to work.
[QUOTE=E-Sabbath]
Levels are a way of balancing Superman with Batman in the game. It’s a bit arbitrary, but it seems to work.
[/QUOTE]
Not really. You can define an arbitrary number of points or whatnot. In fact, the levels, as Omi no Kami states, are pretty irrelevant.
Well, the trick is, the levels define ‘maximum saves’ and ‘maximum to-hits’ for the level. It’s a way to stop 'Well, I have +3 surprise strike, and +7 from defensive roll and +6 BAB and… ’ ‘Oh, look, DM, this character I made has +23 to hit and +40 damage.’
A PL10 character has a max bonus of +10 to hit, +10 damage, +10 saves, and so on. How he does it is up to him. Superman has a straight +10 BAB. Batman has it through feats, skills, a little BAB, and some devices.
[QUOTE=E-Sabbath]
Well, the trick is, the levels define ‘maximum saves’ and ‘maximum to-hits’ for the level. It’s a way to stop 'Well, I have +3 surprise strike, and +7 from defensive roll and +6 BAB and… ’ ‘Oh, look, DM, this character I made has +23 to hit and +40 damage.’
[/QUOTE]
Yeah, that’s the problem. Well, I also didn’t like how some of the powers and skills compare.
Well, that’s why levels exist, so people can’t do that. It gives you a guide to design towards.
[QUOTE=Revenant Threshold]
After possible interest, would anyone be interested in an SDMB M&M2e game? I can promise pretty simple (well, in RPG terms) game mechanics for you and me, and i’m happy to tailor up a scenario for any general story frames.
[/QUOTE]
Yes yes yes! And did I mention, yes?
I’ve run my first M&M campaign to -rave- reviews (started in 1st ed, converted when 2nd ed came out), and loved running it. Oddly, I was so used to Champions, I planned the first session to have a several-hour combat. The combat was over in less than 15 minutes.
We watched movies the rest of the night. 
But… Anyway, I’ve loved GMing it, I’m GMing a ‘theme’ game of it (We’re working in the BPRD / Hellboy universe), and I’d love, love, LOVE to play it. (The only GM who said he’d run it so that I could actually play has started his campaign twice and let it die after two sessions each time…)
So… Uhm… raises hand Pick me! Pick me!
[QUOTE=E-Sabbath]
Well, that’s why levels exist, so people can’t do that. It gives you a guide to design towards.
[/QUOTE]
I don’t think you understand. I view it as a flaw.
Oh. Well, don’t use 'em, then. Simple enough. It does help when grabbing baddies, though, so you know they probably won’t overwhelm a decently balanced superteam.
[QUOTE=ArrMatey!]
Yes yes yes! And did I mention, yes?
I’ve run my first M&M campaign to -rave- reviews (started in 1st ed, converted when 2nd ed came out), and loved running it. Oddly, I was so used to Champions, I planned the first session to have a several-hour combat. The combat was over in less than 15 minutes.
We watched movies the rest of the night.
But… Anyway, I’ve loved GMing it, I’m GMing a ‘theme’ game of it (We’re working in the BPRD / Hellboy universe), and I’d love, love, LOVE to play it. (The only GM who said he’d run it so that I could actually play has started his campaign twice and let it die after two sessions each time…)
So… Uhm… raises hand Pick me! Pick me!
[/QUOTE]
Hurray, another participant! ^^ Any thoughts on what kind of hero you’d wanna play? I was thinking of a Face, but if we’re gonna be in the Hellboy universe it might be fun to play an FBI-turned-paranormal investigator type.
Er, the Hellboy thing is what I’m running table-top here. I’m assuming we’re doing something a little more mainstream if someone here runs? And what I’d play would depend- are we doing ‘four color’, or some other superhero type?
I might have the time. I certainly have the interest.
[QUOTE=ArrMatey!]
Er, the Hellboy thing is what I’m running table-top here. I’m assuming we’re doing something a little more mainstream if someone here runs? And what I’d play would depend- are we doing ‘four color’, or some other superhero type?
[/QUOTE]
I hadn’t really thought about it: Revenant Threshold mentioned that he’d be willing to work with any general frame, and I wasn’t set on anything in particular, so I’m open to any suggestions. One thing we might want to establish early, though, is some of the issues about general format that would effect power choice: if anyone really wants to do a time travel or dimension hopping game, for instance, we’d want to know in advance so as to keep from hopelessly gimping our character by neglecting the appropriate travel power.
Or space, just to add to that list. And yes, i’m pretty much happy to work within any kind of frame, though if it’s something specific (as in the Hellboy universe) it’s a matter of me being familiar enough with it. If I am, that’s fine, but otherwise you might want to suggest generic ideas to work with.
I’d like a 4-color game. I’m a big DC fan, and JLA is my fave. I’m open to other ideas, of course, though.
Oh, by the way, if anyone wants a collection of pre-generated generic characters to adapt…
Or, well, anything, drop me a line. I’m thinking I’ll do a Master of the Mystic Arts. Just finished reading the Essential Dr. Strange vol 1 and 2, and I do have Books of Magic for M&M…
Hmm, I’m not sure if I’d be able to RP a four-colors char effectively, but I’d be happy to try. I’m thinking of making a shapeshifter + morph Face.
Hmm, these powers all look so tempting… I usually go for the antihero, so for a four-colors game my best bet would probably be to make a self-centered Sneaky Weasel ™ type: stealth, thieving skills, gadgets, and the like.
I do have a quick question about mechanics though: I’m looking at the Alternate Form sets, and I wanted to clarify: do powers cost the same when you buy them individually as they do as part of your Form? For instance, say I invest 5 points to buy one rank of Alternate Form (Ghost): that gives me 5 points to invest in the powers Ghost permits, one of which is Insubstantial 4. Insub. 4 also costs 5 points per rank, so would each rank of Ghost only permit me to buy one rank of Insub. ? I’m assuming this is the case, but I’m having trouble figuring out why the Form powers exist: are they purely intended as “filing cabinets” for people who want to buy a few related powers?
[QUOTE=Revenant Threshold]
Or space, just to add to that list. And yes, i’m pretty much happy to work within any kind of frame, though if it’s something specific (as in the Hellboy universe) it’s a matter of me being familiar enough with it. If I am, that’s fine, but otherwise you might want to suggest generic ideas to work with.
[/QUOTE]
Oh oh! Geez, now I’m conflicted: space is, by definition, extremely cool, but I wouldn’t want it to consume the whole game, as it often does by lieu of being extremely cool. What do other people think about adding space stuff?
I’m generally of the rule of: Find something the GM is really enthusiastic with, and the game usually goes like gangbusters. If the GM isn’t enthused, the game is gonna die. So… Mister GM, what aspects of superhero RP interrest you?