Mutants & Masterminds Heros Handbook [Paperback]

Mutants and Masterminds is, in my 30-odd years of experience, the most flexible and thematically fitting tabletop role-playing game in the superhero genre I've ever seen. It adapts the D20 system, with numerous changes and a lot of simplification, making the system better and more suited to the genre. I've used the system for games in different genres as well, with great success.

This is the third edition to the game, and the changes from the second edition are significant. The old six D20 abilities (strength, dexterity, constitution, intelligence, wisdom, charisma)have been replaced with eight abilities: Strength, Stamina, Agility, Dexterity, Fighting, Intellect, Awareness and Presence. The basic defenses (saves) have been expanded to include Parry (which uses the Fighting ability). Feats were re-named as advantages, and the skill system was streamlined, with some skills re-named to have a more modern feel. The powers have been re-created in a way that resembles a much-simplified version of the second edition's Ultimate Power sourcebook; the resulting power list seems to be able to re-create any power I can think of.

If you are familiar with Green Ronin's DC Adventures RPG, there won't be any surprises in here; it uses the exact same system, with no rules differences that I've noted. This book is just a version of those rules with all the specific DC material replaced with content created by Green Ronin.

The only problem I have with the game is that it is only available in softcover format. Previous editions were in hardcover, so I'd like a hardcover to go on my game shelf.

I'll make this short and sweet. Which I think is fitting for this game because that's how it reads. Compared to M&M 2nd edition, 3rd Ed really cleaned up its act. They removed most everything useless and got rid of a lot of things that were clunky. The Game is pretty simple, great for first time players. But also can be customized quite a bit for your veteran players. This time around the rules are pretty easy and they make the game flow, and they are memorable. I don't have to rule check every five seconds, and no player goes "how do I do that again?" I've read through quite a bit of other super hero RPGs, ones that were very simple (almost too simple) and ones there were very complex (far too complex if you ask me).

This game is a shot right up the middle, and that's why I think it's the best Super hero RPG out there. It's a fairly short book, but it's solid and there isn't a whole ton of fluff. That's how I like my books. It doesn't tell me how to run my game but it gives me lots of options, and it doesn't try and approach on my story with any of its rules. If my players want to play all villains, they can, if they want to be golden boy supers, they can. This game isn't over tactical. So for those of you who like immensely huge detailed battles, where it is almost like you are playing a game of advanced chess, then this isn't for you. Not to say your battles can't get in depth and creative; but the game approaches combat in what I perceived as something very comic book like.

In conclusion, if you want a game that is a middle of the road game, but appeals to a wide audience. Then this is it. If you want something that is specialized and more geared to tactics and strategies, then I suggest something more specialized and complex. But Mutants and masterminds third edition gets full vote from me, for being a great game.

This is a solid, fun, supers rpg. The point-buy system gives you a lot of flexibility, without the insane math challenges of putting together a Champions character. Actual play is simple, resolving everything with d20 rolls (usually two, one to hit and one from the target to resist).

The book is well organized making things easy to find during play, and attractive with good comic style artwork.

This was the first game I ran as a GM and I found the rules for flexible and loose enough I didn't feel bogged down with details while trying to create a fun environment for my players.