Quick-Bits: Supers RPG news

I've not had time to write a lot about RPGs, what with all the deadlines and work, but here are a few items of RPG news related to super-heroes that are top of mind right now:

The Worlds In Peril RPG on Kickstarter

I learned about this from Google+, but the concept intrigues me: a supers RPG based on the *World engine, the system behind Apocalypse World and Dungeon World RPGs.

Not been able to play either one, but Worlds In Peril would definitely get me to try it out. From reading these RPGs (the finished versions of Apocalypse World and Dungeon World, and the in-editing version of Worlds in Peril), the idea of creating a PC in broad archetypeal strokes, and then refining and discovering more about them and the world during play intrigues me.

The fact that this is *World entry is in the super-heroic genre is enough to make me want to jump in!

Here's part of their marketing copy:

Worlds in Peril combines descriptive, creative and flexible powers with a narrative structure that encourages players to take control of their stories and build worlds together. Powered by the Apocalypse World system (2d6+ modifier), Worlds in Peril is a standalone RPG that will produce compelling super hero action in any world with little-to-no preparation. Play to find out what happens, be the hero you want to be!

There are a few days left (3 at the time of this writing), so if this is your kind of jam -- take a shot at this one!

Bulletproof Blues -- Successful Kickstart!

What's that you say? Bulletproof Blues is already an RPG; why was there a (successful) kickstart of this? Well, this is the 2nd Edition you see. They can improve all sorts of stuff on this RPG! Here listen to them:

"Bulletproof Blues is a rules-light, setting-dark superhero RPG. The game is getting new art and an updated layout. All of the art and text has been, and will be, released under a Creative Commons license."

Sounds good -- I look forward to the release of the second edition! Art looks good, and I'm digging the rules I've read so far. Waiting to get to the powers to fully grok things.

Invulnerable Super Hero RPG: Vigilante Edition

Yet another supers RPG? This one came out in April and caught my eye with its art and my interest in many things super-heroic related.

I'll admit to being a collector (not ultra-obsessive, just mildly so) for many supers RPG systems, because there are so very many subgenres of the super-hero genre, and I'm always down for using a specific system to effect a particular feel or mood due to the mechanics and the super-heroic color of the writing and the art.

Here's their spiel:

Invulnerable's simple, flexible system lets you create a super hero with a wide array of exciting Powers and Power Enhancements, quickly and easily. Purchase Levels in a Power and pick some Enhancements, and you're good to go! If you want more fine-tuned control, tweak every gadget and mutation with Power Modifiers.

Being a super hero is more than punching tanks and laser-blasting alien invaders, though. Invulnerable encourages roleplaying with its Motivations and Central Contradictions. What does your hero believe in? And what storytelling tension does this character bring to the table? Make the call!

Invulnerable supports every power level, from street-level crimefighters up to interstellar paragons, and includes a complete setting, Earth-Omega, with its own heroes, villains, and mooks to face. This new edition brings new Talent Focuses and Power Enhancements, revamps Power Modifiers, refines the damage system, streamlines combat, and has tons of new internal art.

Sounds like something for you? Pick it up at DriveThruRPG!

Valiant Universe: The Roleplaying Game

You heard that right.

The Valiant Universe RPG.

No way? Yes way!

Well, there's only a quickstart rule download available now, but the full RPG is slated for release in July of 2014. Check out all their related offerings on DriveThruRPG:

The edge between superhero and villain has never been sharper. In the Valiant Universe RPG, players will immerse themselves in a dark and gritty world where every mission and every battle has deadly consequences. Whether playing X-O Manowar, Bloodshot, Shadowman or even the all-powerful Toyo Harada—or any of dozens of characters—Valiant’s most fearless heroes will unite for the first time in a roleplaying game, allowing you to join their stories and create new ones!

Whether you’re a longtime fan or brand new to the Valiant Universe, this is the only source you’ll need to bring Valiant’s leading characters to life in a fantastic superheroes setting!

I tell you -- with all this, plus the Marvel films, plus the 75 year celebrations of various super-heroes, it's a great time for the Super-heroic RPG!