You know, everyone has a few fears in life. Mine doesn't include zombies. Why? Because I'm prepared. In this new page, I'm going to cataloge my zombie adventures I have once I start on my quest against the undead. Maybe not. Who knows. Still, this is the Game Page. It's here to tell you about the different games I play, and what I think of them. Hmm... better make this an "Entertainment Page." Oh well. According to my brother, it's only going to be here for a few more weeks. Then, the planets aline and we all die. Don't that beat all?
So... Do You want to embrace the horror? Do you think you can handle it? If so, then read what I write here once I actually start on the quest. Until then, enjoy this interesting review that surprisingly has nothing to do with Zombies.
Marvel Saga.
What more could any superhero fan want? TSR (Advanced Dungeons and dragons, and Soon-to-be 3rd Edition) has seemingly perfected the superhero RPG system with a card-based system that functions far better than any other system I've played. In a way, this isn't much when you consider I've only played Marvel Classic and had some insight on Champions(I created a character and since lost it). Now, you all are probably wondering why I'm reviewing such an old game. Simple: It's not that old, and it never hurts to hear reviews on something. As most RPGs (Role-Playing Games) go, you accept the basis of a character to play. That character has stats to determine what he or she can do. It is up to you to play out what he or she can do. You make all the choices, and you allow his or her survival. It's sort of like improve acting with one basic rule: Have fun. Saga adds all the fun you could need with a simple to learn, simple to use game system (That sounds confusing)which provides you with a greater chance of success than dice ever could. It's all in how you play the cards. Sure, there is some luck in what cards you draw, but it's how you play them that truly counts. However, due to it's change of pace from dice to cards, many hardcore gamers have given it the cold shoulder, as a lot of them feel that dice are needed for a good RPG, or that there is only one "ultimate" system and everything other than that "Ultimate" system sucks. So be it, then. To each his, or her own. No one said you have to like the game. I'm just pointing out what it's truly about.
Setting.
You are a superhero (Or in some cases a villain, but I'll talk about the hero part) in the Marvel Universe. You will either fight solo or alongside fellow teamates. It all depends on how the Narrator (The Game Master) wants the campaign to go. He or she may want to use the pre-established Marvel Characters, make you create your own, or a combination of both. Any way the Narrator chooses is a good way, and it all adds to the variety of the game. Now, in most cases, the Narrator will have the setting in New York, as is the setting of most Marvel Comic books. Even so, the Narrator is not limited to this. It all goes back to the Narrator's choice. My characters are mostly based in New York, but I have one group in California. Another group that my Narrator runs has the group of heroes in Oklahoma. It just depends on what your Narrator wants.
The Game Mechanics.
You have four basic stats, plain and simple. There are also four types of cards that work in conjuction with your stats. They are: The Incredible Hulk cards, Spiderman cards, Mr. Fantastic cards, and Dr. Strange cards. They feature the character's face in the upper corner which also has the card's aura(used mostly by the Narrator, or Game Master). Each card, which features the picture of a popular superhero, is meant for use with one specific stat, but they are not limited to what they can be used on. A strength feat can still use an agility card, but there is no trump bonus (An extra card is drawn and added to the action attempt). The first is Strength, and all cards with the Incredible Hulk are best used for actions in this. This is how strong and durable your character is. You'll use this for things like lifting objects, dealing damage when attacking with fists or close-range weapons, or subtract it from your damage after taking a hit. Powers based off this skill are those like Super Strength. Next is Agility, which has Spiderman on it's cards. This is for balance, accuracy, precision, and manueverability. You'll use this for distance attacks (Firing weapons or throwing objects), speed actions, and dodging attacks. Powers based on it are like super speed, wall-crawling, and other movement based powers. The third is Intelligence. Obviously, this is how smart you are. It's used for solving puzzles and the like. I know I didn't do that justice. This stat covers a lot of powers that most of my characters have, like Telepathy, Telekineses, Weather Control, and Fire Control. The last is Willpower. It is the strength of your character on the inside. You use this to protect from mind control, show force of will, and other such feats that often involve the mind or soul. Powers using this are like Mind Control or Possesion. It's a lot easier to understand than this. I just don't know how to review. Anyway, I feel it's a simplistic base of gameplay making for a truly awesome game. If you have the chance to, I strongly recommend you try this game out.
Overall.
As with all things, the game is flawed. Not everyone will want to create a character, or not want to be in NY. Someone isn't going to like the game system. Some people won't be able to get the rules down. There will be your likes and dislikes. No ifs, ands, or buts. My biggest and only qualm is the obscure power stunt usage, which isn't much of a qualm, but I won't go into that. I'm just saying. If you're a fan of Marvel Super Heroes or just a gamer looking for something different, I urge you to go for this game. It's well worth it in my humble opinion.