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Whatever happened to the D20 Spectaculars?

Started by RPGPundit, November 02, 2006, 09:44:47 AM

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RPGPundit

At one point, Mike Mearls was working on a D20 superhero game with a very unfortunate name (I believe it was D20 Spectaculars); I have since heard the rumour that this game was sunk.

What happened?

And more importantly, is this Wizards admitting that D20 doesn't do superheros well; or is it Wizards realizing that RPGs can't seem to do superheros well period?

RPGPundit
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mattormeg

I disagree - RPGs can do superheroes well, but you've got to dip deep into the realm of abstraction for a system that accurately captures the world of comic books. The powers and biff bang action isn't actually the most important part of a comic - it's the characters and ongoing story arc. By abstracting the mechanical aspects into narrative devices rather than A+B=effects formulas, you  can better keep the focus on the story.
Matt (WereSwine).

buzz

Quote from: RPGPunditAnd more importantly, is this Wizards admitting that D20 doesn't do superheros well; or is it Wizards realizing that RPGs can't seem to do superheros well period?
I think it has more to do with WotC cutting back on d20M releases, though I'm not sure why Spectaculars got bumped and Dark * Matter didn't. I'd venture a guess that the latter is a) more unique and 2) more in keeping with the d20M line as a whole, but that's just me making shit up.
 

Nicephorus

Perhaps they thought that it would be tough to get market share given that M&M has an established presence as a D&D supers game.

Sosthenes

I don't see WotC doing a generic superhero game that's not a D20M supplement. If they'd do anything like that, it would be a licensed game. The giant of RPGs would be doing something with the giants of comics, i.e. either Marvel or DC.
 

Ned the Lonely Donkey

Quote from: mattormegI disagree - RPGs can do superheroes well, but you've got to dip deep into the realm of abstraction for a system that accurately captures the world of comic books. The powers and biff bang action isn't actually the most important part of a comic - it's the characters and ongoing story arc. By abstracting the mechanical aspects into narrative devices rather than A+B=effects formulas, you  can better keep the focus on the story.
Matt (WereSwine).

I agree with this. M&M looked really cool until we actually had to play it. Then I realised that we'd be better off using Heroclicks, as the combat system is easier and there is no support for the real meat of supers comics (soap opera, essentially) in M&M anyway (aside from the usual "In the super-hero comics this and that happens, so when you design adventures make sure you include some of this and that." type of advice.)

Ned
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Sosthenes

Quote from: Ned the Lonely DonkeyThen I realised that we'd be better off using Heroclicks, as the combat system is easier and there is no support for the real meat of supers comics (soap opera, essentially) in M&M anyway

Erm, what do you want? A "Aunt May injury of the week" table?
 

Mystery Man

Quote from: RPGPunditAt one point, Mike Mearls was working on a D20 superhero game with a very unfortunate name (I believe it was D20 Spectaculars); I have since heard the rumour that this game was sunk.

What happened?


Why am I picturing super heroes doing "jazz hands" in my head?
 

jrients

Quote from: SosthenesErm, what do you want? A "Aunt May injury of the week" table?

Yes!
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Nicephorus

Quote from: Mystery ManWhy am I picturing super heroes doing "jazz hands" in my head?

Damn, now I am too.  And the Hulk isn't doing it right and is out of step - he's getting mad!

Mcrow

From what I hear, it is because of a large license deal that Hasbro has in the works with one of the big two comic book publishers. The deal would be for toys and possibely games.

Ned the Lonely Donkey

Quote from: SosthenesErm, what do you want? A "Aunt May injury of the week" table?

To be honest, I'm not sure. I was really charged about M&M until it turned into a long series of drawn out war-gamey combats. I can't imagine a d20 game would have been any better.

Ned
Do not offer sympathy to the mentally ill. Tell them firmly, "I am not paid to listen to this drivel. You are a terminal fool." - William S Burroughs, Words of Advice For Young People.

Akrasia

Quote from: SosthenesI don't see WotC doing a generic superhero game that's not a D20M supplement...

D20 Spectaculars was supposed to be a D20M supplement, not a stand-alone game.

Since this was Mearls' baby, and he drops by here every so often, perhaps we'll get an 'official' answer.
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Akrasia

Quote from: RPGPundit... And more importantly, is this Wizards admitting that D20 doesn't do superheros well; or is it Wizards realizing that RPGs can't seem to do superheros well period? ...

Well, I've never really been into superheros for RPGs, so I have no idea whether there's anything intrinsic to the genre that makes them incompatible with RPGs.

But I'm surprised that you're not a fan of M&M, Pundit, given how much you seem to like True20 (despite the magic deer).
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Contributor to: Crypts & Things (old school \'swords & sorcery\'), Knockspell, and Fight On!

Aos

I rthink rpgs do supers fine- depending on the subtype of supers your looking for, anyway. I do either street level (Batman) or Cosmic (Kirby's Thor/ New gods) style stuff. I've never had any of the issues that Pundit seems to think are endemic to supers games. as I've said before, I really think it comes down to your group all wanting- or at least striving for a similar feel.
Personally I'm not really into the "Aunt May's rent is due, but Doc Ock is in town, and I can't take time out to work!/ OMG! Storm got a mohawk- what can it mean?" type of game. I don't much like those sorts of comics, either.
You are posting in a troll thread.

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