Role playing games can be like movies people make with their friends. Thrilling heroics, breathless escapes and jaw-dropping plot twists can all be had within the space of a few hours. The best part is that the story told at the table doesn’t have to worry about making back a billion dollar budget.
Everyday Heroes takes that mindset to heart by providing rules that offer a cinematic experience. Not only that, it has a selection of licensed settings from a variety of films that range from cult classics to modern blockbusters. All of which are currently available as a Humble Bundle that would make any action fan jealous.
Everyday Heroes Role Playing Game
The designers of Everyday Heroes cite two major inspirations for their game. They wanted a game that would be familiar to players of Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition. But they also wanted something that would appeal to fans of D20 Modern which took the Dungeons & Dragons Third Edition rules in a much more flexible direction.
Fifth Edition players will see a lot to love here. Each character chooses a subclass early on that offers flavorful abilities. The combination of origin, profession and archetype makes characters feel unique.
Different subclasses provide different methods of kicking butt. The Brawler uses brute strength while the Master uses the wisdom of their years to outfight foes. The difference reall comes out in how their abilities work, such as being able to shrug off damage or use anything in the scene as a deadly weapon.
For characters that focus on mental abilities, the designers found a clever replacement for spells called plans. They work in a similar manner but reflect classic movie tropes where the mastermind has anticipated their opponents’ move and setup a trap. The character doesn’t need to worry about punching the bad guy when they’ve rigged their cell phone to explode thanks to a virus they already implanted fifteen minutes ago.
From the D20 Modern side, there’s an early focus on which ability the characters excels. Each of the six classes focuses on one as their best; Strong, Agile, Tough, Smart,Wise or Charming. Just like the action heroes they emulate they start strightforward but develop depth as they go on more adventures.
That customization comes out in the feats. These choices help the character develop new abilities or strengthen exisiting ones. The process makes choices at every level meaningful for everyone.
It also allows for a very simple multiclassing setup. Want a Smart character that can handle themselves in a fight? Take an ability from one of the Strong subclasses so they can be a two-fisted scientist.
Everyday Heroes Cinematic Adventures
To help expand the game, the company licensed eight films to use as settings for the game. Each cinematic adventure includes new rules, setting information and a short adventure that can be played in a few sessions to tell a sequel worthy story. These cinematic adventures are great as a one shot to break up a long running campaign or they can be played back to back like a role playing game version of a movie marathon.
The settings currently available in the Humble Bundle:
- Universal Solider
- Rambo
- Total Recall
- Highlander
- Pacific Rim
- Kong: Skull Island
- The Crow
- Escape From New York
The settings each include at least one class that fits into the core rule structure along with feats, gear and other important elements important to the setting. Highlander, for example, has some great rules for one on one sword fighting duels. The mehcanical aspects are compaible with each other so players can hop setting or use them to build there own.
The Humble Bundle runs until January 12th. A portion of the proceeds benefits Gameheads which create diverse talent and bold new voices, train youth of color for the tech eco-system, and prepare them for college, career and civic life.
