Golden Heroes/Squadron UK

[Renny]

I think this would be a great fit for Mongoose, or more specifically Flaming Cobra. For those who don't know, Golden Heroes was a superhero rpg published by Games Workshop in 1984. It had an innovative character creation system and a combat system that reflected the panels of a comic book page. It was supported for a while in White Dwarf and there were a couple of scenarios published, which uniquely in the super rpg market were britain-centric. The game drifted into semi-obscurity for a long time although was fondly remembered by many (including me). Then, in 2006, one of the games authors Simon Burley relaunched the game as a pdf product called Squadron UK. This was a slightly revised version of the game and has been followed by several adventures and sourcebooks. I read recently on the game's yahoo group that Simon is considering reworking the game and rebranding it somewhat which would make a great opportunity for the game to get some wider attention. With Mongoose publishing that other great british rpg, Dragon Warriors, I think Golden Heroes would be right at home and it would be great to see it in a new, full colour version.

 

[klingsor]

You know, this is a pretty good idea. Golden Heroes as was is fairly well respected and British. It is also nice to get away from all the baggage of an established canon. Assuming there are no legal stumbling blocks (GW being the only one I can think of) this should be quite feasible and more importantly desirable.

The big question though is the real kicker, it is commercially viable? Can a superhero game survive without the headline characters that a Marvel of DC licence can bring? I know some of us would be happier without them but they must bring in some extra fanboy sales.

Offhand the only major non-licensed superhero game I can think of is Champions (though it has recently gotten complicated with its sale, licensing back and a computer game but this is not the place to discuss that). Indeed I am hard pressed to think of any superhero RPG that is not either licensed or a small press/PDF effort.

 

[PrinceYyrkoon]

Can a superhero game survive without the headline characters that a Marvel of DC licence can bring?

Neccessary Evil? Godlike? Wild Talents?

 

[Pascalahad]

Mutants and Masterminds too comes to mind. And the last licensed rpgs from DC and Marvel didn't do that well.

Golden Heroes is a blast. I've played many superhero rpgs and it's the most fun I've ever had with any of them. It's addictive and fun to play. It's not the game with the most impressive rules, Mayfair's DC Heroes still stands among the best, nor is it the simplest, that would be TSR's Marvel, or the most original, after all the last Marvel editions were played with cards and another with color stones ! But it's the most fun, definitely, for me and my players.

I never bought a PDF until Squadron UK, and never have since. And, french fellows, it has a supplement about France ! I would buy any new edition without a doubt, and if Mongoose could locate within Rebellion's archives the original drawings, some by none other than Alan Davis and Brian Bolland, it would be a nice touch !

 

[celmive]

Great System ! Many good memories of this - the best SHRPG game I have ever played

Would love to see it return to print in a nice hardback edition

 

[klingsor]

How could I have forgotten M & M?
I was thinking of Godlike and its kin when I said small press - not that that is a bad thing. Necessary Evil means nothing to me - so I have to go and look it up - thanks, I might love it.

 

[PrinceYyrkoon]

How could I have forgotten M & M?
I was thinking of Godlike and its kin when I said small press - not that that is a bad thing. Necessary Evil means nothing to me - so I have to go and look it up - thanks, I might love it.

Savage Worlds. Never played it,dont it gets the thumbs up from those that have. Low power campaign if Im not mistaken.

 

[PrinceYyrkoon]

Oh, and theres Superworld a BRP game, still available as a FREE pdf!

 

[klingsor]

So there is enough interest that a new print version of Golden Heroes, alas with a different name, should sell.
Now where did I put my copy of Squadron UK?