Off the Shelf: Against the Darkmaster

You can't talk about Rolemaster-like systems without including Against the Darkmaster, another MERP-like game similar to HARP. This is far more MERP-like than HARP and aims to recreate the experience of a Lord of the Rings-style game with random villains of the epics called the Darkmaster.

One can't ignore the evolution of HARP with the Martial Law book. This addition brings the game closer to Rolemaster, showcasing its adaptability and potential for new experiences. HARP + HARP's Martial Law book is a full Rolemaster replacement but with far less complexity.

Against the Darkmaster is more MERP-like, with simplified rules and simple crit tables. It is the easiest of all the RM clones and games. This is also the best if you are doing an epic campaign where the heroes will face down the campaign's main villain in an epic ending battle.

Rolemaster FRP and Rolemaster Classic are the hardest to learn, and the new Rolemaster Core is a little less complicated but still daunting. A lot of people like the new Rolemaster Core books, though, and the new game is worth supporting since ICE is a good company that keeps these classic games alive.